"Waltz to the Sea" reflects Jim's wide-ranging musical interests and eclectic sources. Original songs, traditional and contemporary melodies from Argentina, Spain, Scotland and the Appalachians are performed with a variety of instruments that include cedar flute, Appalachian dulcimer, accordion, guitar and piano.
"Waltz to the Sea" opens with an original song for cedar flute, and continues with a traditional Celtic tune performed on Appalachian dulcimer. The CD also includes an Appalachian dulcimer medley of traditional tunes and songs by Stephen Foster. A cedar flute rendition of "West Virginia Hills," the state song is a tribute to Jim's grandmother, who lived in West Virginia for 94 years until her recent passing.
The dulcimer and cedar flute are instruments Jim plays in his work at the University of California San Francisco Helen Diller Cancer Center, where for the past fifteen years he has performed original and traditional music for patients, staff and visitors. See 'stories'.
"Saga of the Tamale," one of four original vocal tracks, adds a delicious twist to the holiday tradition of making and gifting homemade tamales. Other original vocal tracks include "Beach Glass Ballade," "Autumn Again," and the title track "Waltz to the Sea." "Follow the Heron," by Karine Polwart, a young Scottish singer-songwriter honors the return of spring to the Shetland Islands with its beautiful imagery.
Two beautiful tangos by Carlos Gardel and a traditional flamenco fandango are arranged for solo piano, reflecting Jim's years of training in classical piano and flamenco dance. A jota from northern Spain is played on accordion with castanet accompaniment. The accordion is an instrument on which Jim has performed for over twenty years, playing a repertoire of tunes from around the world and at festivals and parties, and in his many appearances as Jimbo the Musical Clown.