Written By – Jagger-Richards
3:11
2 Goodbye Love
Written By – Andy McMaster
3:53
3 Stumbledown Romancer
Written By – James Dewar, Matthew Fisher
4:11
4 Bright Lights
Written By – Andy McMaster
3:26
5 Hosanna
Written By – James Dewar, Matthew Fisher
3:30
6 Love's Melody
Written By – Andy McMaster
3:09
7 Sands of Time
Written By – Robin Trower, James Dewar
3:23
8 Heartbeat
Written By – Norman Petty
2:52
9 Lay Down the Night
Written By – Andy McMaster
3:41
10 Dance with Me
Written By – Leiber & Stoller
3:43
11 Nature Child
Written By – James Dewar and Matthew Fisher
3:57
James
Stumbledown Romancer is a 1998 studio album by James Dewar. While having been completed in the late 1970s, it was never released until 1998 (Chrysalis), and even then it only had a limited release. Due to its rare nature, it has been sought after by collectors. Scottish bassist and vocalist, born 12 October 1942 in Glasgow, died 2002.
Best known as lead vocalist and bassist with Robin Trower between 1973 to 1983
https://www.discogs.com/artist/397976-James-Dewar
If you have ever listened to the original Stone the Crows or Robin Trower at his peak, then you've heard the voice of James Dewar. The Glasgow-born singer is one of a legion of great Scottish vocalists (including Frankie Miller, Tam White, Alan Ligertwood, Alan Gorrie and Hamish Stuart) who brought a soulful passion to their music.
Dewar's career began in the early 60s. While still a teenager he sang and played bass in the Gleneagles alongside Alec Bell (guitar), Ross Nelson (guitar), Jimmy Smith (saxophone) and David Miller (drums). By 1963 they were the resident band at Glasgow's Lindella Ballroom but their fortunes changed dramatically one night when a diminutive girl vocalist got up to sing with them. Marie McDonald McLaughlin Lawrie was barely fifteen, but her confidence was overwhelming. She joined the group, which quickly took another name inspired by the new arrival, Lulu and the Luvvers.
The realigned unit then moved across town to the hipper Le Phonograph, where they became regulars. The club was owned by Tony Gordon, who had commercial ties in London. By February 1964 he had secured a deal for the group with Decca, and the result was Shout, one of the definitive singles of the Beat era. It deservedly reached the UK top ten, but interest in the tiny singer with a fishwife's roar obscured the punch the Luvvers brought to the songs. As interest became increasingly focused on Lulu, the role of the group diminished. Session musicians were used on later recordings and, despite working on one-night stands and package tours, disaffected Luvvers began to drift away. Jimmy Dewar left in 1965, returning to Glasgow to rethink his career.
By 1967 he could be found in a new band, Sock 'Em JB, an exciting unit fuelled on material by Otis Redding, Sam and Dave, and Wilson Pickett. The vocalist was ex-Del-Jack Frankie Miller and the pianist John McGinnis, formerly of the Blues Council. (The latter act was one of the finest Scotland produced, revolving around one-time Alex Harvey saxophonist Bill Patrick and Harvey's younger brother, Leslie. Sadly, two members were killed when their van crashed returning home to Glasgow from Edinburgh, and the despondent survivors split up.) Sock 'Em JB were together for only a matter of months, ending when Miller formed a new group, Westfarm Cottage, en route to the Stoics. Dewar and McGinnis remained together and, by the following year, had formed a new tough-sounding band, blending blues and progressive rock. They were preparing to be the resident act at a new club, the Burns Howff, when Leslie Harvey and Maggie Bell walked into a rehearsal. After a jam it was suggested they join forces and Power was born.
With Bell on vocals and Harvey on guitar, the unit gelled perfectly and they quickly became one of Glasgow's most popular attractions. In 1969 Peter Grant, Led Zeppelin's manager, came to Glasgow to see them and within a matter of months they had won a management and recording deal. Renamed Stone the Crows – and with the addition of ex-John Mayall drummer Colin Allen – the group recorded two excellent albums, Stone the Crows and Ode to John Law. Bell's passionate voice and Leslie's fluid, economical style may have defined the band's music, but Dewar's role should not be underestimated. His playing was always sympathetic and his earthy duets with Bell were genuinely moving.
'He's one of the finest singers I've ever heard,' she said in a later interview. However, the axis of the band had moved – the singer and guitarist were also a couple – and both Dewar and McGinnis were unhappy with the diminished role they now played in the group they had formed. Both quit in February 1971.
'I had to get Jimmy Dewar in a band', Frankie Miller told me in 1992. 'He was doing nothing in London.' The band in question was Jude, formed in July 1971. Miller had quit the Stoics, but Chrysalis, with whom he had a publishing deal, suggested he pair with guitarist Robin Trower, who had recently left Procol Harum. With Dewar on bass and Clive Bunker (ex-Jethro Tull) on drums, Jude seemed like a marriage made in heaven, but it was not to be. 'I wanted to do the two-vocal thing,' Miller explained 'but the vehicle wasn't right. The best thing for Jimmy to do was to sing in a power trio with Robin.'
