About.
After years of honing his skills as a singer/songwriter and performer, things are falling into place for Jim Hamilton as a performer and writer. In 2008, Jim was awarded a “New Works” grant from the Ontario Arts Council. He then secured a publishing deal and recording contract with The Earth Kings Production Inc. located in Chilliwack B.C. In January 2009, Jim launched his second CD entitled I’ll Go Walking, (His first C.D. Winds of Autumn, was recorded in a local studio – 1998). The deal out west created an opportunity for Hamilton to work in a world-class studio with world- class artists: such as bassist Doug Elliot from the Colin James Band, guitarist Brent Saklofski - and ultimately – the chance to take home a well-produced original C.D.
The industry is clearly impressed with Hamilton’s music: “A gifted songwriter, Jim has the ability to make the mundane profound …” (Liz Harvey-Foulds; past Artistic Director of Live from the Rock Blues and Folk Society). “His Show is Inspiring!. The audience was enthusiastic and enthralled with Jim’s diversity and originality. The sensitivity of his songs, combined with his down-to-earth chatter, attracts a wide-ranging audience. I highly recommend this performer.” (Dee Adrian –General Manager, Capital Centre-North Bay.)
In 2012, Hamilton was approached by Dancer/Choreographer Katharine Bourgon, to write 90 minutes of original music for a dance works being created for International Dance Troupe MOTUS O. Thus, Jim has now forged into the world of “scoring” and “composing.” “The more time I spend behind my piano, the more interesting life becomes. It makes sense! The piano has been my passion since I was 6 years old. I have always been open to new experiences and challenges as a writer and a performer.”
Over the last 15 years, Hamilton has worked in hundreds of elementary classrooms in Thunder Bay: writing songs with students. Jim also has a strong interest in education and has worked as a teacher in elementary, adult education, and ESL classrooms. He has been commissioned to work with several school and communities to facilitate workshops that eventually lead to the writing of their own community song: (Including “The Odgen Way”, “Norm at Gorham.” “Ignatius “We Are Falcons”…. Jim is also a founding member of the “Circle of Wellness”: a project with the Thunder Bay Children’s Centre that explored mental health through the different art forms – in Jim’s case - songwriting. This project ran for 10 years: from 2008 to 2018.
Hamilton began playing the piano by ear at the age of 6. In the 70s and 80s, Jim toured Eastern and WesternCanada with local rock groups. In the early 90s, he was Thunder Bay’s first 94 FM homegrown Winner then was chosenas one of the first video recording artists for a TV series called Up and Coming, which aired across Canada for severalyears. Jim has graced many different stages: from house concerts to festivals like Trout Forest and Red Rock FolkFestival, to fundraisers and concert series and decades of performances at Summer in the Parks. One of many memorablemoments for Jim was accompanying country artist Eryn Hull, at the Canadian Country Music Awards in St. John N.B.
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The touring bus and rock n roll days pulled Jim away from his education in the 70s and 80s. He went back toadult education, then to college and graduated from the arts administration program. Upon graduation Jim secured a seniorposition with the provincial government (Ontario Arts Council) from 1990 to 2000. Hamilton enjoyed his time with theOAC, but always longed to be back behind his piano, doing what he loves best. Thus, after his decade with thegovernment, he took a buy-out, became an elementary school teacher and artist in the schools: “I continue to look at waysto diversify my skills as a facilitator, artist, teacher and singer songwriter.” One interesting example is the workshophe put together for middle managers, linked to improving communication skills. He delivered this workshop to 50managers at Confederation College and had them deconstructing meanings of songs, writing similes, discussing how theycan improve their communication skills at work, home and with themselves.
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His original music speaks to the Human Condition, mid-life stories and often incorporates northern imagery. “Tome, every song is a journey of awareness: awareness of self, of others and of the endless possibilities in rhythm andmelody.” Jim plans to continue working on his career as a performer, songwriter, composer, and teacher. “If you followyour passions long enough, sooner or later rewards come to you - both internally and externally.” Hamilton is Launchinghis third CD, May 14 th in Thunder Bay at the Court St. Polish and Digitally through Indie Pool