Jim Valley's "HIDDEN GEMS" CD is a well-seasoned mixture of Rock, Swing, Shuffle, Folk and
Blues, with a little bit of CW mixed in for good measure. Jim's musical architecture for his
songwriting leaves very few genres unturned, in order to give each song a distinct personality
and a color all it's own. That's one of the great things about this CD is that each song has it's
own individual face and character which keeps this CD from being a dreary, repetitive journey
to nowhere. It takes you to alot of various musical landscapes and locations, giving you a full
range of emotional ups and downs. Can I hear an "Ooh Ooh, Yeah Yeah" from the crowd to
get this party started??
"Natural Man" was a great tune to open this CD. There's a great deal
of joy permeating the airwaves with his songs. This album keeps you smiling throughout, or as
Jim would describe it "You just can't keep your feet quiet!!"
Don't be afraid to sing along with the "Cowgirls" as Jim prompts the crowd to join him with a
joyful "ha ha, ho ho" chant. It's interesting how Jim keeps switching from a rock rhythm to a
swing rhythm in this song, but it's cool because it works.
"Blinded By Love" is a little bit country, with a taste of the Statler Brothers, and a hint of Little
Big Town. Jim Valley doesn't mind crossing the tracks to grab a few tasty country morsels
from the country side of town,
"Street Dance" has some incredible B-3 Hammond organ riffs along with some nice flute lines
that keeps this song "bubbly and happy," like a great bottle of champagne. This song has
great energy.
The song "Chickens" can be best described as "a carnival of happy sounds." It's fun and
it's colorful, thanks to the Baritone sax slapping the groove back and forth as it joins the happy
celebration, along with all those high-steppin' chickens who can't keep their feet quiet!!
It can't always be happy and party time. Sometimes we have to take a sentimental journey
and "share the tears" with someone we love. "Grey Skies & Wendy" does just that. It's a
beautiful, melancholy journey to the soft and tender side of your heart, where your tears can often twinkle in the moonlight, and your sadness is shared with someone you love.
"Lilac Toe Trimmer" is what I would call a music oddity, in a league of it's own. All I can say is: "She doesn't know much about the ocean, but she's got great motion." Jim's lyrics are not only funny, but they take you right to the edge of the seashore where you can get your feet wet,
and everybody knows that's a whole lotta fun. Right? You don't have to know much, to show
much. Just remember to keep your toenails well-trimmed when you're struttin' yourself down
the beach. Sometimes it's the small things in life that can make all the difference in your
outlook. Sometime great things come in small packages, like this song..!!
"Long Lost Friend" has some nice saxophone riffs and a soulful girl singer bringing out the
spice and the fragrance of love. Also enjoyable are the tempo & rhythm changes throughout.
When it comes to great songs, what can be said about Jim's cover of an Irving Berlin song
from the 1940's called "Always." It's quite a departure from the original version, but there's no
denying that chorus when it comes in: "not for just an hour, not for just a day, not for just a year, but always." These kind of classic songs never get old. They last forever.
"Dorian Van" has a fabulous rockin' piano and an awesome horn section. In fact that boogie
woogie piano in this song reminds me a little of Jerry Lee Lewis pounding out "Great Balls of
Fire."
Speaking of the piano, my hat goes out to Jim Valley for his great piano playing
throughout this punchy, powerful and rockin' CD. And I thought he was only a great guitar player, but his piano chops kick butt throughout this entire CD. Great job my friend!!
"Rockin' Chair" is a great example of Jim's wonderful guitar work. The song starts out with
some great finger picking on the guitar which kind of gives the intro a country-folk kind of
groove. Jim can do it all when it comes to guitar. Little wonder, since he's only been doing it
for 65 years. I would say that he's right at home with a guitar strapped over his shoulder.
After all, he came up through the ranks as an awesome rock and roll guitar player, and this
song just verifies how he has seasoned over the decades to play just about anything on guitar.
(It's worth mentioning that Jim "Harpo" Valley was well known up in the Northwest as an
awesome rock guitarist back in the 1960's and 70's playing with notable rock bands like
The Viceroys, and Don and the Goodtimes, but he'll probably be best remembered for his
famous stint with the iconic & legendary band - Paul Revere & the Raiders - who were
members of Dick Clark's cast of characters in his national TV show "WHERE THE
ACTION IS." The show was on 5 days a week for almost two and a half years in front of of a national audience. Harpo was a favorite character of millions of teen viewers.)
"Tinker Bell" can best be described as a dream scene with "the subtle air of jasmine dancing
here and dancing there. Dancing inside my heart." This song harkens back to the 1960's
where the hippies did this psychedelic dance while the incense went wafting through the air!!
"Switzerland In The Rain" is rich with colorful metaphors and interesting symbolism. The
universal message is quite simple: "I'll teach you and you teach me." How true that is, and yet
how simple that is.Let's face it, we need each other.Love never fails!!
