String Theory

2009

Mark went away in May doing a short UK and then European tour with Magnum, as is his want. In his absence Sheena has been very busy with Jim Lea. Jim is nearing completion of his “String Theory” album which has taken a few twist and turns in its evolution. Originally with great virtual instruments available we planned to achieve his string arrangements with keyboards and an occasional real violin on top (those of you old enough will remember Jim not only played bass and wrote songs for Slade but also played violin). But during May after a number of experiments with some printed scores and multi-tracked violins we decided to re-record most of the string parts for real, Jim playing them all, and create his own 'orchestra' (aka the JLO).

MOJO Magazine - 24th January, 2017.

Armed with his 2 new violins, one inherited from his grandfather, 2 violas, a cello and a multitude of others borrowed from Turner Violins in Birmingham, Jim has been recording his orchestra one person at a time (with an occasional oboe part from Sheena). It may sound long winded but the results are sounding very impressive. To enhance the realism of the whole affair we have also done some location recording at the CBSO Centre, and the local RC Church in Codsall. Upon Mark's return we also enjoyed a visit from the friendly guys of cool black and white mustelid roadsters – The Icelandic Traffic Badgers back in again to do some more tracks.

Read more about "String Theory" on Slade 40 Years.

Jim Lea with MAGNUM.

Jim collaborated with the Metal band, Magnum a few times, the first being :-

26th March, 2007 - Album.

SPV - Germany.

Princess Alice And The Broken Arrow.

 Jim played on Track 11, "You'll Never Sleep".

Then:-

15th June, 2009 - Album.

SPV - Germany.

Into The Valley Of The Moonking.

 Jim played Violin, Viola and Cello on Track 13, "Blood On Your Barb Wire Thorns".

And, finally:-

14th January, 2011 - Album.

SPV/Steamhammer - Germany.

The Visitation.

Jim played Strings on Track 6, "The Last Frontier" and Track 9, "Midnight Kings".

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