Rock n Roll, 1955, I'm in the seventh grade! Rock Around the Clock, and I can't keep my feet still! This new joyful passionate music has swept me away and found a comfortable home in my soul. Two years later I would write my first song which led to the formation of my first band, Vince Valley and the Chain Gang, soon to be the Viceroys, before moving on to Don and the Goodtimes, then Paul Revere and the Raiders. Now, 70 years later I still can't keep my feet quiet! Over the years I've composed hundreds of songs in different genres but Rock n Roll still takes the cake! So now, "Hidden Gems," my newest collection, a retrospective, from 2024 with my new band, The Jim Valley Project to 1975 with The Shoestring Orchestra and Jim Hoke, multi-instrumentalist, who adds his magic to ten of these songs. I hope you enjoy the sunshine, the whimsy, the ballads and... and the Rock n Roll! Special thanks to the gifted talented amazing musicians who contributed to these recordings. Larz Nefzger, Jim Hoke, Marc Willett, Danny Deardoff, Don Wilhelm, Jon Keliehor, Rick Boice, Mike Garland, Alec Jupp, Denny Davison, Russ Salton, Billy Odden, Pete Beresford, Jamie LeMessurier, John Stephan, Murl Saunders, Sabrina Brazier, Valerie Rosa, John Goforth, Rusty Reid. Cover photo: Patty McFerran Back photo and graphics: Chuck Woodstock Mixing and mastering: Larz Nefzger Buy Jim Valley's "Hidden Gems" CD ($15.00 Personally autographed by Jim, plus free postage) COMBO OFFER: Buy ANY 3 of Jim Valley's Adult Contemporary CDs "Hidden Gems" (2025), "Toward the Sacred" (2023), "Sit Upon the Moon" (2021), "A Garden Faire" (2020), "Rolling Sea" (2002) ($35.00 CDs personally autographed by Jim, plus free postage) Select Your 3 Adult Contemporary CDs S O N G       L I S T R E V I E W S 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 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 L Y R I C S     &     C R E D I T S All songs Copyright Rainbow Planet Music (ASCAP) Except: "Blinded by Love" - Jim Hoke, Hochanadel Music "Always" - Irving Berlin, Public Domain NATURAL MAN Building up inside... long time Got to let it out got to  ease my mind Got to ease my mind I can sing dance swing this world around Walls come tumbling down and Whoa yeah mama Natural Man Oooo yeah yeah  oooo yeah yeah Birds in the trees know the breeze can please So Let the wind blow within And brighten up my heart Song bird give your song away and Don't ya save it for a rainy day say nay nay  Whoa uh ah mama I'm a Natural Man Dogs in the fields know the woods can heal So come out to the meadow Show me how that you feel Green tree touch the blue sky Tell me no lies... no lies Green tree touch the blue sky Lift me so high... So Building inside long time long time Got to let it out got to ease my mind I can sing dance swing this world around Walls come tumbling down Whoa yeah mama Natural Man Jim Valley - Piano and vocal Russ Salton - Guitar and backing vocals Billy Oden - Bass and backing vocals Pete Beresford - Drums Jim Hoke - Organ and saxes Recorded at Red Roof Studio- Gig Harbor and Hillside Studio - Nashville COWGIRLS Got outta bed feeling half dead Worn out schemes you had a bad dream Feelin' hazy going crazy Sooner or later even Cowgirls get the blues S'all right mama ain't got nothing to loose Can't make the rent moneys all spent For weeks on end been a dismal trend All alone disconnected your phone Sooner or later even Cowgirls get the blues Hold on to your union card Still paying your dues Rock n roll Friday night  Band's  playing hot and tight Come on let your feelings go Bodies swaying to and fro Round and round round and round you go This can last forget the past Home on the range is nice for a change Give yourself a treat Cuz life is sweet Come on Cowgirls! Ha ha ho ho hee hee hay hay Jim Valley - Piano, acoustic guitar and vocals Jim Hoke - Harmonica, electric guitars, baritone sax Barry Curtis - Electric guitar Chris Leighton - Drums  Mike Cox - Bass  Martin Lund - Rhodes piano Horn section - Mark Williams, Doug Canning Backing vocals - Kelly Harlan and Heidi Stern Arranged by Martin Lund Recorded at The Music Farm -Seattle Engineering Jim Wolf Mixed at Kay Smith Studios - Seattle By Buzz Richmond BLINDED BY LOVE I drove into a cop car last night The cop said are you loaded you know I wasn't even tight It