- JIM CHESWORTH
Q:From whence do you hail? (where are you from?) …birthdate …town …country …city
A:Scarborough June 1961.
Q:Any moving that went on? Ie. Switching of cities etc. before coming to the Toronto area?
A:Scarborough 10 yrs., Uxbridge 20 yrs., now back in Toronto.
Q:What caused you to become interested in music? –and particularly your instrument(s)?
A:When I was only about 4 yrs. Old my older brother had a band. My father sang barbershop –musical family –organ, piano in the house.
Q:How long have you been playing your instrument?
A:Professionally only about 14 yrs. But ever since I was maybe 5 or 6 I would sit at the piano and mess around.
Q:Are there any other instruments that you play?
A:Not really. –messed around with guitar as a kid but never followed it –keys seemed to pull me that direction.
Q:. What are/have been your influences in your style of playing? (include favourite artists of today)
A:Hmmmmm… Supertramp, Saga, Billy Payne, Wakeman, Jon Lord, Reese Wynans.
Q:State your musical history ….ie. bands previously played in, styles performed, education etc.
A:Lifeline, The Touch, Snake Oil (still with them), Stumblin’ Blind (still with them), Yessongs, No Fences (Garth Brooks Tribute).
Q:Any awards/accomplishments of note?
A:No awards/accomplishments persay but I feel it is somewhat of an accomplishment and an honour to be accepted within the circle of musicians I have encountered considering Iam self taught..
Q:Please list the gear you use.
A:Roland D-50, Korg M1, Arp Solus thru an SPX-90, Kroth w/ 15” Altec & horn powered by Peavey M2600.
Q:Why did you join Those Guys?
A:Was a great opportunity fo play some tasty material with good players, good guys –no attitudes.
Q:. Describe briefly something about EACH band member.
COLLECTIVELY: Well, as for each member on the collective, -one of the few bands where each guy seems to be constantly looking out for the other guys. This makes for a comfortable atmosphere in which to work.
A:Anecdote on each band member:
ROD: Puts his heart and soul into every song –sets his gear up beside mine on stage –but for some reason will not park his car beside mine.
MARK: Coined the phrase, “adult chords” and masters them as well. Also the only guy I have ever loaded band gear and a computer into a boat in the dark with. Best Schmenge Bros. Impersonation –ya gotta hear it!
MIKE: “Amazing” bass player (heh heh, with & without pun intended), absolute computer wizard and brings a pleasurable element to the post gig band meetings.
ED: As the two midi users in the band, (me & Ed) he is a pleasure to work with. He is aware tonally as well as rhythmically –a definite plus.
Q:What are your other interests/activities?
A:I love to sit with my midi setup and build sequences/songs. Cycling, skiing, drinking, homebrewing.
Q:State whatever you think I’ve forgotten to ask that may be of importance?
A:Secrets to technique: : I dunno –I guess I could say I learned something about technique when I applied some rhythmic patterns that a drummer might use to my chord rhythms and leads –although I think my impromptu leads suck.
Bad Habits: Musically: I think I tend to try and throw too many notes into a solo –Relax! Feel man! Feel!
Generally: I guess I never learn from a wicked hangover.
Most Embarrassing moment: Ask Rod –he knows my most embarrassing moment.
Worst musical foul-up: Curses to the transpose button! –the easy way out. Sounds real nice when the band comes in after a lengthy keyboard intro –and you realize you forgot to put the key transpose back after the previous song that you cheated on, and used it. You’re a semitone out! AHHHH!.
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