the james clark institute
Toronto, Ontario, Canada | Established. Jan 01, 2008 | SELF
Music
Press
“really impressed by his (James Clark) songwriting. His lyrics are absolutely amazing.” – Producer Moe Berg. - Moe Berg - Producer, Musician, Writer.
“really impressed by his (James Clark) songwriting. His lyrics are absolutely amazing.” – Producer Moe Berg. - Moe Berg - Producer, Musician, Writer.
“Led by Toronto singer/songwriter James Clark, The JCI mix pop and folk stylings into their melodic rock sound. Early Elvis Costello is one reference point. He has found an ideal foil in producer Moe Berg (The Pursuit Of Happiness), who also plays lead guitar on these two primo cuts.” – Kerry Doole, NewCanadianMusic.ca. - NewCanadianMusic.ca
“Led by Toronto singer/songwriter James Clark, The JCI mix pop and folk stylings into their melodic rock sound. Early Elvis Costello is one reference point. He has found an ideal foil in producer Moe Berg (The Pursuit Of Happiness), who also plays lead guitar on these two primo cuts.” – Kerry Doole, NewCanadianMusic.ca. - NewCanadianMusic.ca
“a wealth of songwriting talent.” – Michael Williams, Cashbox Canada Magazine. - Cashbox Canada Magazine.
“a wealth of songwriting talent.” – Michael Williams, Cashbox Canada Magazine. - Cashbox Canada Magazine.
“Sounds Like: Classic Canadian storytelling…” Larry Loonsteen– alancross.ca. - alancross.ca
“Sounds Like: Classic Canadian storytelling…” Larry Loonsteen– alancross.ca. - alancross.ca
“This is classic songwriting in the Elvis Costello tradition. Sharp, polished lyrics wrapped in wistful longing music…I’m sorry NewMusic Ten is only offering 2 tunes. Guess that’s what the repeat button is for!” – Sammy Younan, NewMusicTen.com. - NewMusicTen.com
“This is classic songwriting in the Elvis Costello tradition. Sharp, polished lyrics wrapped in wistful longing music…I’m sorry NewMusic Ten is only offering 2 tunes. Guess that’s what the repeat button is for!” – Sammy Younan, NewMusicTen.com. - NewMusicTen.com
"On Sideshow Unattraction, James Clark, namesake singer-songwriter for Toronto folk-rock outfit The James Clark Institute, laments loss and heartbreak with a style reminiscent of Neil Young or REM. In such songs as the Thailand-laden imagery of "Bettie Page Rides A Donkey" he excels with lyrical passion and clarity: This guy should start writing a novel."
- Karen Bliss
Freelance Music Journalist - Karen Bliss
"...a witty, concise and sometimes acerbic lyricist with moving, memorable and often hilarious songs".
- Blair Packham - Singer/songwriter/composer/producer/educator. - Blair Packham
Brilliantly written acoustic born alternative pop/rock songs expertly performed with little touches of superbly realized Squeeze/Costello/Finn style production affluence just about sums up this astonishing album from what I consider to be one of Canada's finest and highly individual songwriters.
- Colin Lynch
- RCAT International Online Music Magazine
Clark's deceptively merry way of relaying (his) stories feels like a catch-up with a lovely offbeat cousin. Ultimately a storyteller, Clark seems to have found a creative niche to please those who like their singer/songwriters a little off-centre. - Narelle Jackson - Freelance Music Reviewer, New Zealand
Brilliantly written acoustic born alternative pop/rock songs expertly performed with little touches of superbly realized Squeeze/Costello/Finn style production affluence just about sums up this astonishing album from what I consider to be one of Canada's finest and highly individual songwriters.
- Colin Lynch
- RCAT International Online Music Magazine
Discography
2013 - the james clark institute 7" vinyl single.
2011 - Son of a Sideshow
2008 - Sideshow Unattraction
2004 - Home is Where the Heart Attack is
Photos
Bio
With a wink and a nod to the Clarke Institute of Psychiatry in Toronto (now CAMH), The James Clark Institute is the musical guise for its lead singer and songwriter James Clark. Confronting the ghosts of his past, James spins his personal demons into witty, well-crafted pop-rock tunes.
Clark began his music career as a drummer in various bands around Toronto, such as garage/surf band The Sintones (1998-2004), all the while secretly developing his own song writing skills.
With inspirations like Elvis Costello, Ray Davies, and Warren Zevon and with comparisons to John Lennon, The Beatles and Bob Dylan, James established The James Clark Institute project in 2004. His debut 7 song EP release, “Home is Where the Heart Attack is” went on to chart on campus radio across Canada. The CD reached number three on the pop album charts on MP3.com.au (based in Australia).
2008’s ‘Sideshow Unattraction’ (distributed by U.S. label Not Lame Recordings until its demise in 2011) also charted on Canadian campus radio and its fourth track “Monstrous” was chosen to be included in the 2011 Jack Vero directed, independent film ‘Cherries and Clover’.
In the fall of 2012, iconic Canadian singer, songwriter, producer Moe Berg (The Pursuit of Happiness) produced and played on two new songs – “Company Hearse” and “I Don’t Leave The Radio On Anymore” – for The James Clark Institute, and a sparkly new independent 7” vinyl record featuring these two songs saw the light in June 2013.
The JCI’s current live line up consists of James: vocals, guitar and harmonica; Chris Bennett: guitars, vocals; Jeff Dunk: bass; Greg Condie: keys, vocals and Gord Fynes: drums. Past shows have included stops in New York City and Chicago. James also continues to play numerous intimate solo acoustic shows.
The James Clark Institute is currently in pre-production with Moe Berg once again for the next record release slated for 2015.
Contact:
Laurie Lockhart
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Band Members
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