"Rabbits In The Park" sounds like a happy little tune for children, but taking a closer look
reveals that we all need to learn how to play, love and live again. "Just set me free so I can
learn how to sing again, and work on my heart to feel the essence of life..!!" The message is
clear and it certainly applies especially to grown ups.. Jim use to conduct seminars for
children around the world to teach them how to sing and write meaningful songs. Most of the
songs contain references to nature which children understand like: hummingbirds, butterflies,
flowers, trees, the sun, moon & stars. So, It's little wonder that some of those same themes
appear lyrically on this CD that Jim has crafted for all age groups.
Finally, "If I Were A Bird Tonight" closes off this stunning album with the hint of an Irish folk
melody. The lyric is very poignant as it states a very simple, but universal message when it
says: "I dream through the night and hope for peace, as I pray for God's grace." This is a
very touching spiritual message that begs to be heard throughout humanity because we all
need peace and God's grace. The song beckons us to spread a good message wherever we
go, knowing that God will bless our efforts if we show love to one another. Even though this
song has a bit of a melancholy tone about it, partly from the musical instrumentation, but also
from the stirring depth of the lyrics, it reminds us of a simple truth in nature and the desire to
find comfort in our existence, where it mentions the migrating bird who's looking for a better
place to live, for a better existence and a better life. Jim writes these touching, but meaningful words: "If I were a bird tonight, I would fly away where the wind is warm." Life is that simple. Embrace it. Enjoy it. And always pray for God's grace and direction. These are the "HIDDEN GEMS" of life..!!
-- REVIEW WRITTEN BY PHIL "FANG" VOLK
FOR FELLOW RAIDER BANDMATE JIM "HARPO" VALLEY
APRIL 13, 2026
On a typical overheated, California Saturday, I opened a slender package delivered via USPS, and there it was, my signed copy of Jim Valley's latest CD, "Hidden Gems." with a smiling image of today's Jimmy on the cover. I have to say it, he's still a handsome and charismatic lad.
Flip it over and there's a list of 15 titles (the Gems). It opens like a book with images of Jim captured in the moment, and an introductory bio written by Jim himself with musician's credits (a formidable crew by the way, with some spectacular blues harp, and rock-solid drumming).
The visuals (credited to Patty McFerran, cover photo, and Chuck Woodstock, back photo and graphics) prompted me to jump to my music room, put the CD in the tray, watch it slide home, then settle back and hear the music come roaring to life on my JBLs.
Speaking of which, gems they are, each one a shining example of Jim's unique ability to communicate feelings and conjure visions through song. Fifteen tunes in a variety of styles, from the hammering piano and rockin', bluesy baptism of "Natural Man", the gentle ballad (and a favorite of mine), "Grey Skies and Wendy", the autobiographical whimsy of "Chickens" and "Dorian Van", to the gently longing ode to his children, ?"Switzerland in the Rain" and much, much more. It's a brilliant joy ride through life's experience as seen through Jim's eyes, heard through his ears, and vividly painted by his voice.
There's a quote from the movie "Highlander" that goes like this: "There can only be one." When I listen to Jim's music, that line runs through my head as if on loop only because it's so spot on. In this whole crazy world, there can only be one Jim Valley.
And so it is.
Disclaimer: Jim and I worked together in Don and the Goodtimes. We were a dynamite package, the two of us, until fate and Paul Revere pulled us apart and spoiled the party. Like I said, there can only be one, but in this rare, once in a lifetime instance, there could only be two. And so it goes.
-- Donald McKinney
Now in his eighth decade of rockin', Jim Valley still isn't ready for the rockin' chair, even if, yes, he has a song about that. His 2025 release, "Hidden Gems," is his, well, we've lost count on how many albums this authentic Northwest rock and roll icon has let loose in the world. Certainly, there can't be too many.
Of course, seven of those are classics of children's music, beloved by fans around the world. But Jim started out, and has always been, a rocker at heart, albeit with a style all his own, not content to fall square into any genre.
This latest album is a good example of the breadth and originality of his playful fusion of rock, folk, jazz, blues even a little country every once in awhile, with the mix always tasty. It's also perhaps Jim's most personal album, a collage of authentic thoughts, feelings and experiences encountered and recorded through his remarkable life. With this compilation, Jim has included some old fan faves, plus a selection of goodies that have been reclaimed from old vinyl LPs long out of print and hard to find.
Take the masterful performance and arrangement of "Cowgirls."
And "Chickens?!" It's a quirky, autobiographical snapshot that somehow becomes a tour de force performance of Jim on piano and vocals, accented by a kitchen sink of instruments going places thematically, lyrically and melodically that no song has ever gone.
