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BENEATH THE OLYMPIAN SKIES is a stellar collection of ten new original compositions that continue his theme of melodic tributes. "I love to travel and many of my songs are inspired by people and places that have inspired me." The evocative, cinematic title cut was inspired by a trip Wilson took to Washington state's Olympic Peninsula in the most northwest corner of the United States. "It's truly one of the more magical regions in the world. The rocky, dramatic coastline; the lush rainforest -- the only one in the continental U.S.; the towering forests of lodgepole pines. I was absolutely transfixed the entire time," says Wilson. "I was fortunate to capture some amazing video footage of the region and we've incorporated it into my newest performance video." BENEATH THE OLYMPIAN SKIES continues this tradition of working with renowned musicians - ambient pop violin player Lili Haydn, smooth-jazz hitmaker Chris Standring, world-class bassist Nathan East, former Elton John drummer Charlie Morgan, woodwind master George Tortorelli and Phil Collins band member Brad Cole. Another highlight of the new recording is the presence of real string players -- the violin-viola-cello trio known as Bella Musica - on many of the tracks. About the dedication on the back of the CD, Wilson says, "These songs are my heartfelt offerings and when people share with me that my music provides spiritual refuge for them, it's truly a blessing. I found this beautiful poem called "Every Place a Temple" by the 18th century writer John Pierpont that perfectly encapsulated my sentiment for the record: "From every place below the skies With BENEATH THE OLYMPIAN SKIES, Wilson once again delivers his trademark combination of memorable melodies and lush film-score quality arrangements. This recording offers his widest diversity of themes so far, from the dramatic title cut, to the majestic "Beside The River Of Dreams," to the adventurous, spirited "Rio". "This song is probably the biggest departure for me so far. I started writing this samba-flavored tune years ago during a trip to Brazil and only recently completed it. It has this fun, easygoing, "I'm on holiday" quality to it. It's a real joy to play." About the track “Beside The River of Dreams”, Wilson says, "The song tells the story through music and images of the Texas Panhandle's majestic Palo Duro Canyon - the timeless setting for Native American tribes, Spanish explorers and famous civil war battles. Regional photographers have contributed phenomenal still and video images of the canyon and the performance video is just gorgeous." The video also incorporates stunning aerial footage of the canyon Wilson acquired with assistance from his pilot and videographer friends. The CD includes more of Jim's signature achingly-beautiful ballads: "Dreamland", "When the World Belonged to Us" and "Through Your Eyes" -- the latter is dedicated to Jim's newlywed niece Devon and her husband Joel. "There's a profound beauty in two people coming together to commit their lives to each other. This song has a very romantic quality to it that articulates my sentiments for them." The last song on the album is the emotional "Don't Stand At My Grave" -- the instrumental version of a poem Wilson set to music. Jim says, "I was given this poignant poem when my brother died years ago. The imagery was so strong and the message so powerful that it moved me to tears." The CD ends with "Dreamland (Reprise)" which Jim says, "is like a sentimental recalling of a beautiful place you've been." BENEATH THE OLYMPIAN SKIES follows Wilson's first five albums, which were all strong sellers -- NORTHERN SEASCAPE, CAPE OF GOOD HOPE, MY FIRST CHRISTMAS WITH YOU, QUIET SHADOWS (his versions of pop standards) and A PLACE IN MY HEART. The release of his second album was highlighted by the airing of an hour-long national PBS television special, "Jim Wilson & Friends: Cape of Good Hope (and Other Musical Portraits)" and a live national concert appearance on QVC television. Wilson proved to be one of the few contemporary instrumentalists who can bridge the gap between new age, smooth jazz and Celtic-flavored pop. Other musicians who guested on these recordings include Richard Elliot, Everette Harp, Peter White, Lisa Lynne, Steve Lukather, Lee Sklar, Steve Porcaro and Lenny Castro. (Music: Jim Wilson, Lyrics: Anonymous) Don't stand at my grave and weep, I am not there, I do not sleep. I'm a thousand winds that blow, I'm the diamond glints on snow. I am sunlight on ripened grain, I am the gentle autumn rain. When you awaken in the morning's hush, I'm the swift uplifting rush Of quiet birds in circled flight. I am the soft star that shines at night. Don't stand at my grave and cry, I am not there, I did not die. (See above credits) All Songs Written and Published by Jim Wilson, Willow Bay Music (ASCAP) © 2007 |