About Jim

Jim has been the front man for reggae bands “Natural Mistik” and “Jim Balfour and the Outer Rings”, and blues bands “Full Moon Blues” and “Ernest Ernies’ Panfried Blues” performing for many years at the Saskatchewan Jazz Festival and many other venues. Since 2009, he has been a guest artist performing at a number of venues in Negril, Jamaica, often introduced as “White Bob”!  He is also an accomplished percussionist

Jim has also been a long-time social worker and community activist, having spearheaded three years of “Musicians for Peace” on the International Day of Peace (September 21) He participated with the City of Saskatoon’s race relations committee for a number of years and in 2020 recorded a one-take performance of “Wild West” which traces the history of inequality in the United States.

The World's On Fire

The song began as a collaboration between Jamaican poet and artist, Ras Devon Husmo and Jim Balfour about our world being on fire.  The song asserts that we must ‘live our lives for our children’ and poses the question  ‘the world is calling, will you answer?’  Self-interest, greed and the need for power must be challenged for the planet to be saved

During the winter months, Otis Gayle, Marleen Fawcett and Carl Henry are the headlining vocalists at the famous boat bar in Negril, Jamiaca.  Jim plays congas/percussion with the backing ‘Rebbles Band’ and often sings the songs of Bob Marley.   Marleen, Otis and Carl quickly signed on to the project due to the importance of the message.