With "Always," Jim delivers a rare cover tune, this one the classic Irving Berlin song. He enthusiastically knocks it out of the park on vocals and piano. Sometimes even the best songwriters need a cover tune to explore just where their vocal talent can go.
"Dorian Van" recounts another autobiographical moment in time, channeling the free love 1960s (though recently recorded), bringing us right along with him and a hot lover as voyeur-passengers. It's a hoot.
Alluded to above, "Rockin' Chair" is another time capsule, a nostalgic assessment of the domestic, sweet life, emblematic of Jim's ever-sunny disposition and love for the world.
"Switzerland in the Rain" employs a unique theme: a traveler abroad in the most beautiful of lands, yet unable not to dote on his children back home. It all really happened, on Jim's first trip to Europe, the same excursion that also inspired "Street Dance."
"Rabbits in the Park" channels the joy of childhood in picking up the pieces of a backslide in life, making a new start. "I'll start work on my heart," Jim offers words of wisdom to anyone listening to this song with an unexpectedly funky groove.
These and the other selections on "Hidden Gems" offer some of the best songwriting of Jim's long and colorful career. The lyrics, the melodies, the arrangements, the playing are all top-notch. Yet the weight that ballasts all of his work is his fabulous, endearing, soulful voice, as with all great singers, one of a kind.
And then there is the ever abiding gentleness toward humankind and love for nature that are imbued in virtually every single song from Jim Valley. The mystic Gaelic singer-songwriter Donovan has claimed that he is the sole heir to the gentle vocal and thematic approach of Bing Crosby. He must be unaware of Jim Valley. And wouldn't you know Jim and Bing were born in the same city, Tacoma, Washington.
It's just a shame that the golden age of the album is now decades past, for surely "Hidden Gems" would have been one of those that everyone just had to have, and would listen to over and over again.
-- Rusty Reid
Jim Valley's new "Hidden Gems" album is a beautiful feel-good experience for this world full of unbearable heaviness.
The 15-tracks of "Hidden Gems" are wonderfully creative songs overflowing with melody, rhythm, and surprising vocal arrangements spiced with a wry sense of humor.
My ears hear track 3, "Blinded By Love," as the Americana radio contender... among several!
-- David Bean, KSQD FM, Santa Cruz, CA
Just put the needle down! Loving "Natural Man"... the band is great. Sounds like Jim Valley has Delaney & Bonnie & Friends with him! IMHO, this is Jim's best album, and most personal, though there's something here for everyone to relate to. Jim and his stellar band let their spirits lead them wherever they wish to go on extended tracks such as "Dorian Van", "Switzerland In The Rain" and "If I Were A Bird Tonight". I agree with David Bean's comment that "Blinded By Love" is the runaway frontrunner for Americana airplay, evoking the Byrds' Sweetheart of the Rodeo, and any comparison to such a landmark album can't be bad. Having said that, Jim is a true original, unbound by format categorization. Still, you're bound to detect some classic essences of Loggins & Messina, Jefferson Airplane, Joe Cocker, Tulsa and Muscle Shoals. It's a postcard from Jim's youth, showcasing the landscapes he's traversed through his wonderfully broad musical mastery.
--Jeff Green, author of The Metrics of Music: A Field Guide to Music Research
Jim Valley, Northwest rock legend and former member of Paul Revere & The Raiders, delivers a stunning retrospective with "Hidden Gems," an album that feels as much like a treasure hunt as it does a celebration of a prolific career.
True to Valley's eclectic roots, "Hidden Gems" weaves together rock, folk, jazz, blues, and country influences with a masterful touch. His signature guitar work, warm vocals, and playful storytelling shine through in each track, complemented by crisp production that allows every instrument to breathe. The album feels cohesive yet delightfully diverse.
Valley's songwriting, always rooted in personal experiences and whimsical observations, takes center stage here. Several songs showcase his humor and knack for crafting vivid scenes, while more introspective tracks reveal a depth that longtime fans will appreciate. The album carries a nostalgic tone, reflecting on the passage of time, memories of musical exploration, and the joy of rediscovering lost artistry.
Among the highlights, "Cowgirls" is a beautifully layered track that captures the heart of Valley's storytelling. "Chickens" blends folk and blues with clever wordplay, while the album title, "Hidden Gems," perfectly describes the album's theme: celebrating overlooked or forgotten musical moments. Each song contributes to the overarching experience of rediscovery, making the album a rewarding listen from start to finish.
"Hidden Gems" is more than just an album; it's a love letter to Valley's enduring artistry and a gift to fans, both new and old. Valley creates an album that feels both fresh and nostalgic. His ability to transcend genres, tell engaging stories, and evoke emotion makes "Hidden Gems" an essential listen for anyone who appreciates music with heart and history.
