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Jim Whitley
Articles and Press
Jim Whitley “Beyond Control”
The Scene Magazine
When you think of the best guitar players in the world, who comes to mind? Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Ace Frehley, Eddie Van Halen? Yeah, those names come up quite a bit. Now, forget the world and think of Pennsylvania . . . who comes to mind? I’m sure we can all think of someone. But, one name that comes to mind for me is Jim Whitley, who most of you might know from the time he spent with Jesse. Well, here we are in the present and Jim Whitley is on his own with a band of his own. But, prior to hitting the club scene, he released his limited edition, twelve song, instrumental disc, with cover art by Tamera Goss, that highlights his six string talents. While Jim goes through a variety of different styles on this release, it’s obvious that he can play. But, if you really wanna see how well he can play, there is only one way to do that . . . go catch him live. His performing style can be described in one word . . . explosive. As far as this release, I feel the highlights are the more rockin’ tunes like “Movin’ Out,” “Bump & Grind,” and “Surfin’ The Mind.”Central PA - Jim Whitley
By Shel HoachlanderFor PA Musician
As a twenty-five year veteran in the music business, Jim Whitley is an accomplished musician with quite an impressive background. In addition to his exceptional guitar playing, Jim also displays his talents through the piano and keyboards; as well as writing and producing his own material. His current release, "Beyond Control" features a mix of various styles, all well written and performed. Backing Jim Whitley is Drummer Tommy Dai and Bassist Jon Williams. This is definitely a must have CD for anyone who appreciates the fine art of music. His published recordings span well over thirteen years and include such works as ‘Waves of Thunder’ released in 1989; ‘Whitley/Bias Christmas’ co-written with R.S. Bias; and ‘Experimental Messages’ an instrumental jazz/rock format.
Spotlight - Jim Whitley
By Paul AutryFor PA Rocks
Former Jesse guitarist Jim Whitley has a new CD out titled "Beyond Control" as well as a new band with former Bon Furher drummer Tommy Dai and bassist Jon Williams. "Beyond Control" is an instrumental solo release that shows how well Jim can play guitar. There's a wide variety of styles to be found here, not just the rock 'n' roll guitar madness that Jim's been known for. If you really wanna see that, you have to see the band live and, yes, it's very much a band effort. I caught the bands third live show and, for not being together all that long, they really have their act together. They're gonna go places and once the word gets out, I have no doubt in my mind that they're gonna be one of the most requested live acts in the state.
Spotlight - Jim Whitley
By Paul AutryFor PA Rocks
After spending the past few years playing guitar for the Sunbury based band Jesse, Jim Whitley, with a passion for doing original music, decided it was time to step out on his own. A short time later, he released "Beyond Control," a twelve song, instrumental album. On this release, Jim wrote, produced and performed everything on his own and, what can you expect to hear on this release? Well, bottom line is this, it's a guitar driven album because that's what Jim is known for. This release gives you a good idea of what he can do. But, in all honesty, if you really wanna see what Jim Whitley can do with a guitar, you have to see him in a live setting.
I saw him perform with Jesse a few times. I even walked about ten miles or so to a show because I couldn't get a ride. That's how bad I wanted to see this band and, if you ask me if it was worth it, I'd be quick to tell you that, yes, it was. Got to see a good show that night, got a shirt from the band, got drunk and the band was kind enough to make sure I got a ride home because I didn't have one of those either. Okay, so it wasn't one of the brightest things I ever did. But, when I wanna go to a show, I do what I have to do to get there.
I recently got to see Jim Whitley perform at Whitey's Hotel, between Treverton and Sunbury, with his new band. No, I didn't walk to this show although this was the same place that I did walk to when he was in Jesse. Anyway, this was the third show with his new band, which features former Bon Fuhrer drummer Tommy Dai and bassist Jon Williams. They performed a mixture of original material and good old rock 'n' roll, with that "guitar madness" that Jim Whitley is known to perform. The crowd was a bit disappointing, but, that's what this area is known for. I've been to a lot of different shows at a few different places and people just don't seem to show up. There's some lazy ass people in Northumberland County, that's for sure. These people need to wake up and smell the coffee. I could rant and rave on this subject, but, I won't go into it here. But, I will say this, they missed one hell of a performance. The crowd was disappointing, but, the show itself was the total opposite. Jim, Tommy and Jon work real well together on stage and they give it their all for each and every song. It's good to see a band that can actually put on a show without worrying about their image, which a lot of bands out there are guilty of...and I'm sure we don't need to mention any names. Clothes don't make a good band, people...remember that. It's the music, that's what's important.
