Travels infuse Barnes’ latest CD ‘Maine to Mexico’ is musician’s journey

Jimmy Barnes has seen a lot in his 60 years.

First, for 20 years, the Mariaville resident worked on boats: deep-sea fishing, sight-seeing, sport fishing, it didn’t matter. It did take him all over the seas around the United States.

Then, after graduating from the University of Maine, he went to work for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services.

Barnes is retired now, but all his life experiences come through in his music.

You see, making music has been another constant for Barnes: “As long as I can remember, it’s always been part of the program.”

At first, Barnes played rock ‘n’ roll, then country. But he said he grew tired of the commercialism in both genres.

“I believe in roots music,” he said. “But the minute you’ve categorized something, you’ve limited yourself.”

For the past eight years, Barnes has recorded his own originals on four albums, 1999’s “Fishin’ for a Livin’,” 2000’s “Country and Eastern,” 2002’s “Old Sailor’s Christmas” and the new “Maine to Mexico.”

Among those who helped him record “Maine to Mexico” are drummer Roger Treadwell, bassist Pam Treadwell, guitarist Neil Salisbury, flutist “Big Boat” Becky Rice, percussionist Lenny Hatch, pianist Paul Sullivan and background vocalists Lei Burman and Jennifer Buffington.

The title of his new album refers to his home and his home away from home.

“I’ve spent a lot of time in Mexico through the years,” Barnes said. “I started going over to the Yucatan when I was working on shrimping boats in Louisiana, long before there was Cancun. I started going again in winter about 15 years ago.”

The CD begins with songs about Maine, such as “Bimbo Look” and “Nothin’ Like the Touch of a Southwest Harbor Woman,” and finishes with songs about Mexico.

“It starts in Maine, and by the end of it, people should find themselves in Mexico,” Barnes said. “I really do try to have some logic to it.”

“Old Sailor’s Christmas,” which has gained fans each holiday season, was a work in progress for years. It started with “Downeast Christmas,” which began getting airplay early in this phase of Barnes’ career.

“I’d add a tune to it over the years, until I had a full CD,” he said.

Through his music, Barnes tries to promote Maine as a way of life.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to travel quite a bit, and there’s no place like Maine,” he said. “I believe that everybody needs to give something back to life, and that’s what I’m trying to do with this.”

Jimmy Barnes’ CDs are available at all Mr. Paperbacks, at Carroll’s Drugstore in Southwest Harbor, by calling 537-2892 or at www.realmainemusic.com. Dale McGarrigle can be reached at 990-8028 and dmcgarrigle@bangordailynews.net.