Balladeer Bryson finally pops up

    Between sporadic live dates, local singer-songwriter Jim Bryson -- who also tackles vocals, guitar and banjo -- has been preparing material for an album he's trying to complete soon.

    "I'd love to have an album -- something to give promoters so they return my calls -- but, right now, I can only afford to record a little at a time," says the former member of Ottawa's Punchbuggy.

    Bryson's earnest, country-tinged ballads and melodic pop bursts comprise a repertoire that highlights raw emotion and his powerful, dynamic voice.

    On stage -- he plays Friday (August 28, 10 pm) at Lucky Ron's (207 Rideau) -- Bryson's exceptional songwriting is fleshed out by what he calls his occasional live band -- Starling's Ian LeFeuvre (guitar) and Peter von Althen (drums), bassist Darren Hore (Punchbuggy) and Tom Thompson (Toque) on pedal steel.

    It's all too occasional for some fans, though.

    "I know I don't play enough," he admits, "but when it does happen, with these guys, it's great.  This is really the most fun I've had in music."