What is your name and role within the band?
My name is Jim Avett and I am the band! 90% of my gigs I do solo. I do hire a couple of other musicians when the stage is large and I need a fuller sound… like festivals.
How did you start?
Have played music since age 6 when I started on piano.
Where are you based?
Concord, North Carolina USA.
Please give an example of your music writing process?
Songs for me can start with an idea for the lyrics side or with a tune on the music side. The mechanics or the structure of songs for me comes from the influence of mainly country and gospel songs heard in the 60’s and 70’s which is verse, verse, chorus, verse ( or some minor variation of that.)
What are you working on right now?
Songwriters always have a stack of songs in varying degrees of finished product and less! I have at this time enough songs to do a couple of albums. Am considering returning to the studio one more time to make another album.
What is your gear setup?
I play an acoustic vintage Martin or Gibson Guitar which is wired for sound. That and a vocal mic are my requirements!
What do you like to do outside of music and does it affect your music?
I am still active on the farm we own. It gives me peace and a chance to think without interference.
How would you describe your music genre?
Probably progressive country and Americana.
Do you know any music theory?
Yes. Some. Am limited in the guitar but my strong point is experience and storytelling.
What are your plans for the future?
I’m 70 yrs old… I plan to enjoy the life I have left! And I am!
How did you get into music?
Music is important in every life as the parts fit exactly and teach patterns. Like mathematics. My mother (a concert pianist) and father (a Methodist minister) knew the value of their children knowing music.
What are you listening to at the moment?
Not a lot as I don’t want other music interfering with a song I’m trying to write. When I listen to other’s music it’s usually songs from the 50s, 60s, or 70s. Usually master storytellers. I am most interested in ballads.
Who are your top 5 influences and icons?
Tom T Hall, Merle Haggard, Ian Tyson, Gordon Lightfoot, Hank Williams.
When are you playing next?
I just finished 4 shows in 8 days which were 1500 miles apart. I do 40-50 shows a year. Next up will be a couple of shows (one in Raleigh NC, the other in Atlanta Ga). Then toward the end of June I do a show in Nashville, one in Glen Rock Wyoming, one in Denver…
Please feel free to include any extra info.
New Jim Avett and Family album “For His Children and Ours” out now!
https://www.facebook.com/JimAvettMusic/
https://www.instagram.com/ohwelljim/
