Master blues/rock guitarist Jim Kirkpatrick releases his new video ‘Brave New World”, from his solo album, Ballad of a Prodigal Son. Jim has earned his stripes both as a songwriter and as a skilled, high-octane yet eloquent guitarist. Best-known as the lead guitarist of the legendary British classic rock band FM, with whom he’s served since 2008, Jim has also worked with many other major names, several of whom guest on his blues-rock solo album.
From Cheshire, England and over 20 years of professional experience, Jim has become an in-demand session player, writer and performer. He is fast becoming one of the UK’s premiere slide, blues and rock guitar players.
Jim has been the lead guitarist with legendary British classic rock band FM since 2008. He has played guitar for singer/songwriter Thea Gilmore since 2003 and toured Europe and the US with her and appeared on many of her albums. He has also been right hand man to former Whitesnake guitarist/songwriter Bernie Marsden since 2006, recently collaborating with him and members of the late Rory Gallagher’s band on a tribute to the legendary guitarist.
“‘Brave New World’ is the big guitar track on the new album,” Jim explains, “It’s a tip of the hat to Pink Floyd, Robin Trower Jimi’s ‘Machine Gun’ and Free’s ‘Mr Big’: all mixed into one.”
Listen/Watch “Brave New World”
‘Ballad of a Prodigal Son’ is Jim’s first solo album in 14 years (given that he released his solo debut ‘Changed Priorities’ way back in 2006). This time around, his new material is different in tone and balance: deep steeped in rock and blues and burning with both, yet the album also showcases Jim’s well-honed and storied skills as a songwriter. When Jim was putting together ‘Ballad of a Prodigal Son’ as an album, he made a point of giving more weight and emphasis to the guitar. That comes very much to the fore with ‘Brave New World’. Indeed, Jim even stepped aside and drew on the talents of another songwriter to focus on the guitar and music.
Jim has performed all over the world and appeared at major festivals and toured as support for Foreigner, Journey, Thin Lizzy, and many others, and shared stages with Foreigner, Zak Starkey, Bernie Marsden and Neil Murray (Whitesnake), Ian Paice (Deep Purple), Deacon Blue and more.
“’Ballad of a Prodigal Son’ is a blues-rock outing with some songs co-written with friends and some fine contributions from many of my colleagues,” says Jim, “There’s a whole host of well-known guests playing and contributing to the album which is very rocky, bluesy and with LOTS of guitar playing! I’m hoping that my fans and audience will love it.”
Jim Kirkpatrick-vocals, guitars
Scott Ralph—drums
Chris Cliff—bass
Jem Davis—keys
Jim Kirkpatrick’s Ballad of a Prodigal Son can be found on all digital platforms.
Jim Kirkpatrick Online
Leave A Comment