Jim Page has been on the scene for more than twenty-five years and his reputation continues to grow. He has shared the stage with the likes of Bonnie Raitt, Emmylou Harris, Dan Bern, Michelle Shocked, Leftover Salmon, Mickey Hart, JJ Cale, Robert Hunter, and John Hammond. His songs have been performed by Christy Moore, Michael Hedges, John Trudell, The Doobie Brothers, Joanne Rand, Casey Neill, and (yes) David Soul.
Originally from the San Fransisco Bay area, Jim came to Seattle via New York City in the early 1970's. In '74 he was instrumental in changing the local laws to legalize street performing. 1977 was the beginning of his time in Europe, starting with a stunning performance at the prestigious Cambridge Folk Festival. For the next several years he toured Europe extensively, living in Ireland from '80 to '83, working with Irish and Swedish record companies. Two of his songs were recorded by the ground-breaking Irish band The Moving Hearts: "Hiroshima-Nagasaki Russian Roulette" and "Landlord" were both released as singles from an album that entered the charts at number one. In 1980 he was voted by a national Hot Press reader's poll the "Best International Folk and Traditional Singer," beating out Bob Dylan and Ry Cooder.
The mid 80s found him back in Seattle experimenting with musicians. Notable results included his acoustic work with multi instrumentalist Orville Johnson, and a separate on-going relationship with Artis the Spoonman, of Soundgarden fame. Later on there was the legendary electric quartet Zero Tolerance, a tight rock and roll sound - further experimens in song and form, widening his audience as the times changed. Being immediately versatile while maintaining his integrity, Jim has continued to be relevant and vital. He has written a body of work putting him on a par with the best of his day. And in this 21st century time goes on.
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John Trudell:
"Many songwriters have been an influence, but somehow for me it was out of reach. Jim Page was the one to bring songwriting within my reach. Watching and listening to him make his songs started me thinking about it. Making coherency with words and music, Jim taught me that lesson."
Bonnie Raitt comments:
"Jim's been writing great topical songs for as long as I can remember, bring his acute wit and wry humor to a host of subjects that can really use both. In the tradition of Woody and Dylan, he cuts right to the heart with music you actually enjoy listening to. I'm a longtime admirer."
Winona Laduke:
"Searing, compassionate lyrics, with an always rightfully placed ironic or humorous note: Jim Page's words, like his music, are for both the mind and the soul. He urges us to live our lives to the fullest, and, reassures those who do."