"Very impressed...you'll want to listen to it again and again...(Howie) has paid his dues and has not lost his touch." - Western Swing Music Society 2009
Canada’s Howie James (Nanaimo, BC) has recorded his first album of all original music entitled Don’t Be Ashamed. At 75 years young this came as a bit of a surprise to friends and family who figured the old crooner was done with making any major musical moves. And while it’s true that this legendary Vancouver nightclub singer only ever played covers in his time, something changed this last year and Howie started laying down some classic tracks of his own. This 14 song collection of jazz, roots, gospel, rock and a little bossa nova is already sounding like timeless standards, with songs of love and faith that will make you feel you’ve known this smooth entertainer from way back.  Howie wrote every song himself, singing each track with passion and wit, while playing his fabulous vintage Gibson guitar with all the skill and subtlety the years have bestowed upon him. Much like his heroes Tony Bennett and Frank Sinatra, he couldn’t help but make a crowd pleasing album with a little something something for everyone. The result is an honest and inspired masterpiece. Or as Howie puts it - ‘This disc really swings!’
Don’t Be Ashamed also features guest spots from some pretty top talent including John Sheard (CBC’s Vinyl Cafe) on piano, Anne Lindsay (Blue Rodeo, John McDermot) on the violin, Tom Keenlyside (Dizzy Gillespie, Tom Jones, Diana Krall) on sax, Wes Wraggett (VCM Faculty) on guitar, and a genetically talented one-man band on pretty much everything else; ex-Toronto singer songwriter Reid Jamieson. Rather a family affair, the record was produced by Reid; Howie’s great-nephew, who just moved to Howie’s old stomping grounds in Vancouver and couldn’t help but get inspired by the musical rebirth of his ‘brother in song’. This meeting of the musical mojo will culminate in a once in a lifetime show at Hermann’s Jazz Club on Saturday February 2nd, 2008. The last time they played together at the Queen Mother a year previous; was a standing room only success that surely inspired this new opus. You won’t want to miss Howie’s big moment in the spotlight, so book yourself a comfy seat now. Proceeds from the door to local charities.
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DON’T BE ASHAMED
Don’t be ashamed to tell me
You made a mistake
I’ve made a few my friend
Stretched out too far
And you got lost in the race
Tried to change your luck
Now you got egg on your face
But only fools and dead men never try
And mister you ain’t livin’
Till you learn how to cry
So don’t be ashamed to tell me
You made a mistake
I understand my friend
Don’t be ashamed to tell me
You blew it again
Life seems to be that way
Just when you think
You’ve got the world by the tail
Something’ comes along
And takes the wind from your sail
But only fools and dead men never try
And mister you ain’t livin’
till you learn how to cry
So don’t be ashamed to tell me
you made a mistake
I understand my friend
SOLO
But only fools and dead men never try
And mister you ain’t livin’
Till you learn how to cry
So don’t be ashamed to tell me
You made a mistake
I understand my friend
I understand my friend
DREAMIN’ OLD DREAMS
Why do I keep on dreamin’ old dreams?
Why not come up with something new
People keep wondering
What’s the matter with me
Just can’t be happy baby
Since I lost you
Wish I could get myself together
Now that you’ve left me all alone
I can’t imagine livin’ losing you forever
And me just dreamin on my own
People keep telling me ‘get over it’
Find someone else to share your dreams
They just don’t understand what we had together
Don’t understand just what your love meant to me
It won’t be easy now without you
But I’ll just have to get along
Maybe I’ll find some new dreams just to see me through
Maybe I’ll write another song
SOLO
It won’t be easy now without you
But I’ll just have to get along
Maybe I’ll find some new dreams
Just to see me through
Maybe I’ll write another song
Maybe I’ll write another song
IT’S NOT TOO LATE
It’s not too late to call me on the phone
You know my number and I’m always home
Although we quarreled just the other day
We’ve got too much to throw away
I tried to call you but you’re always out
Let’s make up darlin’ what’s this all about?
