Jim Stärk

The classical art of songwriting never goes out of fashion, especially
not when it's performed with nerve and soul. Unique music goes right
into your heart and stays there. Jim Stärk have delivered this kind
of music for a long time, and after a short break to catch their breath,
they're back with new and exciting material. February 4th the band
releases its latest single, "True Story", an uptempo song that may be
rooted in earlier achievments, but looks ahead. Once again, Jim Stärk is
poised to share their unique music with the rest of the world.
"True Story" is produced by drum virtuoso Martin Horntveth of Jaga
Jazzist fame and recorded by Lars Voldsdal in his Velvet Recording
Studio in Spydeberg. The mix is by Geroge Tanderø of Living Room. The
song is a sample of what's to be excpexted from Jim Stärk's newest
album, slated for relase in June. A catchy guitar tune accompanied by
fine tuned bells and Einar Stokke Fadnes' well-known vocals as the given
midpoint, there's no mistaking this: Jim Stärk is back with a bang.
Named for James Deans pivotal role in "Rebel Without a Cause", Jim Stärk
was founded by Fadnes and bass player Inge Sørbrøden in 2001. The debut
album "Ten Songs and Hey Hey" shook the music scene in Norway to elated
reviews. A distinctive mix of folk, pop and rock this accessible, yet
sophisticated music was nominated for the two most prestigious prizes in
Norway.
The second album, "No Time Wasted" was another step in the right
direction, but the real breakthrough came in 2004, when the EP "Morning
Songs" catapulted Jim Stärk to everlasting fame. It remains the
bestselling EP in Norwegian history. "Morning Songs" went platinum and
made its debut on the top of the bestseller lists. The next album,
simply named "Jim Stärk", shot straight to second place on the lists and
sold to platiunum as well.
Having played more than 120 gigs in Norway, the band went to Brazil for
new inspiration and recorded the song "It's All Right", once again doing
well on the lists and in airplay. The last album so far, "Turn Around
and Look" from 2006 was once again nominated for the prestigious
"Spellemann" prize, and the band toured with an astonishing setup: a
nine piece big band with some of the most renowned Norwegian jazz
musicians. This audacious project drew crowds both at
festivals and club concerts. Having published four albums and one EP in
the course of only four years, Jim Stärk took a well-deserved break.
That hiatus is over now. In February one of Norway's leading ensembles
is back with a song that makes an impact. Again, the classical art of
songwriting never goes out of fashion, and Jim Stärk is living proof.