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| Jim Gilmour of Saga being interviewed by T-Mak World in Toronto |
Jul 22 2012 – Saga has been on our radar a lot lately. We were the first to interview their new drummer Mike Thorne here, we gave the band’s new CD entitled 20/20 an in depth review, and we were at the Sound Academy in Toronto to review their 20/20 CD Release Party concert. Saga is without a doubt one of the best rock bands to have come out of the Toronto area. While Rush is the most commercially successful, Saga has had a career that most bands can only dream of. Since 1977 they have produced 20 studio albums and have sold over 8 million albums (while obtaining Platinum and Gold status). In Germany they are a big draw and often sell out all their shows there. Their album World’s Apart which features On The Loose and Wind Him Up is one of the best progressive rock albums of all time and has withstood the test of time very nicely.
On Friday July 20th we had the privilege of interviewing keyboardist and occasional vocalist Jim Gilmour (aka Daryl Gilmour) just ahead of the previously mentioned 20/20 CD Release Party in Toronto. Jim’s website gives us the following biographical information:
Jim Gilmour was born in Carfin, Scotland, but his musical journey began in Canada at the age of nine when he got his first instrument, the accordion. With the spotlight of the world stage shining in his direction, Jim responded by competing in several accordion competitions in North America, where he once finished in second place.
With a passion for learning and performing music, Jim diversified his interests, and at age 17, he began taking lessons and practicing the piano and the clarinet. Around the same time, he was enrolled in the faculty of music program at the University of Toronto and attending opera school. Little did he know what was around the corner – a dream come true.
Inspired by Eddie Jobson of the progressive rock band UK, Jim bought his first synthesizer – a Yamaha CS-80. After a brief stint as the lead vocalist/keyboardist in a Prog -Jazz quintet that featured the songs of Gentle Giant and Steely Dan, Jim was asked to join the Canadian band SAGA. Eager to demonstrate his abilities, he entered the studio and added his signature playing style to the group’s third album “Silent Knight”. Not bad for a guy in his early 20’s.
Jim’s first performance with SAGA was before a sold out audience of fans, friends and family at the legendary Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto. To avoid confusion onstage with fellow band mate Jim Crichton, Jim was nicknamed Daryl after the Canadian ice hockey legend Daryl Sittler – the former captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Here is a YouTube video of T-Mak World‘s interview with Saga’s Jim Gilmour in Toronto Canada.
Thanks again for the time Jim – great interview!