The 8th anniversary of his passing.

Eight years ago today on May 16, 2002 the world lost a man who's contributions to rock music may never fully be realized. Jimmy was the King of the art during the peak of the genre. It would seem that most top professionals admit that he was the best of the best. James Dewar and his music are with me always in my ears and in my heart. Running this website, hearing from the fans and knowing Jimmy's remaining family members are a great privilege for me. Thanks to all. Carl

A very special video!

I have tried my hand at creating an iMovie video containing many of the photos from this site and a rare live recording of Jimmy with the RTB from 1976. I was actually at this concert and it was a magical night captured at the peak of Robin, Bill and Jimmy's talents. This is actually a cover that they did of a song written by the Gavin Sutherland in 1972. Although several artists including Rod Stewart released this song throughout the mid-seventies, none had the raw power and passion of the Trower version.

In an interview done with Jimmy shortly before he passed, he was quoted as having said he did not care for this song (the interview can be found on Steve Shail's site). I happen to like the song but what I find incredible is that Jimmy could knock this right out of the park despite evidently disliking the song. The man never ceases to amaze.

I have restored and enhanced the audio as best I can. The recording is low tech but absolutely worth a listen. I hope you enjoy!

Turn it up LOUD!

Carl

That Voice!

One of my favorite things about Jimmy was the fact that no two performances were the same and each was simply a masterclass in vocal wizardry. As with Hendrix's guitar playing or Buddy Rich's drumming, you could count on an endless variety of vocal interpretations from Jimmy as he reinvented the same ten songs (give or take) night after night. I simply cannot collect too many live recordings of the RTB as there's always more Jimmy to savor.

One purveyor of such performances is Wolfgang's Vault. This website has managed to assemble quite a collection of live performances from most of our favorite classic rock artists and at present two of their concerts feature the the ever impressive Mr. Dewar in incredibly fine form. One show from Chicago, Illinois on December 5, 1976 and the other from New Haven, Connecticut on October, 18, 1977. While all are worth a thorough listen, my personal favorite is "I Can't Wait Much Longer" from the Chicago show. I really do not believe he ever sounded better and it is almost as though you can hear that he was in good spirits. He stretches and plays with the melodies and textures like a Jedi master.

Think I may have over-stated the facts a little? Have a listen for yourself!

Turn it up LOUD!

CK

Update.

The past six months have stretched me very thin. Frankly, that kind of pressure brings me even closer to all my old Trower/Dewar recordings but it leaves me little time to beat the bushes for fresh "Jimmy" content to post here. I have been more involved in music lately and, while I respect anyone with a passion for song, I am reminded more than ever that we are in the dark ages when compared to rock music from the late sixties through the mid seventies. Even the best talent out there today seems woefully vacant for those of us who remember the depth of our late friend Mr. Dewar. I first saw the RTB in 1974 at the Orpheum Theater in Boston and I had no idea if I would like the experience or simply remain a fan of their albums. From the downbeat of the first song, that question was answered. I was transported to a place that I had never before experienced and every Dewar performance thereafter had the same breathtaking effect on me. Dramatic as it may sound, I have sought to recreate that feeling ever since. For those of you who know this feeling, you have all my sympathy. I have no hope to offer as the irreplaceable elements of this experience are gone. The best I can do is meet you here in the virtual world of JimmyDewar.com and hope to provide a few remnants of this all-natural high. That's right, for me, a Robin Trower Band performance had to be experienced in total sobriety, no booze and no drugs. I wanted to be as sharp as possible so as to soak up everything the show had to offer. Every inflection, every nuance, every magical detail of those live performances that defined this band, their music and their performances as legendary.

So, if you (or anyone you know) may have photos, recordings, stories or memorabilia that you would care to share with our exclusive little club of Dewar fans, we would love to hear from you. It will help me to keep this site interesting and I am certain that all who visit here will be grateful to you as well. Email me at Carl@CarlKennedy.net and we can all enjoy your contribution.

Thanks for visiting.

Carl

Jimmy Relaxing

The great Scot takes a break from rock stardom to soak up a little sun. 

(photo courtesy of Lisa Dewar)