Jim Moray

Infobox musical artist
Name = Jim Moray


Img_capt = Jim Moray
Background = vocal_instrumentalist
Born = birth date and age|1981|08|20|df=y flagicon|UKMacclesfield, United Kingdom
Died =
Origin =
Instrument = Voice, Piano, Guitars, drums, Bass and Programming
Genre = Folk Folk rock
Occupation =
Years_active =
Associated_acts =
Notable_instruments =

Jim Moray is an English singer, multi-instrumentalist and record producer.

Performer

While studying classical composition at the Birmingham Conservatoire he released the home-recorded "I Am Jim Moray" EP. During 2002 he appeared at the Glastonbury festival and the Cambridge Folk Festival gaining notice in the music press. A nomination for the "Horizon Award" at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards 2003 followed before he began work on his first full length album, "Sweet England". The album was recorded in his bedroom while completing his final year of study. During this time Moray toured with Oysterband.

"Sweet England" was released in June 2003 on his own Niblick Is A Giraffe record label. Over the next year Moray toured internationally visiting Canada, Australia, Belgium, France, Italy, Spain and Portugal. He also completed two headline tours of the UK and supported Richard Thompson and Will Young. Moray's vocal style has been described as "Will Young meets Seth Lakeman".

At the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards in 2004 he was presented with the Album of the Year Award for "Sweet England" and the Horizon Award for best newcomer. He was also nominated twice in the Best Traditional Song category for "Early One Morning" and "Lord Bateman".

Moray recorded and released the single "Sprig of Thyme" in May 2004, and in the autumn appeared on the Oysterband's "Big Session Volume 1" album. This gained yet more Folk Award nominations in 2005, including one for "Cuckoo's Nest", which was sung, produced and mixed by Moray.

After a long gestation period, Moray's eponymous second album was released on 1 May 2006. Moving away from the electronic sound of "Sweet England" it features a more orchestral sound and denser song structures.

On 6 July 2007, The Independent featured "Sweet England" in its 'Cult Classic' series, affirming its impact and influence on the modern folk scene.

Jim Moray's third album, "Low Culture" was released on 14 July 2008. On this album Jim makes use of African kora, the melodeon and mandolin and mbira thumb-piano.

Producer

During 2005 Moray produced and performed on James Raynard's debut album "Strange Histories", released in September 2005 on One Little Indian records.

In 2008 he wrote and produced the song "The Wishfulness Waltz" for his sister Jackie Oates' second album "The Violet Hour" [ [http://www.bbc.co.uk/devon/content/articles/2008/01/31/jackie_oates_feature.shtml Jackie's Violet Hour] . BBC Devon website. Created 31 January 2008, last updated 10 April 2008. Accessed 27 September 2008.] , as well as playing all the instruments on the track.

Discography

*"I Am Jim Moray EP" (2001)
*"Sweet England" (2003)
*"Sprig Of Thyme (single)" (2004)
*"Jim Moray" (2006)
*"Low Culture" (2008)

as guest:-
*"Glance"*- Rose Kemp (piano and programming) (2003) - Rose Kemp later provided additional vocals for the album "Jim Moray"
*"Big Session Vol. 1"* - Oysterband (vocal/guitar/piano and production/mixing) (2004)
*"Strange Histories"* - James Raynard (production/mixing and vocal/bouzouki/concertina/piano) (2005)
*"The Violet Hour"* Jackie Oates (production/song-writing and guitar/tenor guitar/double bass/drums/piano on the track "The Wishfulness Waltz")

References

External links

* [http://www.jimmoray.co.uk www.jimmoray.co.uk]
* [http://www.myspace.com/jimmoray MySpace profile]