Jim Pembroke
4-17-08 Jim Pembroke
Also known as the voice of Wigwam – a British Singer-Songwriter living in
CD CORPORAL CAULIFLOWER'S MENTAL FUNCTION LOVE FIN LRCD 214
LP CORPORAL CAULIFLOWER'S MENTAL FUNCTION LOVE FIN LRLP 214
CD FLAT BROKE EMI EU 526321.2
LP FLAT BROKE PARLOPHONE FIN 9C 062-38389
CD HOT THUMBS O'RILEY LOVE FIN LRCD 52
LP HOT THUMBS O'RILEY CHARISMA
LP HOT THUMBS O'RILEY LOVE FIN LRLP 52
CD PARTY UPSTAIRS JOHANNA FIN JHNCD 2039
LP PARTY UPSTAIRS JOHANNA FIN JHN 2039
CD PIGWORM LOVE FIN LRCD 103
LP PIGWORM LOVE
I first heard of Jim Pembroke / Wigwam by hearing “Frederick & Bill” from “Tombstone Valentine” on the FM radio – about 1970 / 71. It was fairly easy to find the American double LP – it was the only thing Wigwam ever had released in the
Next time I crossed paths with Wigwam was when they were having records released in
Well, I mail-ordered “Hot Thumbs… / Wicked Ivory” (1972), “Pigworm” (1974) and (eventually) “Corporal Cauliflower’s mental Function” (1977) (a trophy album). “Corporal Cauliflower…” really spoke to me. Really. In fact, I went to
I most certainly wrote a fan letter to Mr. Pembroke, and sent it to him via Love Records in
Mr. Pembroke continues to front a re-formed Wigwam – but sadly, no more solo records for over 25 years. “Party Upstairs” (1981) was his last solo album. I found some of his work on Pedro’s Heavy Gentlemen LP’s – I don’t even know if those albums are on CD or not (“Nuclear Dustman” is the song I remember). Only Pembroke solo album I haven’t mentioned is “Flat Broke” (1980) – I have both an LP & CD of it, so must plan on listening to it again sometime soon.
Thanks for the music, Sir! How ‘bout another solo album someday?
Labels: Trophy Album
posted by Ron Kane @ 6:51 AM
2 Comments:
i have discovered wigwam & jim pembroke's lp's quite recently. his songwriting is just amazing & i can't believe that he isn't recognised more for what he has done - same old story i guess but his words & their music have brought me so much pleasure.
i have managed to track down cd's of most of his solo stuff & the wigwam catalog, which is thankfully still available.
what a load of genius :)
thank you jim & wigwam for all of the wonderful sounds over the years
In about 1981 or 1982, I was introduced to the music of Jim Pembroke and Wigwam. The friend who turned me on to this music, Jim DeRigne, along with Rick Chafen, arranged for Jim to perform in Lawrence, Kansas in the early 80s. The comment about the phone call from Kansas City, MO made me think this is when, and why, he was there! My friend shared a compilation he had made of Jim's music. It is a superb overview with songs from all the solo LPs. Meanwhile, I became caught up with the Finnish progressive jazz/rock of Pekka Pohjola and Jukka Tolonen and some of the others on Love Records from Finland. Loved all of that, and kind of neglected Jim. Now, 30 years later, I am rediscovering and really "getting" Jim's talent as songwriter, singer, arranger, etc. How has he remained under the radar for such a long time? I guess if you don't release any new music for 30 years, people forget. A damn shame. The songs are so moving--Kite, Nuclear Nightclub, the Nuclear Dustman's Ball, 4 Million Telephones; so many great songs.
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