wasn't marijuana or the darkness of the night But this love that had deprived me of my sight Blinded by Love I am helpless  in vain I try to see I live in shackles it's your tenderness  That holds the key  Blinded by Love I can't find my way I just sit alone and pray Oh darling that you'll forgive And come back home I went down to a nightclub with a friend  The man said I like the way  You play electric mandolin  He handed me a contract I said pass the gin I guess I'll never see a dollar sign again Music & Lyrics by Jim Hoke Jim Valley - Vocal Marc Willett - Bass and backing vocals Don Wilhelm  - Electric Guitar and backing vocals Jim Hoke - Piano, harmonica & high strung guitar Drums - Alec Jupp Recorded at Kay Smith Studio- Seattle Engineering and mixing Buzz Richmond STREET DANCE We sang and we danced in the streets last summer  In Lands called the Old Country  Amsterdam to Scotland Athens to Italy We couldn't speak the language  As was plain to tell But with smiles and gestures  We got along quite well  The first time we made money Was in the subways of Paree' We blew it all on one French dinner Vanderslice and me Street Dance...  we sing and dance for you Street Dance gather around  This crowded avenue Famous castles we did see Mona Lisa made my baby cry They were little compared  to the love of the people Who helped us by On the Isle of Eos, clear blue Grecian Sea Two hundred hearts from different lands Blended harmony Oooo Oooo...   Blowin' in the Wind, had Dylan been there We'd had one common friend  As this world goes it's crazy way I never will forget...    Street Dance we sing and dance for you Street Dance gather around this crowded avenue  Street Dancer  Street Dancer a hey yeah  Jim Valley - Piano, acoustic guitar and vocal Sabrina Braizer - Vocal duet Marc Willett - Bass Don Wilhem electric guitar Ricky Boice - Drums Denny Davison - Organ & Flute Valerie Rosa - Backing vocals Recorded at Triad Studios- Redmond, WA Engineering, mixing and mastering- Larz Nefzger Produced by Larz Nefzger and Jim Valley CHICKENS Life became a river spilled into the sea Ocean too deep to handle for me Found myself a mermaid swam to the shore  She laid me on the beach I said I can't take no more no how no way Then I climbed up to the high country Thought I would never ever come down Tripped might've stumbled and I turned  Into a sad old ragged clown  Now I'm living on a farm Trying to do no one no harm Got three kids by the same Lady  Sometimes I think I'm going crazy " Harpo won't you feed the Chickens again" Ah but lately I been feeling low down I keep on walking keep walking Homeward bound, homeward bound  I'm homeward bound Life is a river runs to the sea Ocean will welcome me This time round don't go sinking down Swim to the surface gonna get around "Harpo won't you feed the Chickens again  Harpo won't you feed the Chickens again Harpo won't you feed the Chickens again" Jim Valley - Piano and vocal Jim Hoke - Saxes, Bass, Dobro & Woodwinds Recorded at Triad Studios -Redmond, WA Hillside Studio- Nashville, TN Engineered by Jim Hoke and Larz Nefzger Produced by Jim Valley, Mastered by Larz Nefzger GREY SKIES AND WENDY Grey Skies and Wendy I can fly with you Beyond the reach of a world grown cold Fallen afternoons Rising over meadows hills of deepest green Our destination in our hearts A haven seldom seen a unicorn of purest White will guide us in our flight  Share her spirit strong and free Keep us safe tonight  Grey Skies and Wendy I can cry with you Release the tears held through the years Find a changing view If the spell gets broken I'll shield you in my arms And rock you slowly down to sleep  And mend a broken heart  Grey Skies and Wendy I can fly with you Jim Valley - Piano & Vocal Jim Hoke - Soprano Sax and Bass Recorded at Triad Studios, Redmond, WA Hillside Studio, Nashville, TN Mixed and mastered by Larz Nefzger LILAC TOE-TRIMMER She's a Lilac Toe-Trimmer Slimmer than me Trims toes on the run sometimes  She bites 'em just for fun She don't know much about the ocean  But she's got great motion If you know what I mean say motion She's a D minus freeway driver Slows down when she's changing lanes  Turns around she makes me nervous I'd rather ride a plane But when she slips on her dancin' feet All my blues seem obsolete  She's a Lilac Toe-Trimmer slimmer than