In September 1972, this is exactly what happened. A new group, dubbed 'Robin Trower', made its début in Vienna with a line-up completed by Dewar and drummer Reg Isadore. Two enthralling albums, Twice Removed From Yesterday and Bridge of Sighs, followed, on which Trower's searing but melodic guitar work was matched by Jimmy's soulful voice, fully free at last to express emotion and empathy. Another former Procol member, Matthew Fisher, produced both sets and the understanding he showed with Robin and the group was clear to hear. By 1974 Robin Trower were established on the US circuit and when ex-Sly Stone drummer Bill Lordan replaced Isadore, a more rhythmic texture came to the fore. For Earth Below (1975), Live and Long Misty Days (both 1976) ensued before another ex-Sly member, Rusty Allen, took over on bass to allow Dewar to concentrate on vocals. In City Dreams (1977) and Caravan to Midnight (1978) were completed before Allen quit and the group reverted to a trio for Victims of the Fury (1980). This was the last Robin Trower album to feature Dewar. The guitarist and drummer formed a new band, BLT, with ex-Cream bassist Jack Bruce, while Jimmy gradually dropped out of professional music altogether.
During the halcyon Robin Trower era, Dewar recorded this solo album, not released until now. Matthew Fisher was again on hand for the bulk of the recordings, producing and adding organ, piano and synthesisers. Other collaborators included Andy McMasters (ex-Motors), who wrote or co-wrote some of the material, John Platania and David Hayes from Van Morrison's Caledonia Soul Orchestra, and Fairport Convention drummer Dave Mattacks. The set includes three cover versions: the Rolling Stones favourite Out of Time (re-cut around the same time by fellow Scot Dan McCafferty), Buddy Holly's Heartbeat and the Drifters' Dance With Me, the last of which is beautifully understated. Indeed the entire selection is nicely restrained, a contrast to the sometimes turbulent sound of the Robin Trower band. The ease with which Jimmy tackles Lay Down the Night, Sands of Time, and the Christmas anthem Hosanna!, confirms his talent, but the undoubted highlights are the Dewar / Fisher composition Nature Child and the same team's title track. The mastery with which the singer approaches this melancholic piece is moving: warmth tinged with regret, and perfectly controlled – a self-portrait which sums up the poignant artistry of the whole collection.
Stumbledown Romancer is, sadly, Jimmy Dewar's last record. He is currently hospitalised in Glasgow, struck by a progressive illness without cure.
Hopefully, the release of this CD will prove a timely reminder of Jimmy's gifts, which have contributed so much to so many well-loved bands, and are here revealed for the first time in an intensely personal repertoire of his own choosing.
Brian Hogg November 1997
----------------------------
Tragically, James Dewar, best known as bassist and vocalist for Robin Trower and Stone The Crows, passed away on May 16, 2002. Dewar had been ill since a medical mishap in 1987. He was born on October 12, 1942.
In many people's opinion, James Dewar was one of the best vocalists in rock and roll, and while there are many who are not familiar with his work, legions of fans maintain that Dewar's rich, powerful voice was among the best. His talents as a bass player were also exceptional. Most people who are reading this will be Robin Trower fans, but to those who haven't heard James sing and play, I urge you to listen to any of the many albums he has performed on. IMHO, Dewar's voice was very similar to "Paul Rodgers'", but had a beefy, soulful timbre that set him apart from others. Needless to say, he was vastly underated, but his legacy of music proves without a doubt that he was one of the greats.
Dewar passed away at Dykebar Hospital in the UK of pneumonia. I have had conflicting reports of the exact circumstances surrounding his death, and would appreciate details if anyone close to him would contact me. I have received confirmation that that he died with his good friends Brian Denniston and Davey Pattison (former Robin Trower vocalist) in the hospital waiting room. Regardless, I'm sure his friends, fans and loved ones are less concerned with any details than they are of the tragedy of James Dewar's career and life being tragically cut short. Still, in consideration of accuracy and respect, any information about his passing would be appreciated.
There's not much more I can say. I am a huge Jimmy Dewar fan, and feel as many other might--that James was unfairly robbed of his health, happiness and ultimately his life; and that his fans and friends were robbed of a dear person and an oustanding musician. Sadness is the only word which seems appropriate. Rest in peace, James (from we here on the 'Earth Below' to wherever you may live on in the 'Earth Above').
-----------------------------------
An Epitath To A Scottish Legend:
The man who many have called “The Pavarotti of rock ‘n’ roll” died peacefully in his sleep on Thursday 16th May 2002 after a long illness.
Strangely, Jimmy’s career was not to begin with his vocal talents, but as guitar player with Lulu and the Lovers in the early 60’s. From that point on, Jimmy’s career was to flourish beyond all his expectations. Maggie Bell took him on board with the legendary “Stone the Crows” and the shy man’s voice was soon exposed on classics like “The touch of your loving hand”. Another young singer had exploded onto the music scene, but the best was yet to come.
