If you ever go out to hear local music, then chances are you have heard Jim Henry.
The Shutesbury resident is an in-demand sideman who regularly contributes guitar, dobro and/or mandolin to the music of Pioneer Valley-based musicians. Henry has been Tracy Grammer’s accompaniment for the past 15 years, frequently sits in with The Boxcar Lilies and also backs local fiddler Eric Lee. You can find him playing guitar for the outlaw country band The Pistoleros, and with the rocking trio The Surly Temple. And when The Threesies come together for a rare show, you can usually find him in that mix.
And this is just the short list. Americana, folk, country, rock and blues — Henry plays it all and plays it well, always adding the right touch to every song to which he contributes. He also lends his rich baritone to many a backing vocal, and his great sense of humor makes him a welcome addition to any live show.
To find out exactly how many bands or solo artists Henry is currently working with, I asked him myself.
“I would guess about 15,” he said after giving the question some thought. “Some of it’s off and on, but yeah, about 15.”
Henry’s work isn’t limited to musicians based in western Massachusetts, however. He has also toured with and produced such artists as Mary Chapin Carpenter, Paula Cole, Shawn Colvin, Alison Krauss, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Los Lobos, Asleep at the Wheel, Gillian Welch and Dave Rawlings, The Weepies, Deb Talan and Eliza Gilkyson.
But before he was a well-known sideman, Henry was a singer-songwriter and he will step back into that role when he takes the stage at The Parlor Room, 32 Masonic St. in Northampton, on Sunday, Oct. 7, at 7 p.m. His daughter, Ruby Henry, will open the show.
This is a rare and long overdue solo show by Henry.
“I deliberately stopped doing solo stuff years ago and focused more on the sideman stuff because, honestly, it pays better,” Henry said. “I’ve been playing other people’s music for quite a while now, but before that, I was a solo singer-songwriter and put out five or six records on my own. So every once in a while, I like to do some solo shows, just to flex that muscle again.”
In recent years, Henry has played a few shows where he has taken center stage, but he has always had a backing band. When Henry takes the stage at The Parlor Room, he will be alone.
“It’s going to be a little nerve-wracking,” said Henry, who can’t remember the last time he played solo. With a laugh, he added, “I’ve actually gotten to the point, where I’m old enough that I’m starting not to care what people think. But really, my main motivation for doing this show is that I’m doing it with my daughter and I’m always thrilled to be able to play with her.”
Ruby Henry, 21, has been performing the occasional show for the past couple of years. She has the kind of clear, smooth voice that is capable of covering songs by everyone from Nancy Sinatra to Gillian Welch and making them her own.
“I’ve been doing this a long time and I have no hesitation to say that she is one of the best young singers I have heard,” Henry said. “And I know obviously I’m biased, but other people seem to think the same way. ”
Henry said his daughter has always been interested in music and displayed a perfect pitch at an early age. He will back Ruby during her set, and will be digging into his back catalog when it’s his turn on stage.
“I’ve been trying to relearn some of this stuff and practicing every day so I can get my voice and chops back,” he said. “It’s a different animal playing just by yourself and playing acoustic guitar. That is where I came from, so even though it’s been a while, it is in my DNA.”
But this show is a one-off performance and Henry has no plans to jump back into a solo career. He is plenty busy with his side work, and has a new project out called Pro Tips for Musicians. Drawing from his years of experience, Henry started sharing his musical advice on everything from dealing with backstage food, to changing guitar strings on Facebook. He received a strong response and when someone suggested he write a book, he did. The upcoming book, “Fifty Pro Tips for Musicians: Practical Advice for an Impractical Business,” will be released in a few weeks.
Earlier this year, Henry also launched a podcast called “Pro Tips for Musicians” that is available on iTunes and SoundCloud. The podcast features Henry talking with other professionals in the music world who share their advice and experiences. So far, he has hosted local musicians like Tracy Grammer, Mark Erelli and Dave Chalfant. The podcasts are informative and entertaining, and are enjoyable listening even for nonmusicians. To support Henry in this venture, visit patreon.com/jim henry.
As excited as he is about the book and podcast, Henry is equally thrilled to play this solo show and to share the bill with his daughter, Ruby.
Tickets, which are $15 in advance, are available at www.signaturesoundspresents.com. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
On Sunday, Signature Sounds Presents and Mass Audubon will hold the inaugural Arcadia Folk Festival at Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary, 127 Combs Road in Easthampton. The festival will kick off a year-long celebration marking 75 years of protecting important habitat, connecting people of all ages to nature, and advocating for sound environmental policies.
This is a day-long, family-friendly festival that will feature performances by Darlingside, Heather Maloney, Birds of Chicago, Rani Arbo & daisy mayhem, The Nields and Clare Dacey. A children’s music tent will feature music by Little Roots and more. A visit to the beautiful Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary alone is worth the short drive to Easthampton, but add to that local food and crafts, children’s activities and great music, and you have a must-see festival.
Music begins at 10:30 a.m. and will end at 6 p.m. Tickets are $39.99 for adults, $15 for children ages 6 to 12, and children ages 5 and under are admitted for free. To purchase tickets and view the schedule, artists profiles, parking directions and more, visit www.arcadiafolkfest.com. Call 413-341-3317 with questions.
Sheryl Hunter is a music writer who lives in Easthampton. Her work has appeared in various regional and national magazines. You can contact her at soundslocal@yahoo.com.