While the band goes under Jim Whitley's name, this is not a solo project. This is very much a band effort here, which Jim was quick to point out. It's all about making good music and having fun, which is something Tommy mentioned to me in a conversation we had in between sets. I can't remember exactly what he said, but, it was something about how he was having a great time in this band and the word "fun" was mentioned numerous times. I do remember that much.
All in all, I would suggest keeping an eye on these guys. Like I said, this was only their third show together and they've already got it going on. An album is in the works and I believe we'll see a new release from them by the end of the year. So, it'll be good to see how they grow and progress as time goes by. Gotta catch them live when you can, people! I'm already making plans to attend their next show in my area, which I believe will be at Studio 15 in Selingsgrove. Not exactly sure of the date yet, but, I'll be there.
Whitley makes his guitar sing
By Paul AutryFor The Daily Item
Having started his musical career 25 years ago, Jim Whitley is a show business veteran. Many people consider him a rock guitarist, but a closer look into his career reveals a lot of musical variety and creativity.
His current solo release, "Beyond Control," for example, is an instrumental album that reflects the end result of mixing rock, fusion, jazz, and plain old "guitar madness" as he discribes it, into a huge melting pot and then firing up the electronic mixer.
"This album is very personal to me," said Whitley, who will be performing at 10 p.m. Saturday at Whitey’s Hotel, located along Rout 890 between Sunbury and Treverton. "A lot of my influences are people like Frank Zappa, Steve Vai, and Joe Satriani," he said. "With all the changes that music has gone through over the years, in my opinion, nobody really respects guitar players anymore. At least not at the level they once used to, you know?"
"But, for me, I really enjoy composing music and I don’t believe there has to be vocals to sing words. I think a guitar can do the same thing. You can make that instrument speak and that’s what I was trying to do here," he said.
Prior to this release, Whitley spent a number of years as a member of the long-running, Sunbury based band Jesse, which is known for their explosive live performances. In 1994, the band released the concept album "Confessions Of Innocence," which was written by Whitley. The "sequel" to this release is, for the most part, written. If and when it will see the light of day remains to be seen.
With a growing passion for original music, Whitley departed from Jesse and set his sights on writing the next chapter in his already lengthy career. Much to his suprise, it didn’t take long to find the musicians who would help to make his new vision a reality.
With guitar in hand, Whitley appeared at an open mic night in Harrisburg where he met former Bon Fuhrer drummer Tommy Dai. The two performed together that night and they managed to instantly click. Shortly after that meeting, Dai would bring some of Whitley’s song Ideas to the attention of bassist Jon Williams, who was quickly impressed with what he heard and the line up was complete.
While "Beyond Control" is a solo release, Whitley was quick to point out that this new project is very much a band effort and the members are all in agreement that the most important part of their union is the original music they’re creating.
Looking past his solo release, Whitley states, "There’s plenty of vocal stuff going on and a lot of the material we’re doing in the show now will be released on CD this fall. It’s a Blues Rock sound with a lot of guitar work, of course. It’s a cross between Steve Vai and ZZ Top."
With plenty of material to work with and a mere two shows under their belt, the band is gearing up to become a full time touring project, one that’s not limited to the local area. Numerous shows are being set up in Harrisburg, Maryland, Virginia and Ney York, as well as local appearances.
"The ultimate goal, really, is to get out there and touch as many people as we possibly can with original music," he said. "There’s a lot of statements to be made. I write about situations, if you will. Even though they might be ficticious in my mind, a lot of people can relate to them. That’s why we want to bring this material to the public and we’ll do whatever we possibly can to make that happen and we’ll go anywhere we have to go in order to do it."
North Central
by Keith Hummelfor The Pennsylvania Musician
. . . Jim Whitley sent me his new CD, "Beyond Control". Jim has a power trio put together with Jim on guitar, Tommy Dai on drums, and Jon Williams on Bass. "Beyond Control" is a mix of rock, fusion, jazz and plain old guitar maddness only Jim can do.
Local dates for Jim and the band are April 6th at Studio 15 in Selinsgrove, April 19th at Shade Mt. Inn Middleburg, Whitey's Hotel on April 20th outside Sunbury, and The Midtown Tavern April 26th in Harrisburg.
You remember Jim's stinging guitar when he was with Jesse, now hear Jim 'live' and on fire when he goes out of control this month.