Monkey Island

Get my banner code or make your own flash bannerMONKEY ISLAND evolved during the summer of 2000 from a songwriting collaboration between Tim Layman and Jim Girard. The two acquaintances reconnected that spring and began writing and recording original material. Rich Spina's RBS Recording Studios was the logical choice and it was soon evident that Spina's contribution was more than engineer and producer. Over the course of the next year, the three began a diligent schedule that resulted in their first CD release.MONKEY ISLAND (self-titled) was released in August, 2001 on Kriminal Records. The ten songs are all originals and primarily focus on adult issues. "Marilyn" is a thinly guised ghost story that deals with the murder of Marilyn Sheppard; perhaps Cleveland's most notorious murder-mystery. "Water Down the Stream" deals with spousal abuse. "Family" is an ode to all families; no matter how disfunctional. "Sweet Lies" is about seduction. Vocalist Jennifer Lee is featured singing and playing on "Labor Pains"; a song about teenage pregnancy.Not all songs on MONKEY ISLAND are so dire. "Christian Coalition Blues" is a barb at religous fundalmentalism. "It Takes Money Sonny" is about love and money or love of money. "Isn't That the Way Life Goes" is a comic look at expectations versus reality.In all, the songs on MONKEY ISLAND are acoustic based. The production is fairly straightforward. The songs have been described as "Warren Zevon meets Lyle Lovett." In any case, MONKEY ISLAND is the culmination of hard work from three of Cleveland's veteran music figures.TIM LAYMAN began playing folk music is coffeehouses in the early 90's. After a long sabattical from music (due to years of touring with Moonlight Drive and a general disdain for the "business" of music). During the halcyon days of Moonlight Drive, Tim was responsible for many of the band's original songs. In 1996, Tim formed a duo with Akron musician, David Jacobs and the two became a favorite at many Medina county events.JIM GIRARD began playing music when he as fourteen and settled on bass guitar as his primary instrument. Jim quit playing music upon entering college, but soon found himself writing about it when he became Editor and General Manager of SCENE MAGAZINE (1971 to 1982). In 1978 Jim Co-wrote the local hit "There's No Surf Cleveland" with Euclid Beach Band founder Rich Rising. After a stint as Moonlight Drive's manager, Jim also crashed in the music business. Girard and Layman reconnected in 1999 and began writing songs. Jim returned to playing bass guitar as well as mandolin and 12-string guitar.RICH SPINA has sustained a life-long career in music. As a teenager, he fronted the bands Stairway and later, Love Affair. As a vocalist and front man, he sang the hits "Mama Sez" and "Somebody Loves You" (the latter with his own band, Richard & The Heartbeats). In 1987, Rich became musical director and band leader for Gary Lewis & The Playboys. In 2006 Rich joined Herman's Hermit's starring Peter Noone. When not touring or playing solo gigs, Rich operates his own studio and has recorded Sonny Geraci, Mark Lindsey, and countless other professional acts. Rich released his solo CD in 2005 entitled "Sometimes When I'm Alone".MONKEY ISLAND is also preparing a second CD release for 2007 entitled, "WALKING UPRIGHT". This CD highlights the more pop-oriented side of MONKEY ISLAND, and features some very special guests.We are all saddened to say that on April 22, 2006, our dear friend and writing companion, Jim Girard, passed away. He will be deeply missed. The Island will never be the same.
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