A Blues Christmas Jimmy Bowskill

A Blues Christmas with 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.’

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.

Jimmy Bowskilll with Jeff Healey

Touring at such a young age, he still went to school. But it wasn’t easy. ‘I did have a lot of help from teachers giving me assignments to take on the road. Playing stages with Dickie Betts, ZZ Top, Deep Purple, Buddy Guy and Jeff Beck, I have to say I’ve been fortunate over the years. I’m thankful every day that I get to play music for a living. It’s so much fun,’ Jimmy said.

What was it like being a teen playing with older musicians? Jimmy laughed, ‘You know, I had to sit in a lot of kitchens. You play your set then sit in the kitchen. But they fed me (he laughs). I’ve always kind of played with musicians that are older than me, growing up in the blues world. But I have friends of all ages because of that too.’

How does Jimmy like travelling? ‘Travel is difficult although it’s a lot of fun. I feel fortunate to see the places I go and do the things I do, but it’s always really nice to come home. There is nothing like home and that’s always a pretty damn good feeling.’

Jimmy with Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top

How did he get into playing with Blue Rodeo? ‘I played mandoline at a Blue Grass brunch when I first moved to Port Hope. A good friend of the band was working at the restaurant and they needed a mandolin solo on their album. I got the call, went to the city and played on the track and a couple of others. Bob Egan was looking to retire. They were looking for a multi instrumentalist and I got the gig,’ he said.

Jimmy joined The Sheep Dogs in 2015. ‘They had a guitar player leave half way through a big American tour and I’m good friends with their Guitar Tech. He bet a weeks wages that I’d be a good fit in the band (he laughed). So they flew me down to Richmond Virginia. We had a quick rehearsal and I’ve been with the band ever since. It’s a blast - the tunes are great, along with the band members,’ he explained.

Jimmy with Dickie Betts of The Alman Brother

Does he like being front man or side musician better? ‘I like it all. I really like being a sideman, it’s quite enjoyable as there is a lot involved with running your own band. It’s nice to do that and do my own shows once in awhile.’ Jimmy played at The Slab in Peterborough on November 27th. ‘It’s an intimate evening, and I love the close interaction amongst the audience,’ he said.

So having played with all the great musicians, what is his favourite gig so far? ‘I played with Blue Rodeo at Massey Hall. We did two nights and Gordon Pinsent was there with Gordon Lightfoot in the front row. Then Gord Downie came on stage and sang Lost Together with us. That was his last time on a stage. That was an amazing night. The Sheep Dogs played Massey Hall as well and it was also magic.’

The Sheep Dogs (photo credit Mat Dunlap)

Last thoughts from Jimmy? ‘I’m 29 and just keep doing what I’m doing. Playing in a band, doing my own thing more and more, but I’m just gonna keep on trucking, man. I’m releasing an album soon and I have my band Jimmy Bowskill and the Hometown Beauts. We will be out there doing shows in the new year. It’s inspiring with this group. I usually listen to the old school stuff and just get inspired by it.’

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We reached out to Alec Fraser (Producer and bass player) to comment. ‘Jimmy is one of my favourite people on the planet. He hasn’t changed one bit. He is someone that is not effected by the music business, and remains to be the nice person he was when he was ten years old. And that is very rare.’