It’s all so crazy; after all we’ve been through
To see the end of me and you
We vowed to each other, we’d never part
Love doesn’t happen every day
Let’s get together, stop breakin’ my heart
I can’t keep on going this way
Let’s just forget about our foolish pride
Let’s just remember all those tears we cried
Pick up the pieces where we let them fall
It’s not too late to have it all
SOLO
We vowed to each other, we’d never part
Love doesn’t happen every day
Let’s get together, stop breakin’ my heart
I can’t keep on going this way
Let’s just forget about our foolish pride
Let’s just remember all those tears we cried
Pick up the pieces where we let them fall
It’s not too late to have it all
It’s not too late to have it all
HARBOUR CITY (for Nanaimo)
Sailboats in the bay, ferry’s on its way
Lonesome eagle soaring high above
Livings not so frantic, isn’t it romantic
Harbour city, I’m in love
Bastion city square, people everywhere
Smilin’ faces great you on your way
Strollin’ on the seawall
Something here for big and small
Aren’t you glad you came ashore?
Sittin’ in the park, just before the dark
Listen to the island symphony
Big ole yellow moon, shines on the lagoon
Makes you want to hang around and sing love’s tune
Shops along commercial and old city quarter
Cozy little bistro with a view
No need to think it over
Honey, I’m in clover
Harbour city, I love you
SOLO
Sittin’ in the park, just before the dark
Listen to the island symphony
Big ole yellow moon, shines on the lagoon
Makes you want to hang around and sing love’s tune
Shops along commercial and old city quarter
Cozy little bistro with a view
No need to think it over
Honey, I’m in clover
Harbour city, I love you
Harbour city, I love you
BE A WOMAN TO ME
I don’t care what’s on TV
Just need a bit of that TLC
It’s been so long, don’t you agree?
Girl, be a woman to me
I don’t care if the house ain’t clean.
It’s not important, you know what I mean?
Come on over here, and make the scene.
Girl, be a woman to me
When we met we couldn’t get enough of each other.
You were always callin’ me some kind of lover
Touch me here, touch me there.
Run your fingers through my hair.
Show me how you really care.
Girl, be a woman to me
I ain’t ready for the old folk’s home.
Got a good feelin’ in my bones.
I’d rather not do this on my own.
Girl, be a woman to me.
I don’t care ‘bout the neighbour’s car.
Just wanna ride to where you are.
Come on baby, make me a star
Girl, be a woman to me
Guess I could go and find lots of loose ladies.
But I’d rather resurrect what we had baby
I don’t care bout fancy rings
Just want the joy your lovin’ brings.
Come on girl, take off your things.
Just be a woman to me...
SOLO
When we met we couldn’t get enough of each other.
You were always callin’ me some kind of lover
Touch me here, touch me there.
Run your fingers through my hair.
Show me how you really care.
Girl, be a woman to me
Girl, be a woman to me
Just be a woman to me
FUNNY GIRL
Loving you is oh so easy
Bet you think I’m kinda crazy
But I love your little faults
Your funny ways that still amaze me
Little human things you do
They’re all such a part of you
How can I explain myself?
