Jim Hoke –The Floating Zone
Jim Hoke is one of those unsung, working musicians who often remain under the radar of the general public, but are well-known and respected by other musicians: Paul McCartney included Jim on four tracks of his latest album; Jim has worked with pretty much everybody: Billy Joel, Dolly Parton, Boz Scaggs, Buddy Guy, Steve Earle, Joan Baez and a long, long list of others. He has toured with Emmylou Harris and NRBQ; George Jones recorded one of Jim’s songs.
Jim’s latest album, “The Floating Zone” calls upon some of the notable performers with whom Jim has worked over the years —Duane Eddy, Terry Adams (of NRBQ fame) and John Oates all contribute, along with Austin Hoke, Jim’s son, who studied cello at Indiana University (where Janos Starker taught).
It’s hard to put your finger on exactly what’s going on here musically: if I had to put a label on it, I’d be tempted to describe it as ‘pop’ music from a different time, when songwriting was the key, and the players were often the best available. There’s doo-wop singing with great horn parts; there’s tuneful pieces that conjure up the era between old school rock and roll and the early days of The Beatles, pre-psychedelia. There’s that Philly soul sound of sweet balladeering and harmonies. And Jim’s pedal steel on some shimmering fills. (Jim taught himself to play pedal steel—do you know how difficult that instrument is to play, let alone to Nashville “session guy” standards?)
This is a buoyant mix of pop, rock and roll, soul and a little country twang. There are lots of hooks, but none of it sounds contrived—all these players know who they are, musically, and express their joy on the recording, which is abundant.
Many albums are assembled after a band has had time to rehearse, play the clubs and get things working in sync. Not here. Jim did the album first. Except for the strings and the three high profile cameo appearances, Jim plays everything, including bass and drums. Sort of like Roy Wood, Dave Edmunds or Todd Rundgren….
Once the album was done, Jim did a brief residency in a local club in Nashville to perform the album.
The songwriting is almost entirely Jim’s; and despite the modest budget and digital origins, it sounds great! Jim is promising to release the album on vinyl, but while we’re waiting, you can find it through Spotify, iTunes and the usual sources (or reach out to Jim for a silver disc). I’m really looking forward to this on LP. Here’s Jim’s website: jimhokemusic
bill hart
Austin, TX
March, 2019
All photos as credited, courtesy Jim Hoke
Sounds like Jim’s right up my alley, ay Bill?! Does he have distribution for the CD version of the album? I like to buy from a local record store when possible, but if not possible will order on line—Eric.
A copy (silver disc) is en route to you as we speak. I’m not sure what the details are on the vinyl, Eric, but will post once I know more. Yep on your sweet spot. Jim is such a pleasure to hear live. We were in Robert’s Western World some time ago to hear a Western Swing band, Jim jumped up on stage with a soprano sax and they switched to Ellington, old time country fiddler included! You guys have some overlap too– between your friends in Nashville and Jim’s work with Los Straightjackets, another ‘must see’ act whose stage schtick cannot disguise how good they are; when i first met Eddie Angel in NY and asked him if he knew Jim, I got the ‘we’re not worthy’ response ala Wayne’s World: Eddie and Jim had/have a band as well and he is a big fan of Jim’s as well.
These are the musicians who make the whole thing work in my estimation- those consummate players whose names aren’t as well known to the public but who are the ‘go-to’ musicians of choice for some of the biggest name talent on the planet. Of course, Paul McCartney could be wrong,…
Bill
Hi Bill, just want to let you know the Jim Hoke album has arrived. Thanks so much, I’ll give it a spin tomorrow (Friday). Last time I was in Roberts shop (a bassist friend of mine and I were thinking of moving to Austin and hiring ourselves out as a rhythm section) I bought myself a cool belt, but I don’t think it fits me anymore. I’ve gained 20 lbs in the past year, and it turns out my thyroid isn’t working at full power. I just started some medication which hopefully correct that situation. And I also can no longer fir into my Tony Lamas due to edema. This getting old thing (I’m 68) sucks!
I met Eddie when the friend above and I went on the cruise to Mexico The Straightjackets did with The Ventures (the first band I loved). The Jackets sounded fresh and energetic, The Ventures old and tired. Who could blame them?—Eric.