J I M H E A D G U I T A R I S T
P r e s s K i t
B i o g r a p h y
"Exceptional compositions that proudly represent jazz’s modern mainstream. This expressive, fully realized album stands toe to toe with the forward-thinking yet tuneful music out of New York that inspired it." - Peter Hum, Ottawa Citizen
Juno-nominee Jim Head has established himself as one of Canada's leading jazz guitarists, forging a style and sound that is contemporary and distinctly personal. On his newest recording, Prismatic, Jim draws inspiration from the vibrant energy and richly creative music of New York City. Selected by Peter Hum of the Ottawa Citizen as one of the ten best Canadian Jazz Albums of 2022, the album showcases Head's richly detailed, lush, unpredictable, and adventurously melodic compositions. The album features acclaimed Canadian jazz musicians Kelly Jefferson on tenor saxophone, pianist Chris Andrew, bassist Rémi-Jean LeBlanc, and drummer Dave Laing.
Highlights include the driving opening track, The Stone; the soulful, powerful Dawnstruck; and Head's tribute to the L Train and the New York Subway experience, Showtime. Deep cuts include the atmospheric open landscape of Potter’s Wheel (inspired by an improvisation by saxophonist Chris Potter), the swinging Prismatic, and Jim’s lament to our times, State of the Union.
Jim has worked with such renowned jazz artists as Tim Hagans, Maria Schneider, Sheila Jordan, Bob Mintzer, Steve Slagle, Ralph Bowen, Gil Goldstein, Jane Bunnett, Joel Miller, Kirk MacDonald, Phil Dwyer, David Braid, Kelly Jefferson, Mike Downes, Myron Walden, P.J. Perry, Doug Riley, Chet Doxas, Keiran Overs, John Stetch, Chris Tarry, and many others. He has performed in clubs, concerts, and festivals across Canada, as well as Europe, China, Mexico, and the U.S.A. He has appeared on over forty recordings, including three as a leader: Mind's Eye, released in 2006, his 2015 Juno-nominated release, Zoetrope, and his newest recording, Prismatic.
Jim has spent much of his career in Edmonton, home to a thriving jazz scene and one of Canada's great jazz clubs, the Yardbird Suite, where he is a frequent performer. He also spent several years in Montreal, studying at McGill University and working with many of the leading artists in the Montreal jazz scene. In addition to his busy career as a performer, Jim is an associate professor at MacEwan University, where he has been the guitar department head since 2007.