I love you (love you)
I have known significant others
Had my share of casual lovers
But when we met my heart said to me
This is the moment, it’s meant to be
Though you’re such a funny girl
I wouldn’t change you for the world
It’s so easy just to say I love you
SOLO
I have known significant others
Had my share of casual lovers
But when we met my heart said to me
This is the moment, it’s meant to be
Though you’re such a funny girl
I wouldn’t change you for the world
It’s so easy just to say
I love you, love you
OUT OF CONTROL
Out of control
The day that I met you,
I went out of control and now I bet you
I will just play the role of a lover in love
Shot down in flames,
It’s not surprising,
I don’t know my own name
And I’m not wise enough to bail out in time
I’m just out of my mind over you
I wish that I were smart enough
To tell the real thing from infatuation
Just when I think I’ve got it figured out
That’s when I find I just don’t understand the situation
I’m out of control
It’s too late now
I’ve lost my heart and my soul
I can’t forget you so I’ll just have to pray
That you’ll give me your love evermore
I wish that I were smart enough
To tell the real thing from infatuation
Just when I think I’ve got it figured out
That’s when I find I just don’t understand the situation
I’m out of control,
It’s too late now
I’ve lost my heart and my soul
I can’t forget you so I’ll just have to pray
That you’ll give me your love evermore
BE STILL MY LOVE
Be still my love
And know that I’m the one who cares
Be still my love
You’re every answer to my prayers
There is just no way I ever could explain
How I worship you,
So always stay the same for me
And be still my love
The world outside may offer more
But still, my love
You’ll be the one that I adore
So don’t ever think I’d trade you for the brightest star
Be still, my love
I love you just the way you are
SOLO
And be still my love
The world outside may offer more
But still, my love
You’ll be the one that I adore
So don’t ever think I’d trade you for the brightest star
Be still, my love
I love you just the way you are
START LIVIN’ IT
Well everyone’s talking bout love these days.
And you gotta admit, it’s a pretty good phrase
But we’re never gonna get no place ‘till we start livin’ it.
Yeah the world’s in a mess and we made it that way.
Being’ so selfish and forgettin’ to pray
Well I tell you right now, we can’t have our way, ‘cause we’re blowin’ it.
Oh the lord up above is the author of love.
And we’re always afraid that he’ll blame us.
But he holds us so dear when he knows we’re sincere.
And only his great love can tame us
If we can’t even love our neighbour next door
Then how we gonna see the end to all war.
We gotta do more than talk about love.
Start livin’ it, Start livin’ it
I’m goin’ down the freeway drivin’ so fast.
With my mind on myself and my foot on the gas
Somebody’s in the ditch but I go right past, ‘cause I’m late for work.
Well I know inside I should stop somehow.
But never you mind, don’t bother me now.
And somebody else will stop anyhow. Well, don’t bet on it
Oh the lord up above is the author of love.
And we’re always afraid that he’ll blame us.
But he holds us so dear when he knows we’re sincere.
And only his great love can tame us
If we can’t even love our neighbour next door
Then how we gonna see the end to all war.
We gotta do more than talk about love.
Start livin’ it, Start livin’ it
SOLO
Oh the lord up above is the author of love.
And we’re always afraid that he’ll blame us.
But he holds us so dear when he knows we’re sincere.
And only his great love can tame us
If we can’t even love our neighbour next door
Then how we gonna see the end to all war.
We gotta do more than talk about love.
Start livin’ it, Start livin’ it
LAZY DAY...
Lazy day...
Think I’ll take a walk and have a lazy day.
Check out all the cherry blossoms ‘long the way.
Bright blue sky, the sun is out.
What have I to fret about?
Think I’ll have a lazy day
Lazy day
There’s more to life than making money.
Lazy day. Just look outside its milk and honey.
Don’t you try to hurry me.
I’ve been there, done that, can’t you see.
Life is so worth livin’, if you just slow down
Some folks seem to think that life
Is just a race to win a prize.
First you worry, then you hurry.
And then you die from exercise…
Lazy day
Try it out and you’ll agree.
Lazy day. You’ll be thinkin’ just like me.
Life is so worth livin’ on a lazy day.
SOLO
Some folks seem to think that life
Is just a race to win a prize.
First you worry, then you hurry.
And then you die from exercise…
Lazy day,
try it out and you’ll agree
Lazy day. You’ll be thinkin’ just like me.
Life is so worth livin’ on a lazy day
Have yourself a lazy day...
JUST WANT YOU NEAR ME
You are my sweet sensation.
You are my inspiration.
Just want you near me all the time.