me On the run... just for fun Don't know much about the ocean  But she's got great motion if you know What I mean! Say motion If you know... what I mean! Jim Valley - Acoustic Guitar and Vocal Jim Hoke -  Lap steel and organ Jamie Lemesure - Drums Recorded Cromwell Studios Gig Harbor, WA Engineering. John Jacob Hillside Studio, Nashville, TN Mixed and mastered- Larz Nefzger Around Sound Studios - Kirkland, WA LONG LOST FRIEND You got me walking in the rain You got having fun again You got me feeling like child Now I can play with you while  You got me singing in the shower  Songs from way back when Got me goofin' off for hours You are my Long Lost Friend  I'll be your friend forever  When your hair is turning white We can laugh by the river But honey, let's kick out the jams tonight  Doit doi... You got me acting like a clown  You fill up you spin me all around  Probably throw me outta trees And I'd land lightly on my knees  Got me singing in the shower  Songs from way back when Got me goofin' off for hours You are my Long Lost Friend  I say you... you are my Long Lost Friend  Jim Valley - Guitar, Piano  and Vocal Ricky Boice - Drums Marc Willett - Bass Valerie Rosa, Sabrina Brazier - Backing Vocals Jon Goforth - Sax John Stephan - Slide guitar ALWAYS So I'll be loving you always With a love that's true Always When the things you've planned Need a helping hand I will understand Always Always Days may not be fair Always That's when I'll be there Always Not for just hour not for just a day Not for just a year but Always Jim Valley - Piano and Vocal Jim Hoke - Saxes, bass and congas Engineering Larz Nefzger and Jim Hoch Recorded at Triad - Redmond WA and Hillside Studio Nashville, TN DORIAN VAN Riding down the highway in your Van Riding down the highway in your Van Playin' rock & roll music Remembering who I am Well you move my passion stir my desire Each passing mile I'm riding higher I'm a happy go lucky got nothing to do Oh sweet mama wanna make sweet love to you When you smile at me you turn me inside out Shake your your maracas make me wanna shout A whole lot sexy a little bit shy Kinda baby can't let pass by Roll me over lay me straight I got a whole for you I can demonstrate Riding down the highway in your Van Rock & music who I am Move my passion stir my desire Each passing mile I'm a riding higher Down the highway in your Van Riding down the highway in your Van Jim Valley - Piano & Vocal Russ Salton - guitar and backing vocals Billy Oden - bass and backing vocals Pete Beresford - Drums Jim Hoke - Saxes Recorded at Red Roof Studio Gig Harbor, WA Hillside Studio Nashville, TN Engineering by Russ Salton, Jim Hoke and Larz Nefzger ROCKIN' CHAIR Rockin' Chair going no where I wanna sit here without no cares Take me back to places I've been Take me way up high And bring me down again Rockin' Chair I wanna be in the forest air Wanna play guitar for you and share Tell bout all the spaces you've seen Tell you bout the cave I had and all that's in between Rockin' Chair, Rockin' Chair Rockin' Chair take me there Wanna be here with here out no cares Rockin' Chair now it going somewhere My dream is coming true And I'm flying in the air Rockin' Chair Forest air air so fair Rockin' Chair I'm flying flying I'm flying Flying Rockin' Chair Jim Valley -Acoustic Guitar and Vocal Marc Willett -Bass Don Wilhelm - Electric guitar Mike Garland -Drums Recorded at Northwest Studios Seattle, WA Engineering by Steve Penn Mixed and mastered by Larz Nefzger TINKER-BELL I saw a fairy she was dancing on a leaf In the hour of my lightest sleep She was so fair and I saw her dancing there And I smelled the scent of lilac in her hair She said I dance in the morning and I dance in the Spring And I dance on the day when the bride groom sings Danced on the stars she said and way outside the moon Inside your heart inside the smallest room I saw a fairy she was praying on a leaf In the hour of my deepest sleep She was so fair and I saw her laying there And I smelled the scent of jasmine in her hair She said I dance in the morning And I dance in Spring And I danced on the mountain high and the valley far below And I dance where the rivers flow And where the mermaids grow On the stars outside the moon Inside your heart inside the smallest room Yeah... And I dance on the mountain high Valley far below