James Dewar (musician)
- For other people named James Dewar, see James Dewar (disambiguation).
James Dewar (12 October 1942, in Glasgow – 16 May 2002 in Glasgow) was a Scottish bassist and vocalist for Robin Trower and Stone The Crows, the latter having its beginnings as the resident band at the legendary Burns Howff in Glasgow.
Dewar's career began with Lulu and the Luvvers in the early 1960s. His career eventually reached its zenith with the Robin Trower Band, a British rock power trio, after the 1974 release of the album Bridge of Sighs.
Dewar made his mark as one of the greatest white soul singers, performing in front of sold-out stadiums and concert halls at the crest of the 1970s classic rock era. The Scotsman had a rich, powerful voice, with a soulful timbre, and was widely regarded as one of the most under-rated rock vocalists. Deep, gritty, and resonating, his style shows the influence of Ray Charles and Otis Redding. Along with fellow Brits Paul Rodgers and Frankie Miller, his voice is particularly suited for blues and soul-inspired material. In his best moments, Dewar was a vocalist extraordinaire, and many fans consider it a shame that he did not have more of an opportunity to explore his range.
With many of his friends, Dewar recorded his one solo album, Stumbledown Romancer, during the 1970s, at the height of his career, but it was not released until two decades later. He collaborated primarily with longtime Procol Harum organist Matthew Fisher on the album, with the title track relating a hard-luck story ...
...Stumbledown Romancer
I never made the grade
Never on the dance-floor when the music played
Always moving on when I should have stayed...
At Dykebar Hospital in Paisley, Scotland, Dewar died of a stroke after years of disability reportedly resulting from a medical error which damaged his brain. His funeral was held at Paisley's Woodside Crematorium.[1]
Discography
With Stone the Crows
on bass:
- Stone the Crows (1970)
- Ode to John Law (1970)
With Robin Trower Band
as lead singer and bassist:
- 1973 Twice Removed from Yesterday ----- Certified Gold by RIAA
- 1974 Bridge of Sighs ----- Certified Gold by RIAA[1]
- 1975 For Earth Below ----- Certified Gold by RIAA
- 1976 Robin Trower Live
- 1976 Long Misty Days ----- Certified Gold by RIAA
as lead singer:
- 1977 In City Dreams ----- Certified Gold by RIAA
as lead singer and bassist:
- 1978 Caravan to Midnight
- 1979 Victims of the Fury
- 1983 Back It Up
Solo
- 1998 Stumbledown Romancer
References
- ^ Rock pioneer dies at the age of 59, Daily Record, May 18, 2002. http://members.shaw.ca/incitydreams/JDinmemory.htm, URL accessed October 11, 2009.
External links
- Steve's Place - 'In memory of James Dewar'
- Steve's Place - '"Listen...listen to the Bluebird sing": James Dewar' (Steve's Place Fan Section)
- [2]-Jimmy Dewar Tribute Site
- AngelFire.com - 'James Dewar: Band/Career' History' (fansite)
- Home.ca.inter.net - 'James Dewar Tribute' (Bridge of Sighs fansite)
- Kneeling.co.uk - 'Stone the Crows: Teenage Licks' (album review)
- ProcolHarum.com - 'James Dewar, 1942–2002: An epitaph to a Scottish legend'
- ProcolHarum.com - 'Tracking down the Stumbledown Romancer: "...and somebody called me a rock-and-roll sage..."' (Stumbledown Romancer album review)
- TrowerPower.com - Official Robin Trower website
- YouTube.com (video) - 'Stumbledown Romancer'