Music:
Member Since: 19/01/2008
Band Website: http://jimbeckwith.com/
Band Members: Jim Beckwith is a performer with an interesting mix of instruments and vocals. First and foremost a vocalist with a magically pure and melodic, soulful voice, Jim mixes in a talent for multiple instruments and types of instruments. Basically, he plays anything he can get his hands on, with a special talent for percussion from all parts of the world. Exotic stringed instruments such as the sitar are in the arsenal, with a real sensitivity to the traditional techniques and a taste for mixing with the modern. ************************************************************
**********************************Step Right, Shake Left was backed by Native Vibe, featuring Bill Macpherson and Nee Sackey, Jason Hann, Rogerio Jardim and Kevin Flournoy. Many more featured guests including Vinx, Munyungo Jackson, Sean Malone.
Influences: 5.0 out of 5 stars Incredible!, February 3, 2003
By Kimberly Perkins (Sarasota, Fl USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)
What a pleasant surprise! Jim Beckwith’s songwriting and vocals really touched me and the musical arrangements are first class. My only question about the CD is "When is the next one?" If you are looking for something new and inspiring, don’t miss this!*******************************************************
******************************************************* 5.0 out of 5 stars Beckwith and Native Vibe Hit a Home Run, March 24, 2002
By "wlawson7016" (Tampa, Fl USA) - See all my reviews
I have listened to a great many albums in my day but there are none better than the joint project of Jim Beckwith and Native Vibe. Step Right, Shake Left covers so very many styles and still creates a new fresh sound that is like none other. Every tune is something special in and of itself. The lyrics are interesting and clever. The instrumental arrangments thought out and performed beautifully. This CD is a must for every collection. I am sure that you will be happy that you own a first issue Jim Beckwith CD. There will more and they too will be great!
Sounds Like: Michael Fortuna, The Daily Sun, August 12, 2001
I first heard Beckwith’s sound streaming off the Internet. I was hooked. Jazz, world music, latin, and everything else.Product Description
Jim Beckwith’s release “Step Right, Shake Left†features Jim’s tunes arranged and performed with Los Angeles-based band Native Vibe. The band combines their world-influenced jazz/fusion sound with Jim Beckwith’s inspired vocals.--- an impressive piece of work My first thoughts are that I hear a lot what I would call sophisticated pop -- strong vocals, sharp arrangements -- it mixes in a lot of world-music, funk and R&B influences, somewhat along the lines of what Sting, Paul Simon and maybe Peter Gabriel do. I heard things that reminded me of Sting, of Vinx (he’s on this disk), Prefab Sprout/Blue Nile (the first track), Prince, the Neville Brothers and some African artists. Nice work. --Philip BoothThis cd has some heavy hitter guest artists, including Arnold McCuller, long-time backup singer for James Taylor and Lyle Lovett. Munyongo Jackson, percussionist for Stevie Wonder and Dianne Reeves, adds some percussion tracks. Vinx, introduced to the mainstream world by Sting in 1992, collaborates on percussion and vocals.---"Vinx was the reason I started to play this drum, the djembe (jim-bay)", says Beckwith. "Sting brought him out on stage, and the sound of that drum with his voice alone was so amazing, I had to get one and learn to play."
Record Label: Dulce Records http://dulcerecords.com (downloads)
Type of Label: Indie