Articles & Interviews

Concert Review: The Jimmyriggers at O Patro Vys
“The Jimmyriggers – easily one of Montreal’s best bands – slammed out a high-energy set. The title track of their second album, I Stand in the Weeds, was among the highlights. Covers of “Older Guys” “One After 909″ were inspired choices. People should have been lining up on the staircase and into the street for this one.”
– Bernard Perusse | The Montreal Gazette

The Jimmyriggers: Versatile roots-rockers
“I Stand in the Weeds is an album filled with memorable tracks in a variety of settings, including the R.E.M.-style jangle of Sleepwalking and Half in Shadow, the stark melancholy of Rattle My Cage and The Twenty-Seventh of December and the infectious high energy of the zydeco-flavoured I’m Gonna Make Her Mine and the rocking Jack the Fatalist, not to mention the irresistible Thieves & Beggars.”
– Bernard Perusse | The Montreal Gazette

Interview with CW MacGregor on CJLO. Fast forward to the 18 minute mark.

The Jimmyriggers straddle country-rock sound
“Citing country-roots heavyweights like Neil Young and The Flying Burrito Brothers along with more “modern” bands cut from the same cloth including Uncle Tupelo and The Jayhawks, the group weaves intricate melodies into their songs, taking listeners on a journey through lands and places from a period of time that has long since passed.”
– The Music Nerd Chronicles

The Jimmyriggers brings you twangy, jangly country rock, loud and proud
“There’s something about this style of music that, even with the most tragic of lyrics, always manages to warm my heart. Give the Jimmyriggers’ new album a listen and you’ll see that it’ll do just that for you too: it’ll put a smile on your face and tell you it’s okay, you can safely leave your bedroom now and enjoy country rock loud and proud with the rest of the world.”
– Gloria Song | Apt 613

In the Rigging
“When I heard The Jimmyriggers online I thought they sounded like The Cash Brothers. The vocals were a bit more roughhewn live, mostly due to a case of bronchitis striking lead singer Andre Kirchhoff. Otherwise, very strong country rock for folks who like the Jayhawks and suchlike. A nice way to spend a Tuesday night.”
– Andrew Carver | National Capital Rock

Bob Dylan’s birthday at Le Petit Campus
“It was truly hard to pry oneself away, as Montreal’s finest roots musicians, including Craig Morrison, the Jimmyriggers and the Echo Hunters, filed up one after another to play Dylan favourites, both expected and obscure.”
– Bernard Perusse | Montreal Gazette

Creedence Clearwater (briefly) Revisited at the Uniprix Stadium
“I arrived at the Uniprix Stadium while the Jimmyriggers were nearing the end of what sounded like a killer opening set (rough-edged rockin’ country, with wonderful originals and a tremendous version of the Rolling Stones’ Connection).”
– Bernard Perusse | Montreal Gazette

Thanks for Listening (2011 Year in Review)
“I love these local guys who are slowly building a larger audience. Classic roots and rock sound with sharp songwriting skills.”
– Mitch Melnick | MitchMelnick.com

Bloody Underrated: Music YOU Sent US
“Not only is their music good, but the Jimmyriggers are dying to promote other bands as well, which is highly respectable and sets an example I wish most bands would follow.”
– Al Lafrance | Bloody Underrated

Record Reviews

I Stand in the Weeds (2011)

Montreal’s The Jimmyriggers have always struck me as one of the most underrated bands in the city: melodic, unpretentious, aesthetically diverse, and great lovers of song. In 2011, I happened to be in Toronto for the release of their second album “I Stand in the Weeds”, and left the show that night with a headful of melodies, and a copy of their latest disc. In the months since, I have become convinced that “I Stand in the Weeds” is the best roots rock album released in 2011, independently or otherwise.
– Lee Mellor | The Scene Magazine

Montreal’s the Jimmyriggers’ second recording seems like a sure-fire hit maker. While some of these songs fade into the background, just as many demand attention. When they throw accordion into the mix for a faintly Cajun sound, as on “I’m Gonna Make Her Mine”, suddenly the good times roll. I Stand in the Weeds is a slick, professional recording that’s going to bring the band a lot of deserved attention.
– Charles Mandel | HERENB

This album is utterly relaxing. Every song is lyrically intriguing, written poetically with emphatic verses. It is this, and the mellow, soft tone of the vocals that makes me think of Michael Stipe, especially within the tracks. Stylistically however, this band is no R.E.M. The country influence is evident within the guitar twang gracing the slow ballad, “Lay Me Over the Water”, and the upbeat harmonies within the Rolling Stones cover “Connection”. I Stand in the Weeds is a breath of fresh air, effortlessly blending country, folk, and rock.
– Michelle Cielen | The Argosy