--Chuck Woodstock
Wow, Jimmy - what a treasure! Such a variety of melodies and themes. And, as usual, your vocal style shines through each and every tune. The songs are rockin', nostalgic, fun, whimsical and deeply personal - from ballads to poetic ditties. Every listen presents something new, something unexpected, with honest and clever lyrics. And, the musical arrangements are something special. Jimmy - you really put a lot of yourself into this album and have many great reasons to be proud! My favorite song shifts every time I listen - my current Number One is "Blinded by Love." Feel free to dive deeper into my responses and for sure let me know if I can add more! I love your Hidden Gems - out into the world now and not so hidden. Your sweet soul lady -
-- Linda Edlund
Jim Valley is a celebrated singer-songwriter and producer known for his unique voice and profound storytelling ability. Jim has captivated audiences worldwide with his heartfelt music and insightful lyrics. "Hidden Gems" marks his latest contribution to the music landscape, solidifying his reputation as an artist who creates music that resonates on a deeply personal level.
"Hidden Gems" is a stunning collection of fifteen tracks that showcase Jim's extraordinary talent for weaving poetry and storytelling into unforgettable melodies.
Every song on "Hidden Gems" serves as a testament to his creative proficiency to capture the essence of the human experience, unveiling deep feelings with lyrics that shine like precious jewels. From heartwarming ballads to evocative narratives, Valley's music invites listeners to embark on a journey through the intricacies of love, loss, and the beauty of imagination in everyday moments.
In "Hidden Gems," Jim Valley proves once again that no one sings quite like him. His voice carries a warmth that transcends the ordinary, evoking empathy and honesty in every note. As a talented producer, Valley has meticulously crafted each track, ensuring that the melodic arrangements complement his evocative lyrics and allow the stories to unfold seamlessly.
This album is not just a collection of songs; it's an experience that resonates deeply with audiences of all ages. Fans and newcomers alike will find themselves captivated by the glistening stories that only Jim Valley can tell. With "Hidden Gems" he invites listeners to explore the depths of their own emotions and discover the beauty of "Hidden Gems" within their own lives.
-- Brian Bahr
Alright, let's see what a root through Jim Valley's musical treasure chest brings today. AHA! A plethora of rockin' tunes! Also the sublime dream-scape that is "Switzerland In The Rain" (with yours truly on slide guitar) and even some country. Dig it!
When Jim and Wendy visited us in Nashville a while back, after years since some of these recordings, we and a couple friends adjourned to my music room for a jam session. Jim went to the piano and launched into a spirited rendition of Ray Charles' "Hallelulia I Just Love Her So", making it instantly clear that the rock 'n roll flame burns as bright as ever in his Northwestern soul. It's what you hear on many of these "Hidden Gems" tracks, notably his New Orleans-style romp thru the Irving Berlin classic "Always."
Rock 'n roll is like a best friend; maybe not the smartest, the funniest, or the most anything, but that's got nothing to do with it. The Rolling Stones say "it's only rock 'n roll, but I like it". Jim Valley says "it takes the cake."
Imma have a slice right now.
-- Jim Hoke
After several listenings, here are my impressions -
This is one big, ambitious tour de force by one of our dearest fellow travelers. All great songs, all amazing arrangements, and expert, inspired performances by all contributors. Jim's warm and sincere voice animates this unfailingly positive music. The obvious fun, love, and care here, especially in these difficult times, remind us of who we can be at our best.
-- Rick Ravenscroft
"Hidden Gems" lives up to its title, but I hope these gems of song and performance will
not be hidden for long, because Jim Valley's latest musical offering is well worth being
enjoyed far and wide. As has been the case for the last 60+ years, Jim's voice is the star
of the show. Any time I hear Jim sing, it's like some kind of sound therapy, and this time,
he's got himself surrounded by a sterling set of musicians, each member of the outstanding
band playing at the top of their game, and led with Jim's top notch piano and guitar playing.
The majority of songs were written by Jim, and the arrangements are as clever and and unique
as the songs themselves. I also melted hearing Jim's take of Irving Berlin's classic "Always",
but it fits right in with Jim's own compositions. If you're not familiar with Jim's history as lead guitarist
for the 1960's iconic Paul Revere and The Raiders, to his many decades long leadership
in the children's music industry, "Hidden Gems" provides a wide combination of his talents and styles
from sweet to salty and back again. I've always felt the world is luckier for having Jim's music
in it, and "Hidden Gems" is a wonderful addition to his very large discography. Five stars!!
-- Pamela Polland
Jim, Wonderful Wonderful!!! So so good!!!!! You just did a masterful job!!! Congratulations! What a capstone!! And the instrumentation could hardly be better - so joyful and fun in many parts.
it just altogether captures your songs in the soulful way you intended. Gosh I think it might be my favorite. Congratulations to you and your fantastic musicians and everyone else who helped. The photographer who took the front cover caught your playful energy!
It's terrific!
--
Love from Gretchen Vanderslice
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