In a new interview with Jason Barnard from The Strange Brew, Jim McCarty delves into the creative process behind his second solo album, “Sitting on The Top of Time.” As a musician who drew significant inspiration from his experiences in Renaissance and Illusion, McCarty shares his personal connection to the album’s profound lyrical themes. Recorded in Canada during breaks from Yardbirds tours, this captivating album originally released in 2009 is being reissued.
What was happening in the run up to “Sitting on The Top of Time”?
The recording was a bit of a gamble; I was friendly with Ron Korb, the flautist, who was in Toronto, and it suited me to spend some time there between US tours of the Yardbirds. Ron introduced me to some very good musicians, and I prepared all the songs at my home in France.
Did your previous bands, Renaissance and Illusion, influence the album’s musical direction?
The music from “Sitting on the Top of Time” (I thought the title was apt for a drummer!) was very much similar to the Renaissance and Illusion feeling, based around keyboards, but with Ron Korb playing flute also. I made sure the sound would suit my voice!
Did your interest in Buddhism and spirituality inform its lyrical content, could you explain the significance of the title track?
Yes, I was at that time following a Buddhist Llama, and had made, with my wife, Elisabeth, several pilgrimages to India and nearby territories.
“Living From the Inside Out” and “Sitting on the Top of Time” were songs with a more spiritual leaning, as I was very interested in living in the present moment, a theme taken up by some modern teachers like Ekhart Tolle.
Can you share some insights into the studio sessions and recording process in Toronto?
I was also interested in Toronto as I liked the music of Loreena McKennit, and I knew Donald Quan, George Koller (bass) and Anne Bourne (Cello and vocals) had all worked with her. An additional story, to do with my father and Toronto, is outlined in my book “Nobody Told Me”.
The sessions all fitted in according to my time and budget. We did a few songs each time, and I will always remember the first ever session, where we recorded 5 songs at Donald Quan’s studio in downtown Toronto.
It was very exciting for me that they turned out so well; I was quite mind blown when I showed Donald the theme for “Shangri- La” and he did his own arrangement! I had visited the place, Shangri-La on a pilgrimage in China. I thought Toronto at that time had the feeling of 60’s London, with a lot of good things going on musically.
I went on to record another album “Walking in the Wild Land” in Toronto with Terry Brown producing. This has just been re-released on Demon Records as a download, with a single to come.
How did Steve Hackett’s involvement in the album come about, how much have you worked with him and what did he bring to the project?
I was quite friendly with Steve Hackett (he had played on the Box of Frogs). When we finished “Living from the Inside Out” I thought it lacked something, and had the idea of a major guitar solo at the end of the song. Steve certainly delivered!
What inspired you to reissue the album in 2023?
It was really an idea by Peter Muir, as I think the album still stands up today, and a lot of my work gets overlooked. I think the bonus tracks from 2014 which were added for the reissue also still stand up and make for a nice collection.
What are your plans for the rest of the year?
I am off next week (8 June 2023) to play at a tribute show for Top Topham, the original lead guitarist for the Yardbirds.
Further information
Jim McCarty ‘Sitting on The Top of Time’ reissue will be available digitally from 9 June 2023.
Jim McCarty 2017 Strange Brew Podcast
Jim McCarty 2021 Strange Brew Podcast
Interview with Jim on Walking in the Wild Land and Nobody Told Me
This is wonderful. Any chance getting Paul Samwell-Smith into a convo yet? Cheers MM