Lord I dance where the rivers flow and where the angels grow On the stars outside the moon Inside your heart inside the smallest room Jim Valley - Acoustic Guitar and Vocal Don Wilhelm -Electric Guitar and Harmonies Marc Willett -Bass and Harmonies Alec Jupp - Drums and percussion Jim Hoke - Steel Guitar Recorded at Kay Smith Studios Seattle WA Engineered by Buzz Richmond Mastered by Larz Nefzger SWITZERLAND IN THE RAIN Ridin' on a train... Switzerland in the Rain Playing my guitar... For Margaret and Gretchen in this second class car My mind skips across the sea To the faces of my children three Vicki Rae, Jamie Lyn and Timothy Mountain pass is drawing near They say on the other side the weather's clear Victoria, child number one Regal Sagittarian your path has begun Angel voice, you're an ancient friend to me Jamie Lynn, blue eyed soul Conquer this world with a smile I'm told You've got the courage to ride your dream Alpine villages look so sweet They got steeples and shepherds And cobblestone streets Timothy, set me free, laughing boy you're a mirror to me I teach you and you teach me That's how I think it's supposed to be So my children I sing to you Hoping and wishing that your life Is true And green as Switzerland in the Rain. Jim Valley - Acoustic Guitar and Vocals Martin Lund - Rhodes piano Chris Leighton - Drums Jim Hoke - Steel Guitar- Slide guitar Mike Cox - Bass Murl Allen Saunders - Accordion Jon Keliehor - World Percussion (includes Metal instruments:  Five chime-bells from China Bells from Turkey, India and Switzerland  The Shaker sounds: Qrageb from Morocco Caxixi from Brazil and Shekere from Africa Drums include: Talking frame-drum of Brazil Two frame drums from Africa Small Roto Tom drum from USA Extra Spicy perc includes Piccolo Woodblock from China Small Woodblock from China A Whooshing cymbal or two RABBITS IN THE PARK Learn how to play again Learn how to skip down the streets and then... Find ways to say how much you really mean to me Learn how to sing again I'm gonna have a fling again If I open up my door there's So much more in store For instance... Playin' Rabbits in the Park After dark can be very fun you see Chewin' on grass and a'hoppin' fast But now it's kinda hard on your knees When we were young we had so much fun Cuz we had no memory But with years we've added on fears That clouded our reality But now it's time to make a new start I'm gonna start work on my heart Learn how to love again Learn how to laugh at myself and then I'm gonna send my dreams all home to you And Learn how to live again Find a way to give again All the joy that a loving boy can bring Learn how to paint again Colors in the rain again I'll draw a funny face for you Can you make one for me. Come again now! Playin' Rabbits in the Park after dark Can be very fun you see Chewin' on grass and hoppin' fast But now it's kind of hard on your knees Colors crayons playing in the sand Swimming naked in the sea Swinging on rope, building hopes I'm wanna set you free I'm gonna set you free I'm gonna set you free I'm gonna set you free Jim Valley - Rhodes piano and Vocal Marc Willett - Bass and backing Vocals Don Wilhelm - Guitar and backing Vocals Jim Hoke - Electric Guitar, Clavinet and Recorder Alec Jupp - Drums Recorded at Kay Smith Studios Seattle Engineer- Buzz Richmond Mastered by Larz Nefgzer IF I WERE A BIRD TONIGHT (yrics by Jon Ren McDonald music by Jim Valley) If I Were a Bird Tonight I'd fly away home Home to the place where the wind is warm And summer's sweet breath that knows no harm I would fly so high and I'd sing so free And sit in the tree by the window at home And sing to mother that I no more will roam And sing to my mother that I no more will roam If I were at home tonight I would not cry I'd do all the chores without being asked I'd chew very slowly so I wouldn't eat fast I'd chew very slowly so I wouldn't eat fast If I Were Bird Tonight I'd fly away home I'd sleep in my bed with the moon on my face And dream through the night at peace in God's grace And dream through the night in peace Jim Valley - Guitar, Keyboard and Vocal Murl Allen Saunders - Accordion Garret Smith - Bass Nancy Rumble - Oboe Recorded at Triad Studios Redmond WA Engineered mixed and mastered- Larz Nefgzer Produced by Danny Deardorff COPYRIGHT © 2025 RAINBOW PLANET MUSIC (ASCAP)