About Jim
About Jim
Jim Fidler is a born musician with an extraordinary journey. Hailing from the beautiful island of Newfoundland, Jim’s musical talents know no bounds. Despite losing his sight at the age of 9, he pursued his passion at the School for the Blind in Halifax, Nova Scotia. There, he delved into classical piano and music theory, becoming an honours student at the Maritime Conservatory of Music.
For over 30 years, Jim has mesmerized audiences with his live performances. It all began in his teenage years when he formed a highly successful bluegrass group in Halifax. Breaking boundaries, he later pioneered Newfoundland’s first reggae group called Pressure Drop, where he served as the lead singer, drummer, and songwriter. The band gained popularity, earning a devoted following and making appearances on renowned shows like Toronto’s Much Music and Ear to the Ground.
In 1995, Jim took a significant step in his solo career with the release of his first album, “Gypsy.” This self-written and self-produced masterpiece showcased Jim’s versatility as he sang and played twelve different instruments. “Gypsy” received critical acclaim, winning awards and recognition, including being selected as one of the top 25 albums worldwide by CBC Radio’s “Roots and Wings.”
The success of “Gypsy” caught the attention of Iona Records President, Ronnie Simpson, who signed Jim to a European record deal, making him the first solo Newfoundland artist to achieve this milestone.
Continuing his musical journey, Jim released his second solo album, “Friendly Fire,” in 2000. This eclectic album featured collaborations with renowned musicians such as Mary Jane Lamond. Jim’s ability to seamlessly blend various musical influences, from Gaelic words to Arabic chants, created a captivating and unique soundscape.
In 2002 and 2003, Jim brought together exceptional musicians from Newfoundland and St. Pierre et Miquelon for his project “MUSAIK, IN THIS WORLD.” This harmonious collaboration aimed to promote world peace by blending diverse styles such as North African Raai, Reggae, and Celtic music. Singing in English, Arabic, and French, Jim aimed to foster cross-cultural respect and tolerance.
Inspired by his musical travels to Ireland, Jim released his fourth album, “Midnight Rover,” in 2005. This enchanting album featured his signature Celtic sound while incorporating pop influences. Jim’s dedication to the music scene extended beyond his own creations, as he organized the first-ever Atlantic Crossroads Festival, showcasing the best of Irish and Newfoundland singers.
Returning to his reggae roots, Jim released “Revolution Time” in 2009. This thought-provoking album touched on a range of topics, from global warming to the impact of television, all conveyed with Fidler’s signature blend of information and humor. Each song presented diverse influences, including jazz and calypso, unified by a common thematic thread.
Jim’s discography continued to evolve with the release of “Up That River” in 2011, an eclectic mix of genres such as pop, blues, reggae, Celtic, Americana, and folk. And in November 2013, he unveiled his latest album, “RPM,” a record that Jim considers one of his career’s best. With a nostalgic nod to the 70s, the album exudes a joyful and carefree spirit, inviting listeners to experience the music on grand speakers. Ten years later, on December 8th 2023, Jim will unveil the follow up to RPM – RPM, Volume II, Ten Years later. He has planned a virtual launch, so be sure to get your tickets and a copy of the new album!
Ever the industrious artist, Jim is constantly creating, having already composed and produced music for several upcoming albums. With his musical prowess and unwavering dedication, Jim Fidler is an artist to watch, as he continues to captivate audiences with his boundless talent and innovative spirit. Stay tuned for more incredible music from this extraordinary musician.