Jim Bryson

Jim Bryson, an Ottawa native who sings and writes songs, has developed a reputation as one of Canada's most distinctive alt-country acts, even while incorporating pop melodies or off-kilter electronics into his roots-inspired tunes. He first performed as a member of the alternative rock band Punchbuggy and appeared on their 1995 album All Nite Christian Rollerskate before departing to pursue a solo path. His debut solo album, The Occasionals, came out in 2000 and took its name from the Ottawa band he had been working with at the time. Personal commitments kept that group from touring, so Bryson recruited a fresh lineup of musicians for his next release, 2003's The North Side Benches, which appeared on the Universal-distributed Orange Records label. His solo work then took a back seat for several years while he served as a sideman, playing guitar on Howe Gelb's project 'Sno Angel Like You and in Kathleen Edwards' band, which recorded his song "Somewhere Else" on her 2005 album Back to Me. He also recorded with Sarah Harmer, Kate Maki, and Lynn Miles before he had both the time and the accumulated songs for a third solo album. Where the Bungalows Roam arrived on the Canadian independent label Kelp Records in spring 2007, with Bryson scheduling an extensive series of Canadian dates in support.