James Prime, Deacon Blue

Jim Prime has been Deacon Blue’s keyboard player for decades, and that alone is a great reason to spend some serious time with him. Add in his other playing credits with other artists (John Martyn, Johnny Hallyday), his sense of humour and some of the best anecdotes we’ve heard, and you’ve got an interview for the ages. To listen / watch: * Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or: * Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):   Jim in recent action and a tour of his keyboard rig Deacon Blue in full flight live Jim’s musical upbringing Park Lane Studios Glasgow Altered Images – Don’t Talk To Me About Love Taking two Oberheim OB-X synths on tour Learning how a show works thanks to community theatre Working with John Martyn Fear, alcohol and drugs: leaving the music industry Meeting Ricky Ross and formation of Deacon Blue Dealing with fear and imposter syndrome Deacon Blue – Dignity The power of collaboration to defeat procrastination Getting back to basics and being inspired by traditional Scottish music Margaret Urlich – Number One Working with ‘France’s Elvis’, Johnny Hallyday Jim playing live with, and being introduced by Johnny Hallyday Working on The Big Picnic (watch it here) Teaching at the University of the West of Scotland Reminiscence bump Tag a Keyboard Player: Chuck Leavell, Dave Stewart Desert Island Discs: Aja – Steely Dan, The Best of Earth, Wind & Fire Vol. 1 – Earth Wind & Fire, Second Helping – Lynyrd Skynyrd, Blue – Joni Mitchell, The Last Record Album – Little Feat. Key links: Buy some keyboard related merchandise Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Threads,