by Lauren Rosier
Many of you probably have not heard the name Jimmie Spheeris prior to reading this article; however, if you’re a true music fan, once you have read this and listened to this to record, you’ll become a fan of this man and his work.
Spheeris was most active through the early to mid 1970s. Isle of View was Spheeris’ first studio album released on Columbia Records in 1972 as part of a four-record deal with then executive Clive Davis. Isle drew a devout following and radio airplay, largely in part to the single “I Am the Mercury”. However, Spheeris was involved in a motorcycle accident until his untimely death on July 4, 1984 only hours after completing his record title Spheeris.
The amazing thing about Isle is the complete package that the record presents between the vocals, lyricism, and instrumentation. Spheeris was definitely considered of the singer/songwriter essence and influenced by fellow musician and friend, Richie Havens. It combined your typical singer/songwriter lyricism, a little bit of funk, and smooth piano.
“I Am The Mercury” is definitely one of the stand out tracks on the album musically and lyrically. It has been rumored that the subject matter is about basis of scientology.
I cannot go anymore to the marshes
where the gatekeeper smiles at the poisons that he’s made
for my heart belongs to the one on the mountain
where the doves build their nests in the sun-ripened glade
The opening track “The Nest” is also one of my favorites on the record with the soaring piano and smoothness of Spheeris’ vocals.
the scarlet ships sail sacred oceans
where tides of love have laid to rest
quiet water by night
oh my sails are so ripe
come wake me
take me from the nest
It’s so unfortunate and untimely that we lost arguably one of the musicians that was not as well-known as he should’ve been.
