A Blues Christmas Jimmy Bowskill
By Jay Cooper Contributor / Musican
Jimmy Bowskill is an icon here in the Kawarthas. Born in Toronto, at the age of three Jimmy and his family moved to Bailieboro where he grew up.
‘I love the area. I love the rolling hills and there’s always been a great music scene here and a great place to grow up as a musician,’ he said. ‘I played hockey, as most kids do, but at the age of ten I got a guitar and that was pretty much it (he laughs). There was no turning back once I got a guitar.’ Jimmy continued, ‘My father taught me the basic chords and then I took lessons from others throughout the years. I took lessons from Rick Fines to learn how to finger pick as I was developing as an artist.’ Jimmy with Jeff Healey
Jimmy with Dickie Betts of The Alman Brothers
I asked Jimmy if his father is his biggest fan. He laughed, ‘You think so? Yeah, man, it was amazing to have that support system. My parents managed me, because I was so young when I started, working with people I trust. Because in this business it can go either way, you know.’ The story is legendary. Jimmy’s father took him to Jeff Healey’s club in Toronto to play. ‘Yeah, dad phoned ahead because he heard they had an open mic night on Thursdays. But it wasn’t - it was a guest spot night. That evening it was Chuck Jackson from Downchild Blues Band. They said, no, you’re 10 year old son can’t come into the bar. But I talked dad into taking me there anyway and sat out front and busked. I met the band as they came through the door and then met Jeff. They invited me in and on stage. That was my first time on a stage. It was a magic night and started my career really,’ he said. Jimmy made his first record ‘Old Soul’ when he was 11 years old. ‘Jeff Healy’s bass player, Alec Fraser, offered me studio time that night. He called in some favours and got great players on it. I made my first album for free.’ He had a Juno nomination at the age of 14 for the album Soap Bars and Dog Ears. Jimmy says, ‘The meaning is not about dogs. It’s pickups, P90’s. Soap bars are the ones you see in a Les Paul,’ he laughed. Touring at such a young age, he still went to school. But it
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Jimmy with Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top
