JAMIE NOTARTHOMAS

     His 1990 self-titled debut album burst him onto the music scene as a powerful and promising original artist and propelled him onto regional and national level stages.  Recorded with a rock band (plus guests like 10,000 Maniacs) that he then took on tour across the country, this album helped define him as a cutting-edge, independent musician – combining elements of alternative and traditional rock and Americana.  Songs on this first album have stood the test of time and established lyrical themes that Jamie returns to again and again as he and his audience evolve.

 

     After maturing as a touring band, Jamie’s second album, Heads or Tales, was released in 1995.  Garnering respect from the music industry at that time, three of the top grossing world acts – Trey Anastasio (Phish), John Popper (Blues Traveler), and David Bearwald (Sheryl Crow's Tuesday Night Supper Club) - collaborated on this album.  An ambitious and innovative project, dense with a wide range of instrumental arrangements to complement his lyrical talent, it moves from jazzy blues to funky rock to Celtic swing and back again, meeting those styles’ vocal demands at the same time keeping Jamie’s own identity intact.

 

     After two albums with his band and full production, Jamie listened to his fans and decided to revisit his solo, acoustic side with which he had established a great reputation in his formative years.  He took an unpredictable approach to writing by telling the press and fans that he moved to Colorado when in fact he retreated to the woods and lake to work on his third album - Climbing Out of the 21st Century - released in 1999.  Critics compare this album to the work of Bob Dylan and Neil Young.  As a songwriter, Jamie honed his skill to create a potent and eloquent tool for expression:  some songs are hilarious; others carry messages of preservation, compassion, tolerance and beauty of nature. Jamie's ability to convey his perceptive views and keen eye for observation are unmistakable on this pure acoustic folk album.

 

      In 2001, Jamie made the decision to put his successful career on hold to raise his son.  The example of other great musicians taking the same path - John Lennon, Peter Gabriel - gave him the confidence to risk a promising career to do what he knew was right.  As a career on the road became impractical, Jamie continued writing songs and shifted his focus to playing local and regional venues and festivals.   During this time, he also developed tributes to some of his idols – Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, John Lennon, Van Morrison, The Beatles – showcasing his fluency in hundreds of their great songs.   His confidence and ease on stage results from the over seven thousand shows he's played over the years and he effortlessly moves an audience through moods and dynamics with his impressive repertoire of both originals and cover tunes.

 

     With the release of his fourth album, The Crow Convention in 2008, Jamie again combined his literary and poetic lyrics with a breadth of musical style that showcased his maturing, exceptional talent.  Capturing a unique sound that blends the best of his signature styles, the addition of orchestral elements and special guests like Grammy winning cellist Hank Roberts, adds depth and interest to this album.   

 

     Jamie is currently working on his 5th studio album to be released at the end of this year.  In this newest work, he will combine his multi-layered lyrical and musical talent with a varied mix of many forms to create a sound that is uniquely his own.  He hopes to again connect to a wide variety of audiences with a warmth and intimacy that transcends generations.