Roy Forbes: Cruising into Middle Age hen I first moved to Vancouver and began to explore the local music scene, I kept hearing about a mysterious character named B i m . W h e n I finally heard him play at Kitsilano's Soft Rock Cafe, I understood what the buzz was all about.This fellow had a unique voice, a strong guitar style, and honest lyrics that left me feeling as though I had been given a gift.Twenty years later, I still feel this way when I listen to the songs of Roy Forbes, aka Bim. Last September, Forbes released his eighth solo recording. Crazy Old Moon. W i t h ten new songs, he describes this project as "cruising into middle age." As is his wont, Forbes's lyrics are based on personal experiences o r his perception of the experiences of others. I listened t o Forbes's new C D and my emotions were stirred. I was privy to Forbes's feelings of love and loneliness, to his hopes and his regrets. Again I had received a gift. Crazy Old Moon displays the scope of Forbes's musical styles--upbeat rockabilly, sultry blues, lyrical waltzes, and down-home country. Master of the guitar, Forbes is joined by some ofVancouver's most talented musicians.The orchestration on the C D attests to this.The music is always spot on, never t o o much and never Cover of Crazy O l d M o o n CD, Roy Forbes, 1998 music by P Sgy e Sto rtz ture." In 1997, one of Forbes's adventures was receiving the F A N S (Fund for the A r t s on the N o r t h Shore) Award for his distinguished contribution to the arts. A n d last year, Forbes composed a guitar soundtrack for a one-hour T V documentary called "Harm's W a y . " T h e V T V production about young offenders will air later this year. Forbes has also been apply ing his musical talents to the task of producing. His knowledge of what works and doesn't work in the studio is helping other musicians like Connie Kaldor, Mark Perry, Faith Nolan, and Susan C r o w e realize their recording ambitions. He helps the artist select the songs, then arranges the music and hires the best musicians for the job. As producer, Forbes steers the project along, capitalizing on the wisdom and talent of the others involved. Although he often performs with Shari Ulrich and Bill Henderson in the band U H F Forbes is best known as a solo artist. His skilful guitar work provides ample accompaniment for his dynamic material. Forbes defies being pigeonholed into any one musical genre. He's just Roy Forbes, in a category of his own. Forbes can be heard across Canada and the United States in concert halls, at music festivals, in folk clubs, and on T V and radio.This N e w Year's Day, Forbes will be hosting "Snap Crackle Pop" from noon to 2 pm on C B C Radio O n e , where he will be highlighting some of his favourite tunes from his extensive and eclectic record collection. N o r t h Shore fans will also be happy to learn that Forbes is giving two concerts at the Deep Cove Shaw Theatre in January.The shows will feature the songs from his new C D as well as some of his tried and true favourites.These special appearances are fundraisers for First Impressions Peggy Stortz is a West Vancouver and entertainer. writer Roy Forbes performs at the Deep Cove Shaw Theatre 8 pm. Tickets on January go quickly 29 and 30 at for these in conadvance Theatre Company, one of the t w o resident theatre groups at the Shaw. Appropriately, the company is raising money to purchase musical equipment. First Impressions producer Eileen Smith was thrilled when Forbes approached them to do these concerts. He joins the ranks of other Shaw Theatre supporters like Jim Byrnes, Long John Baldry, and Shari Ulrich. Forbes has come a long way since he left his hometown of Dawson Creek in the early 1970s. A n d through all the years and all the changes, something in him has remained c o n stant. From seeing Forbes in performance, listening to his recordings and, most recently, chatting with him in a cafe in his Lower Lonsdale neighbourhood, I sense that Forbes has maintained the same authentic nature he brought down from the North. Roy Forbes is "cruising into middle age" with honesty and the brilliant talent he so generously shares with us all. I wish him smooth sailing on his voyage through life. t o o little. Forbes always knew that music would be his life. In his words, "Everyday is a new musical adven- certs, so call (604) for reservations. 0 929-9456