Album Notes

It was in Santa Barbara California in 1977, that I found myself mesmerized by the local jazz and Latin musicians performing in small music clubs around town. Eventually they began to ask me to sit in. This playing experience was very different from the 20,000 and 50,000 seat arenas, I had performed in for most of my career.

This is when I began to find my inspiration to want to play music again. Over the next three years I began to learn new rhythms, chords and melodic scales that opened my eyes to a whole new world of possibilities.

I found these musicians to be, not only extraordinary players but also, wonderful people who I built new friendships with over time. They were unspoiled by the music business I had come to love and question all about the same time. They were like an Oasis.

"Oasis" was a wonderful part of my life’s musical journey. Touring and performing with the same musicians who helped to create the album, was especially pleasing. It is one of my favorite musical experiences thus far as a performing and recording artist.

When the dust finally settled, the alum didn't sell millions but "Oasis" had done well and served a very important passage in my life. It was well received by critics, writers and the audiences I performed the album in front of, my fans. The very people the album was intended for in the first place.

I hope there are many of you had the opportunity to see these musicians perform in concert. If not, this album will give you a small glimpse into those early beginnings. I hope you will enjoy listening to it as mush as I enjoyed creating it.


Jim Messina