Local roots-fueled power poppers the Jimmyriggers may let out the Roger McGuinn twang and Tom Petty croon, but thankfully leave just enough dirt in there to keep them from loitering in the MOR. Chief songwriters Andre Kirchhoff and David Pearce play off each other with friendly competitiveness, and show a shared love for ’60s garage and ’80s paisley underground. Great stuff indeed, with extra points for the crisp production work of local knob-twiddler Mark Goodwin. 7.5/10
– Johnson Cummins | The Mirror

Ces quatre Anglos locaux savent y faire: leur sorte d’americana a poussé dans les bonnes herbes, de la graine de Byrds, Flying Burrito Brothers, Blue Rodeo et assimilés. Les Jimmyriggers ont le jingle-jangle qui balance, le twang qui tangue, les refrains en harmonie larges comme des dix-roues côte à côte sur la 20 au petit matin, et juste ce qu’il faut de sans-gêne: countryfier la rockeuse “Connection” des Rolling Stones, c’est culotté. «Let me hear the North wind blow», chantent-ils dans “The 27th of December”: ce deuxième album pourrait bien ensemencer le pays entier.
– Sylvain Cormier | Le Devoir

Awesome record!
– Dick Altavista | CKCU Radio

Following on from their well received debut The Jimmyriggers have taken an introspective approach and peered inside their souls to search for the roots behind the country rock façade. With “I Stand in the Weeds” they have at least begun the journey to trace this lineage. It’s almost as though, rather than evolving they have come to understand that to truly realize themselves they had to retreat. The result is a blend of the first record’s brighter tones along with undercurrents of a more rural nature and the further the band travel the latter path, the more comfortable with themselves they sound. Hopefully this can be a stepping stone and I look forward eagerly to finding out what The Jimmyriggers come up with next. Reviewer’s Rating: 7
– Tim Merricks | Americana-UK

A sharply produced effort, I Stand In The Weeds should appeal to anyone with a taste for the Paisley Underground or the No Depression scenes!
– Andrew Carver | Pennyblack Music

Traveling Salesman, Killer on the Run… (2007)

Not since I discovered the country punk attitude and pure bliss of Uncle Tupelo’s final record has there been a record that’s got under my skin so much. From the opening electric guitar explosion of “Dropout Theory” to the swaying sounds and catchy choruses of songs like “Sunday Morning Paper” and “Walk Me Back to Rosie,” this trio of Montreal musicians channel the energy of their alt-country predecessors to offer Canada’s truest contribution to this overused term for a genre. With succinct, storied songwriting and powerful lyrics the Jimmyriggers offer crisp harmonies, covering some serious subjects over the course of the disc’s 11 cuts. This debut feels live-off-the-floor; it is pure and raw. Stay tuned – they are an undiscovered indie band to watch.
– David McPherson | Exclaim!

Springing from the groundswell of the Montreal roots scene that has spawned talent like United Steelworkers of Montreal and Li’l Andy, the Jimmyriggers are sure to add to the momentum. With a sound comparable to the Jayhawks or later Uncle Tupelo, the Jimmyriggers add a little bit of twang to their strum, and the healthy competition between chief songwriters David Pearce and Andre Kirchhoff finds them playing off each other perfectly. 7/10
– Johnson Cummins | The Mirror

The Jimmyriggers deliver the goods for the roots/rock, alt/country crowd. They are among the best in local music. 3/5
– Mitch Melnick | TSN Radio 990

This record is for the roots-rock enthusiast with taste. The Jimmyriggers had my undivided attention. In strong ballads like “Walk Me Back to Rosie” the perfect harmonies between Kirchoff and Pearce are powerful. Those who prefer more solid rock will also find their fix; there is something for everyone on this CD. Montreal has once again produced a very promising new act with the Jimmyriggers.
– Ronny Bervoets | Rootstime.be

The most important aspect of the Jimmyriggers’ sound is their harmonies. With this the Jimmyriggers regularly venture into the realm of the Jayhawks. The combination of powerful rhythms and harmonies delivers exciting music. With their original compositions, the Jimmyriggers demonstrate enough of their own persona. The songs are catchy and alternate between striking and more wrenching moments. The harmonies also recall those of Crosby, Stills and Nash.
– John Gjaltema | AltCountry.nl