Jimi Jamison returns with his new solo album “Crossroads Moment”.  He is one of the most influential singers of the AOR/ Melodic Rock genre and having been the lead singer of Survivor, amongst his great solo work, that says a lot in itself.  “Burning Heart”, “The Search is Over”, and the Baywatch theme “I’m Always Here” are a few of his world wide successes.  With “Crossroads Moment”, available in stores since November, Solid Rock gets to interview Jimi Jamison and get his personal thoughts about the new album and his career.  It’s a pleasure to present Solid Rocks’ interview with Jimi Jamison.

Solid Rock: Your new album “Crossroads Monent” has just recently been released.  You’ve compiled fourteen great songs. Apart from you and Jim Peterik was there anyone else involved in the song writing?

Jimi Jamison: Kelly Keagy from Night Ranger was involved in the writing with Jim and me at first but I decided to go with the songs that JP had written alone.

Solid Rock: Which song(s) on this album are most distinctive for you? A personal favorite and why?

Jimi Jamison: My favorites  seem to keep changing all the time but right now I'm really liking "Love the World Away" because it is so spirited uplifting and "As Is" because it has such a message and melody that when I sing it the emotions really seem to flow out of me. 

Solid Rock: “When Rock Was King” is a great tribute song to all the legends of rock.  How did this idea come up and whose idea was it to involve other singers to make it a group song?

Jimi Jamison: I don't remember who came up with the idea first but I remember we were sitting in a little bar and someone suggested we come up with a song about the 80's and what great music we listened to then.  I had been performing in different groups with Mickey Thomas, Joe Lynn Turner and Mike Reno for some time and Jim was a close friend of Don Barnes and Dave Bickler.  I think It was me who first said, "Wouldn't it be great if we could get some of our friends to sing on the cd", so Jim called them all and …. You know … they are such great guys that they didn't hesitate to say yes.

Solid Rock: Would you say this song is the new “We’re Stars”?

Jimi Jamison: I don't think so.  I think "When Rock Was King" is more about the music that came out of the artists rather than the artists themselves.  Even the title suggests that the real star is the music.  At least that’s the way we were thinking when we recorded the song.

Solid Rock: There seems to be a theme to the album. Apart from the love songs, you talk (sing) about your connection and passion for music throughout your career. Is it coincidence or purposely made out to be a dedication to music?

Jimi Jamison: We never really planned for a theme throughout the record but somehow subconsciously a kind of theme developed although I didn't know it until the cd was finished and I listened to the whole thing in one sitting.  I think writers that I've done interviews with (like yourself) realized that there was a theme even before I did.  A great coincidence!

Solid Rock: Throughout the years between studios, concerts and being on the road, how do you keep your voice in such great shape?

Jimi Jamison: That’s exactly how I've kept it in shape… by using it.  But….By using it the right way.  Always warm up before singing and never drink alcohol before you sing.  It always made me lose all control and I'd start singing as hard as I could and of course I'd blow my voice out before the next show. There are also little tricks you can use when singing that make hitting notes a lot easier.

Solid Rock: You have an amazing musical CV.  How do you feel you have progressed as a musician and what event and/or people have helped you?

Jimi Jamison: For a four year period I sang for a jingle company in Memphis where I was literally in the studio singing with a vocal group from 8am to 3:30pm and then singing solos from 3:30 till around 7:30 pm 5 days a week. I think that helped me probably more than any other event in my career.  You really have to be on your toes and learn how to work a mic and blend with other singers not to mention all the different styles of music which you're required to sing.  I think I sang every style from Frank Sinatra to Metallica.

Solid Rock: Of all the albums that you’ve made, whether solo or with a band, which are your favorites? Also which song(s) do you enjoy performing the most?

Jimi Jamison: Of course Crossroads Moment is my favorite… the songs are really fun to sing.  The other favorite is “Too Hot To Sleep”…..probably the best album that Survivor ever recorded and everyone that was in the band agrees.

Solid Rock: I read in another recent interview that you plan to tour Europe.  Do you plan to come to Greece? (Hint hint)!

Jimi Jamison: You'd better believe it!  I have never been to Greece and I'm dying to play there. I have a friend here from Greece who owns a studio and is also a great guitar player and I plan on bringing him with me

Solid Rock: Would you like to say something to your fans here in Greece?

Jimi Jamison: Yes…. Thank you so much for supporting my music over the years and I really hope you all like my new CD. I even remember studying about your country in school and I can't wait to visit.  

KEEP ROCKIN!

I LOVE YOU GUYS!

Jimi Jamison



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