In the Beginning…
Jim’s performing career started off at a very tender age indeed. At the age of 3 years old, his mother took him to work with her at the local fish and chip shop (as she couldn't afford a babysitter at the time). He remembers standing on the fish shop counter and singing the latest pop songs of the day to waiting customers... some with happy faces and some with not so happy faces...
He went on to be a performer, singing, playing the keyboards and bass guitar in various acts, around some of the best (and also worst) venues in the UK and Europe (including the odd fish and chip restaurants here and there). His musical style has been compared (by some) as similar to Phil Collins. Whilst flattered by this comparison – he couldn't quite see it himself – until one day he saw a reflection of himself in the mirror of a club that he was playing – and was amazed to see that he had morphed into this well known singer.
Not really sure what to do about this situation he quickly signed up with a third rate tribute management, signed a crooked deal and toured around the pubs, clubs and fish restaurants of South Yorkshire and beyond. Sensing that one day that the money would run out and the phone would stop ringing (which both events unfortunately did), he changed into a mature student and took a B.A. (Hons) Degree course in Creative Music Technology at the Northern Performing Arts College (S.Yorkshire) to broaden his knowledge of composition, harmony, digital recording and sound analysis. He also learned how to create arty videos while he was there and experience the difference between a good (and mostly bad) plate fish and chips served at the college canteen.
- He has now written a large catalogue of original songs in different genres (both good & bad)
- He has a new album coming out soon called “Chip on the Shoulder”
- He now works for a living as a college tutor teaching functional skills Math’s & English
- He has always hated the taste and smell of fish and chips…
Check out Jim Crowston’s songs at www.youtube.com/glassvalve
Email jcrws@aol.com