Living in London with his wife Martha and their young family, he was approached by Frankie Miller. The two Glasgow buddies were having a small refreshment when out of the blue Frankie told Jimmy that “there might be a job going” with some guitar player called Robin Trower, that the music industry insiders were raving about. “What kind of job?” asked Jimmy. Frankie laughed and said, “Oh, I don’t know. Maybe playing bass, maybe singing”. Jimmy applied and got both jobs.
The Robin Trower Band became the hottest thing on the planet and introduced “Stadium Rock” to the U.S.A. Frankie was right! The R.T.B. were the first band to sell tickets by the hundreds of thousands. Gold and Platinum albums were thrown at them like frizbees.
Amongst James Dewars biggest fans were Frankie Miller, Billy Connolly, Donny Hathaway, Rod Stewart, not forgetting Maggie Bell and Lulu herself.
The famous Scottish screenwriter, Peter McDougall, still talks of his first experience of meeting Jimmy. When having a drink with Frankie, Peter noticed that the man standing next to him was clothed in snakeskin trousers, cowboy boots and not much else. “Who’s that?” Peter asked. Frankie replied “That’s James Dewar”. Peter howled, “ Well, I want to be one of them!”
It says it all. Everyone from Metallica to the Stereophonics were influenced by the voice of the Scotsman. The man the music industry recognized as the voice from heaven has finally gone home. We will all miss you James.
“The little guy with the big voice
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Bands:
The Gleneagles early60s- resident band at Glasgow's Lindella Ballroom
Lulu and the Luvvers 1963 -Decca single Shout / Le Phonograph club regulars
Sock 'Em JB 1967
Power 1967-resident act at the Burns Howff
Stone the Crows 1969-LPs (with Dewar) Stone the Crows(1969), Ode to John Law(1970),
Jude 1971
Robin Trower 1972/1974-LPs Twice Removed From Yesterday(1973), Bridge of Sighs(1974), For Earth Below(1975), Live(1976), Long Misty Days(1976) Caravan to Midnight(1978), Victims of the Fury(1980), Back It Up(1983)
-----------------------------------------
James Dewar 1998 Stumbledown Romancer (1998) previously unreleased material originally recorded in 1970s James Dewar-bass/vocals/acoustic guitar/electric guitar/tambourine Matthew Fisher-producer, organ, piano and synthesizers Peter van Hooke-drums Bill Lordan(ex-Sly Stone)-drums John Allair-fender piano David Hayes(Van Morrison's Caledonian Express) John Platania-guitar Dahoud Shar(Van Morrison's Caledonian Express)-drums Mo Foster-bass Dave Mattacks(Soul Orchestra, and Fairport Convention )-drums Andy McMasters(ex-Motors)-Piano Alan Jones-bass Paul Westwood-bass Graham Jarvis-drums Martin Jenner-guitar
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James Dewar был знаменитым шотландским басистом и певцом. Карьеру начинал в начале шестидесятых в составе группы Lulu and the Luvvers. Но зенита славы достиг в составе Robin Trower Band и Stone The Crows. Хотя насчёт славы не совсем точно. Являясь одним из сильнейших певцов рока в 70-ые он всё-таки оставался просто участником своих групп, и хотя фаны собирались стадионами на их концерты личной славой DEWAR был обделен. Шотландец имел богатый, мощный голос, с проникновенным тембром, но по словам того же Robin Trower’а так и остался самым недооцененным певцом рока. Пение Джеймса показывало влияние Ray Charles и Otis Redding. Paul Rodgers и Frankie Miller говорят, что учились на его пении. Не смотря на свою популярность (а может благодаря ей) сам Джеймс записал только один альбом в 1970 году, но и то альбом вышел только в середине 90-х годов. На альбоме ему помогал органист Procol Harum Matthew Fisher.
В 1987 году произошло печальное событие - после тяжелой болезни Джеймс Дюар оказлся прикован к инвалидному креслу. Забегая вперед скажем, что 16 мая 2002 года певца, которого звали «Паваротти рок’н’ролла» не стало. Он умер во сне. R.I.P. Буквально за несколько лет до его смерти увидел свет его первый и последний сольный альбом «Stumbledown romancer», записанный в 1979-1980 годах при помощи друзей музыкантов Mo Foster, Alan Jones, Matthew Fisher, Bill Lordan, Dave Mattacks. Очень хочется верить, что последние пятнадцать лет его жизни, проведенные в сопровождении тяжелого недуга, он знал, как много людей помнят и любят его, его музыку, его голос.
P.S.
Stoics – Earth, Fire, Air And Water / Search For The Sea
Label:
RCA – 1745
Format:
Vinyl, 7", 45 RPM, Single
Country:
UK
Released:
1968
Genre:
Rock
Style:
Pop Rock, Psychedelic Rock
Tracklist
A Earth, Fire, Air And Water
B Seach For The Sea
Stoics
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