Jim Photoglo
Sparks In The Radio
© 2005 Jim Photoglo (676481102030)
CD IN STOCK. ORDER NOW. Will ship immediately.
Long awaited follow-up to the critically acclaimed FLY STRAIGHT HOME, featuring a stripped-down, acoustic approach to timeless songs.
tracks
try this
albums you will love
genres you will love
By Location
Recommended if you like ...
notes
Jim Photoglo's career is as varied as it has been successful, but his love of songwriting and performing acoustically has remained closest to his heart.
Jim's musical history is impressive--in the early '80s, he recorded three albums for a major label, opened for The Beach Boys, and toured as a singer/musician with such musical greats as Dan Fogelberg, Vince Gill, Nicolette Larson, Kathy Mattea and Wendy Waldman.
It was while on tour with Wendy that she and Jim began writing together. Impressed with Jim's talent, Wendy suggested that he move to Nashville. Jim wisely took her advice to heart resulting in his songs being recorded by
legendary artists such as Marty Robbins, The Everly Brothers, Brenda Lee and Dusty Springfield as well as up-and-comers like Travis Tritt, Patty Loveless, and Faith Hill to name a few.
Although Jim was experiencing success as a commercial writer, his heart was still in performing, which led him to record two more solo CDs. Soon Jim's inherent sense of humor got the better of him when he founded the group Run C&W with ex-Eagle, Bernie Leadon and Amazing Rhythm Aces leader Russell Smith. Run C&W developed a "cult" following for their bluegrass versions of classic '60s soul music and recorded two CDs.
After Run C&W disbanded, Jim continued writing and performing solo, starting another band with a collection of "who's whos" from the Nashville studio scene called the Vinyl Kings. Although their forte was to faithfully re-create their favorite '60s rock and soul music on stage, they've recorded two CDs of original Beatle-inspired songs.
Jim continues to tour solo, and as part of the duo Freebo and Photoglo, combining songwriter workshops with concerts at colleges, coffee houses and clubs around the country and has become a regular on the main stage of the Kerrville Folk Festival. In the Spring of 2000, he released the critically acclaimed Fly Straight Home on his own Grifftone Records. This year he will debut his latest, Sparks In The Radio.
reviews
Please log in to review this album.
Photoglo's "Sparks" Sparkle with a Tepid Affection
author: Timothy YapMagic is ignited whenever Photoglo’s pen touches paper. Though he has released a few albums in the early 80s and though he has toured with Andy Gibbs, they are all lobotomized compared to his songwriting prowess. Being responsible for number one hits such as Nitty Gritty Dirt Band’s “Fishin’ in the Dark” and Alabama’s “Hometown Honeymoon” plus album cuts by Travis Tritt (“Dixie Flyer”), Tanya Tucker (“Silence is King”), Faith Hill (“You Give Me Love”), Highway 101 (“Honky Tonk Heart”), Photoglo’s songwriting credentials is irrefutable. Stepping up to the microphone, “Sparks in the Radio” is this hit maker’s first album in 5 years. Despite his constricting tenor that struggles at times in reaching the more challenging high notes, this is compensated by this CD’s stellar songs. Thanks to co-helmsman Larry Michael Lee (producer for Restless Heart and Alabama), there is an understated production that is largely acoustic with a Don-Williams-type sound. Like a warm bath is to a tiresome body, and like a warm fireplace is to a bitter cold winter, there is an affable attempt marked by a tepid endearment. Reaching back into his repertoire is Photoglo’s own re-cut of John Anderson’s “Hillbilly Hollywood.” Telling the story of a burgeoning singer whose dreams of playing at the Opry, this paean has a small town flavor that is perfectly brought out through Photoglo’s understated though nuanced delivery. The other cover is Nitty Gritty Dirt Band’s “Fishin’ in the Dark,” though it does not have the scenic immediacy, this Wendy Waldman/Photoglo still is one of the finest work of art in country music. Among the newer originals, Photoglo’s finest moments are in the ballads. While many poets and scribes have tried to define love, Photoglo’s “That’s What Love Is” is a worthy attempt. Guided by just an acoustic guitar for the most part, listen especially to how Photoglo croons: “When the phone rings and I hope that it’s you/When the day ends and you’ll be home soon/I Catch myself smiling/…/My heart flies like a leaf in the fall/The poets may disagree/But baby that’s love to me.” And to concretize what a great ballader Photoglo is, “That’s How Strong Love Is,” a tale about growing old together, reams with a heartwarming fervor that even the stars are charmed. But Photoglo does cut loose on “Slam the Door,” a bluesy house stomp tinkered by some Jerry-Lewis-type piano playing. Smothering also is “Baby Looks Good,” a guitar lead rocker, is Photoglo’s best bet at targeting country radio. Despite being released on a small label, big things truly do come in small packages. While many of today’s country CDs are all about the beep and the bang, “Sparks in the Radio” champions on the emotions of its songs—songs well written and songs that sparkle with lives of their own.
