*Remembering James Dewar*

[ramseybella]

I know! I seem to be on a Nostalgia kick with the 70’s Rock N Roll, I went through my old record collection a couple days ago and remembered when they where once the most important thing on the face of the planet besides the Playboy mags!! (<:}
Big Muffy Pioneer Headphones Please and a 100watt Sansui Power Amp!!

I was and still am one of the biggest Robin Trower Fanatics; I saw Trower on the Bridge of Sighs tour and was flattened by his style.
But as I started listening to Robin Trowers Albums all the way up to in City Dreams, I noticed the powerful and soulful voice of James Dewar not for his bass playing but his unbelievable voice that fit Robin Trowers style like a Latex glove!!
After that band disbanded I never listened to Trower again other than when Davy Patteson started fronting for Trower, he was good and I know Dewar and him was Mates but never again will we here James Dewar’s vocals again.
When I found out he passed away a few years ago I was totally floored he was one of my big vocal influences for many years the guy had a voice like a Fender Jazz Bass Sweet and Clear but with a growl.

[Heather Anne Peel]

'70s Trower was awesome!

[ramseybella]

Originally Posted by Heather Anne Peel

'70s Trower was awesome!

Sad to say but Trower just never picked up the ball after Dewar,
Just lost the wind in his sails.
His early 80's stuff was well OK!!

[trag-o-caster]

Much underrated vocalist. He's right up there with Paul Rodgers in my book.

He was also a member of Stone the Crows before Trower.

[Heather Anne Peel]

Yeah, I did like those two BLT albums, "BLT" and "Truce". Of course, he was working with JACK BRUCE!

[denny]

He was *THE* most impressive vocalist I have heard live. I saw RT twice ... the first time to see Robin Trower, the second to hear James Dewar again. Truly amazing. The recordings are a pale representation of the power of his voice. If you never heard him live, imagine his recorded voice with twice the presence and power blowing you back in your seat at stadium volume level.

He is truly missed.

denny

[thunderbyrd]

i always thought James Dewar was one of the greatest singers i ever heard. And no, Trower has never meant as much to me without him.

RIP, James.

[markophonic]

I can still remember the day I bought "Robin Trower Live". Me and a buddy rode the bus uptown and each bought it.

I used to marvel and his pedals!

[fierce_carrot]

Dewar had the distinction of having a voice that actually FIT the music and made it unique. Every band out there hopes to find a vocalist that can do the same for them. He was the perfect match for Trower just as Danny Joe Brown was for Molly Hatchett.

[maestrovert]

confirmed Trower freak here also.....i was priviliged to see them on 7 different occasions.....

i'm listening to "Sailing" from "Long Misty Days" as i type this......and shedding a quiet tear as well....
Aye Jimmy, we miss ye !

[trag-o-caster]

Somewhere on the net there's an interview with James as he lay in the hospital. Apparently, he'd gone in for some kind of routine minor surgery when something (I can't remember what) went way wrong, and he ended up paralyzed and spent many years like that before he eventually passed away. So very very sad indeed.

If anyone could find that, please put up a link - or I will if time permits.

BTW - He recorded a solo album that wasn't released until several years after it was recorded. I've never heard, or even seen it.

One of the greatest of rock and roll tragedies.

[ramseybella]

This will fill your plate and then some check out this link at bottom, may tear you up Boys!!


http://members.shaw.ca/stevesplace/DewarInterview.htm

[ramseybella]

And for SMO! http://members.shaw.ca/incitydreams/JDinmemory.htm

[trag-o-caster]

Thanks for posting that. I guess I got my facts wrong, but still - what a terrible tragedy to happen to such a wonderful talent.