Jim Weider Band: Remedy

[CD cover] [Promo photos] [Japanese CD] [Ordering]

Guitar wiz Jim Weider's Remedy, the follow-up to 1998's Big Foot, was first released on Dreamsville Records, Japan in early 2002 (credited to "Jim Weider & the Honky Tonk Gurus"). The USA/Europe version of Remedy came out on the Moon Haw Records label in June the same year. Remedy features 8 original tunes and 2 covers, "The Weight" and "Subterranean Homesick Blues" w/ special guests Merl Saunders, Mavis Staples, Garth Hudson, Tony Levin and others. The title track is a version of the first song on The Band's 1993 album Jericho.

Jim's last record, Big Foot, was a top-notch effort that took him a couple of years to make. This one took considerably less time, but that doesn't mean the music is any less outstanding. Before we talk about songs, I've got to mention the tone. I know Jim's a Tele guy, and he gets such a great sound - whether it's a bright, quick-picked thing, or a fat, singing tone, it's always right. Even when he kicks in the effects, like a wah, it sounds magnificent. So kudos for that. As far as the tunes go, there's some really good originals. The title cut has a hook big enough to drive a truck through. It's highlighted by some loud rock and a pop-tinged solo. The instrumental "Metal Jam" is like a trip; segments start with some crunchy boogie, mix in a dash of spacey jam rock, and even some metal-esque shredding (geez, Jim, I didn't know you had it in ya!), and you've got a fun tune that has to be a hoot to play live. There are some great covers, too. The record kicks off with a rockin' version of "Subterrranean Homesick Blues" that features sinewy guitars and nice beats. Bob would approve. There's also a nice cover of "The Weight," with Jim stating the melody beautifully and soulfully before Merl Saunders and Mavis Staples kick in on vocals. It's a nice tribute to the folks he played with in the Band. While we're on the subject, let me just say you have to admire Weider, who stepped into an almost impossible position with those guys (love him or not, you've got to admit most of us wouldn't want to take Robbie Robertson's place), and filled the guitar chair with taste and sensitivity. It's hard not to like this one. Weider's a great player, the band always cooks, and the tunes are always good. Both Weider efforts are good additions to any guitar/music lover's collection. --John Heidt, Vintage Guitar magazine

The Jim Weider Band are:

• Jim Weider (guitar, vocals)
• Randy Ciarlante (drums, vocals)
• Dan McKinney/Jeremy Baum (keyboards)
• Malcolm Gold (bass)

Ordering information For USA and Canada please mail check or money order for $15.00 plus $3.50 shipping & handling ($18.50) to: Moon Haw Records P.O. Box 208 West Hurley NY 12491 (Autographed by request) Remedy is also available by calling toll free (800) 937-3397, online at CDFreedom.com (all major credit cards accepted) or by going to JimWeider.com.

Tracks

1.	Subterranean Homesick Blues (Dylan)
2.	Twister (Weider/Ciarlante)
3.	Blues Condition (Ciarlante/Weider)
4.	Wandering Soul (Weider)
5.	Remedy (Weider/Linden)
6.	Metal Jam (Weider)
7.	Freedom Walk (Weider/Sancious)
8.	The Weight (Robertson)
9.	Hidden In Plain Sight (Weider/Linden)
10.	Now We're Talkin' (Weider/Ciarlante/Gold/Baum)
11.	Heavy Scuffle's On (Full Moon)

Credits

• Jim Weider - guitars, vocals, production
• Randy Ciarlante - Drums & Vocal
• Malcolm Gold, Bass
• Jeremy Baum, Keyboards.

• Tony Levin - Bass
• Jerry Marrotta - Percussion
• Garth Hudson - Horns
• Richard Bell - Keyboards
• Tom "Bones" Malone - Horns
• Mavis Staples - Lead & Background Vocals.
• Merl Saunders - Organ & Lead Vovals
• Jeff Levine - Organ
• Sid McGinnis - Rhythm Guitar & Lapsteel
• Jimmy Vivino - Background Vocal
• Robbie Dupree - Background Vocals
• John Holbrook - mix
• Robert Frazza - mix
• Paul Antanell - mix

Jim Weider Band - Remedy - 2002 - Moon Haw Records
Jim Weider & the Honky Tonk Gurus - Remedy - 2002 - Dreamsville Japan YDCD-0073