Restores one's faith in the phrase "country music". This stuff is right out of t
author: Steve Sprengel - North Fork Folk ReviewListening to Jim Photoglo on his latest album, "Sparks in the radio" restores one's faith in the phrase "country music". This stuff is country, but with an upbeat exuberance right out of the Pure Prarie League/ Poco/Eagles past. Remember the concept of melody ? Jimbo does. And boy can this old man sing. His effortlessly emits a velvety soft twang, but doesn't pour it on like some CMT bimbo. At least 5 GREAT tracks on this album ! Isn't THAT unusual !!
Music to Live by............................
author: Donnie MillsFrom the first song to the last, "Sparks" provides the perfect background for hanging out on a quiet evening at home to taking that head-clearing roadtrip or just living life day to day. I have NEVER skipped one track as I listen to this CD, and still can't get enough of this phenominal project. Jim has definetly raised the bar with this one.....A MUST BUY if you are a music lover!! Thanks Jim, "Sparks On The Radio" is the essential soundtrack for our lives!!!!
Exceptional!!
author: Paul T.This album just goes to show what an exceptional songwriter and singer Jim Photoglo is! I'm so glad Jim's recording his music again!
- author: Nashvillewriter
Jim is an awesome singer, songwriter and performer! This is a fantastic CD. There is only one word to sum up the guy...."Sexy." "That's Love To Me" is an unbelievable song, especially the line, "When the headlights sweep the living room wall." What imagery! Love the entire CD!
- author: The Swedish Westcoast/AOR Music SIte
Jim Photoglo - Sparks In The Radio. This CD has a little more of the country style, but it has influences from the old Westcoast Photoglo to. He has a great voice and the songs are really great, my favorite track so far is track 4 "That's How Strong Love Is", track 8 "Heatwave In The Delta" and track 10 "Sparks In The Radio". You can buy this CD at CDbaby.com. 8/10.
Awesome album
author: Kenneth BremerSparks In The Radio is truly a fine album and tells us that Jim Photoglo is as a gifted songwriter.
- author: Nicole
Sparks in the Radio is an amazing CD! It has so many styles within one CD, which shows the multifaceted talent of this amazing artist. Keep up the good work, Jim.
The Sparks Continue To Fly
author: Don ForbessWhen I played this CD, sparks flew out of my speakers. Another winner by Jim. It's true that this CD has a little more of a country flair, but it only goes to show you just how diverse this great artist can be. Next payday I am ordering the Vinyl Kings to get even more diversity! And more sparks!!!!!!
The Excellence Continues!
author: Kathy OllenbergerWhat a superb collection of Jim's old and new stuff. Every track's a keeper! Not only are the lead vocals great but so are all the BGV's...and they're ALL HIM! Buy this CD! NOW!
Jim is better than ever!
author: Deborah JelinekThis new CD is fantastic and very diverse! Jim's vocals just get better and better every CD -- so pure and clear. You won't even be tempted to skip a track on this album as every song is full of soul and energy. One of the things I like most about Jim's CDs is that you can understand every single word he sings on every song and that's rare these days! I very highly recommend this album...it's one you'll listen to non-stop and sing along with. Thanks again, Jim, for another excellent piece of work!
I've been listening to Jim for over 20 years.
author: Mick WilsonJim went a little more country this time. Great vocals, chords, lyrics and melodies. You'll be singing them all day. If Photoglo's name is on a CD I'm buying it. Check out Vinyl Kings.