Jim Wishman Australian Singer Songwriter
Gibberer, dreamer, traveller, dabbler. Late blooming creative soul. Welcome to my mind.
Jim Wishman
Sydney born, Parramatta bred. The wet behind my ears has long been dry and, suddenly, I’m nearly seventy - with something to say! As a young bloke I didn’t follow my heart, instead I became an engineer. Later I fell in to the insurance industry to which I then devoted 40 years of my working life. No regrets for it is a folly to feel sorrow about one's life and I’m grateful for the opportunities that came my way.
My Music
Music and writing is the most beautiful thing I do in my life. Without it I would be in hell and living would become largely a chore. Bugger that! I find the ability of music to keep giving to be amazing and the joy derived from hearing the same songs perennial. Music is the sound of love.
I’m inspired by the Beatles (of course) and Paul McCartney is my hero. I grew up on the ‘West coast’ sound of the Eagles, Crosby Stills Nash and Young, and America and for me the 1970’s produced music that resonates with the core of my soul. Fantastic songs written, played and sung by incredibly talented musicians.
At my first school dance I was 13 or 14 and the band that played was Doug Parkinsons In Focus. The power of Dougs incredible voice and the excitement of hearing an electrified guitar live for the first time had a transformative effect on me. Absolutely loved it. Every time I hear Dougs' cover of the Beatles classic 'Dear Prudence’ I get goose bumps to this day.
Personally speaking, and as a gross generalisation, I feel current music has developed a certain sameness to it. I have strived to write a variety of song styles which makes it hard for me to categorise my genre.
Definitely a pop song structure, to choose I’d have to say ‘easy listening’ with a dash of country, rock and blues.
And yes, I’m asking you to pay for it. Not doing this for the money just the working class values of a ‘westie’ coming through.
Just Released
Musings
I believe the purpose of art is not to be partisan, simply to evoke.
I enjoy the challenge of expressing my thoughts as succinctly as possible, in rhyme. Like Sir Winston Churchill I like short words. I think it's the punch they deliver. Mind you I love slipping in the odd 5 syllable shocker as well!
Unlike the old saying, words can definitely hurt you. My preference though is to use them to uplift you, for you to question things and ultimately to make you wonder about and revel in the gift of life.
With Thanks
As a (very) amateur musician I needed help to create my music. By an incredible amount of luck (and some convenient geography) I happened upon Michael McGlynn, who was just up the road. Not only was Michael a gifted keys player he could play the drums and percussion, guitar, bass guitar (that I knew of), he was a superb producer with the uncanny knack of reading your heart and thereby making musical dreams come true. And he sang like an angel to boot. I say ‘was' because he passed a few years back way too early at the age of 51. Miss you mate every day.
Through Michael I have met some seriously wonderful people. My lead guitarist, Daniel Romeo (and family), mastering engineer, Will Bowden, guitarist and mixing engineer David Richards, sax player, Chris Atkinson, guitarist and part time harmonica player Lucas Barrett, and more. To all those whose contributions have both enriched the music and my life I say thank you. Know that you are loved.
I would also like to specifically acknowledge the inspiration, photography, artwork, vocals and songwriting contribution of TA Palmer. Eternally grateful Tracey-Ann.