Crazy in love, well maybe.
Crazy for my sweet lady.
I hope that you are in the same frame of mind
I used to think that life was just passing me by.
But then you came along and you answered my cry
Whether asleep or waking
My heart and soul you’re taking.
Answer my prayers, my darling, please just be kind
Just want you near me all the time
SOLO
You are my sweet obsession,
You are my heart’s expression
Just want you near me all the time
Lately my heart keeps singing,
I hear those joy bell’s ringing
Just like a river flowing, sweet as new wine
I used to think that life was just passing me by.
But then you came along and you answered my cry
So take the sweetest phrases
The thought that still amazes
Is how I found you, and love, that could be mine.
Just want you near me all the time.
Just want you near me all the time
NEVER SANG A LOVE SONG
I’ve sung many songs,
Some were songs of love
Unrequited, false and rare
But I never sang a love song
Till I knew my saviour cared
All I knew about were the songs of woe.
Songs of losers, grief and pain.
No I never heard a song of hope
Till I heard my saviour’s name
I never sang a love song till Jesus.
Never sang a song I could believe with all my heart.
And I never knew what love was ‘till Jesus changed my life.
No I never sang a love song until then
When I need a friend, special kind of friend.
One who’ll love and always care.
Then I simply turn to Jesus ‘cause I know he’s always there
He knows all I’ve done, but he’s still the one
who’ll forgive me just the same.
If I run to him, after all I’ve sinned
and just call upon his name
I never sang a love song till Jesus.
Never sang a song I could believe with all my heart.
And I never knew what love was ‘till Jesus changed my life.
No I never sang a love song until then
And I never knew what love
was ‘till Jesus changed my life
No I never sang a love song until then.
No I never sang a love song until then.
MISTER JOHNSON
Mister Johnson, he don’t live here anymore
Mister Johnson, he don’t live here anymore
He done pull a midnighter
Landlady put a sign on his door
Mister Johnson, he done gone back to Seattle
Mister Johnson, he done gone back to Seattle
The police tried to catch him
Man that would have been quite a battle
SOLO
Oh Mister Johnson he done change the lock on his door.
Oh Mister Johnson he done change the lock on his door.
When that old landlady she found out
Man did she get some sore
Now Mister Johnson, he’s a good friend of Leroy Brown
Now Mister Johnson, he’s a good friend of Leroy Brown
He knows all them bad people
Sellin’ a little somethin’ all over town
SOLO
Mister Johnson, he’s one friendly kind of cat
Mister Johnson, he’s one friendly kind of cat
He lived by Broadway & Main.
Cause he’s always been where it’s at
But Mister Johnson he don’t live here anymore
No, Mister Johnson, he don’t live here anymore
So why don’t you all go on home?
And quit your knockin’ on his door
20 YEARS
20 years and still together.
Through sunny days and stormy weather.
Everybody hoped it wouldn’t last.
But here we are you and I.
Against the odds we still survived,
‘spite of all the troubles in the past
Quit my music in 87.
Moved back east just to make a livin’.
Never knew that folks could be so mean.
13 years of down and dirty.
Real life just ain’t very pretty.
Missed my music and I missed the scene
But my woman never ever gave up on me.
Puts up with my silly songs and fading memory.
Startin’ over ain’t so bad
compared to what I thought I had.
It’s good to be back at home again.
Getting’ older but I don’t care.
Long as we are still a pair.
Long as we’re together in the end
SOLO
When I beat that big old ‘C’
She was always there for me
Even set her bed up in my room.
Helped to turn me through the night.
Stayed with me till broad daylight.
What more could you ask a gal to do?
But my woman never ever gave up on me.
Puts up with my silly songs and fading memory.
Startin’ over ain’t so bad
Compared to what I thought I had.
It’s good to be back at home again.
Getting’ older but I don’t care.
Long as we are still a pair.
Long as we’re together in the end
Long as we’re together in the end
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