Jim Clare grew up in the Finger Lakes of New York State, on the family farm which was more 19th than 20th Century. The land was worked with a team of horses named Topsy and Burt. The cows were milked by hand, bread was home baked, milk was separated from the cream by hand, and the butter home churned. It was rural America of a bygone time, and it was a thoroughly wonderful life for a boy.
The life shaping early lessons growing up on a farm show through clearly in the songs Jim writes. Natural curiosity and yearning to try new things has led along many trails through life. Jim has been a US Naval Aviator, ski instructor, salesman, manager, business owner, and nowdays he thinks he might be a songwriter.
All the songs on OLD EMPTY HALL are originals by Jim Clare, or are co-written with Mark Teachey. The songs come straight from Jim's life. They are vivid and real, and you'll feel the honesty when you listen to the music.
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