Art of Sound

Music is an important part of my life. I do not have the ability to play any instruments nor do I write any songs, but I do have a great appreciation for it. Several years ago I had the great opportunity to meet a very talented man by the name of Jim Fidler. I had been introduced to a variety of musicians from Newfoundland (I was working in a theatre at the time and we recieved many cds of prospective artists) and I was stuck by the fact that one: that province is so lovely yet terribly poor and two: the music that comes from that place is remarkably hopeful. I wanted desperatley to find out where this Well of Hope resided. I trundled up to St. John's and found myself in a pub on George street. The stage lighting was pretty bad, it was packed with happy bevvie sucking patrons, and I felt totally out of my element. It's strange, I work in theatre but crowds make me terribly uncomfortable. I suppose that's why I prefer working backstage. I digress... my discomfort vanished when Mister Fidler took the stage. I remember that he did a wonderful accoustic version of Iko Iko that made me feel at home, it's one of my favorite tunes. He has a wonderful gift to take a song and draw you into the lyrics, creating an almost tangible experience. When you hear him preform there is an energy in him that I can't quite describe. I don't remember the gig list from that evening but I had a great time. After the performance some friends and I trouped to another pub on Water street where we all tucked into several rounds of more bevvies. I told a chum that I really enjoyed the music and was told that I should tell him so, for he and his wife were parked at the bar chatting. I am a shy person, I have a difficult time talking to strangers. I get tongue tied and blurt stuff out of my mouth that hours later I think "God you didn't really say that did you?". After a half hour of urging I finally worked up the nerve to speak to the man. Bashfully I approached the couple and almost stopped in my tracks when they both turned around-yes the "deer in the headlights" look was on my face but there was no cool way to return to where I was sitting. I walked over to them and said, "Hi I'm Bea, I really enjoyed your sets tonight at Bridie's." that was all I could manage. The Rhinos of Insecurity stampeded in my stomach and I prayed I wouldn't vomit all over them. He thanked me and I quickly scuttled away before I could make an ass out of myself.

The following year I made my pilgrimage to St. John's again, I had not found the Well of Hope but I had made some great friends. We were gathered at Erin's on Water street one night and low and behold Jim and Lillie Fidler entered the pub. After some serious coaxing from the crew I worked up the nerve to go say hello again, although this time I managed to control the stark terror on my face. I re-introduced myself and was stunned when Jim said he remembered me. My mind tumbled. I thought "How can he remember me of all people from a 5 second Hello?" I have yet to figure out how he worked that bit of magic and we've become friends.

One of the things that I enjoy about the music that Jim creates is that it's always evolving. He has the wisdom and courage to work in several different styles and it's always a delight when he's coming out with a new cd. It's like Christmas morning, you're opening gifts, excitement races through your body, what will be in that next gift? He has been very gracious by allowing me to listen to some of the songs that will be on his upcoming release and I must say he's done a phenominal job. I work with people who paint with light using theatrical lighting instruments but this man paints with light through music. I have always believed that the mark of an artist is that they can take any style of music whether they've written it or not, and share the experience of a song. Jim does this. He sent me a rough version of Fields of Gold and I've gotta be honest. I'm a die hard Sting fan but when I heard this version I fell in love with it all over again. He has created such a lovely tapestry that I cannot stop listening to the song. If your open to a wonderful listening experience, go out and buy his cds. You will not be disappointed to hear the growth and artistry in his music.