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Sound Circuit

Back with some friends

6/3/2015

“Stutterin’” Jimmy Enos is back. Physically, he never really went anywhere, but he definitely sported a lower profile for a while. The past year has been a roller coaster for Enos. There is a baby to care for and a wedding in the works. Not every distraction, however, has been pleasant: Enos suffers from Multiple Sclerosis, and some days are better than others.

Stutterin’ Jimmy performs at Java Joes on Saturday, June 6 at 7:30 p.m. $8 at the door.

Stutterin’ Jimmy performs at Java Joes on Saturday, June 6
at 7:30 p.m. $8 at the door.

“Everything in my life happens for a reason,” he said. “I just have to remember that.”

This speaks to the best part of Enos: his humanity. Talk to the man for any length of time, and you will find yourself convinced that a better, more upbeat, generous person does not exist. Even when under pressures that would make most anyone frustrated, Enos remains positive, eyes looking perpetually upward.

“Nothing really happened,” he said, talking about his recent break from performing. “It was just me going through some MS shit. Plus, everybody (in his band, The Goosebumps) kind of had a different project going, and they wanted to focus on all that.”

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But now Enos is back on stage with some new friends. He started playing with JB and the Smoothsayers frontman, JB Williams, recently, and then blues guitarist extraordinaire Matt Woods reached out looking to collaborate. It serves as testament to Enos’ talent — and to the quality of his exceedingly large heart — that musicians with the stature of Williams and Woods are consistently seeking him out to work with.

Somewhere down the road, sooner rather than later, Enos wants to do a blues/gospel album with Woods. It is something he says he wants to cross off his bucket list. Until then, he wants to play more around town with Williams and Woods and eventually hit the road for a bit.

“My missus is cool with me chasing my dream as long as I remember where home is,” he says with a smile.

The MS makes it tough on him some days. There are times when he feels pain just from singing. But rather than acting as some kind of deterrent, it only steels his resolve to sing as much as possible. Enos is a spiritual descendant of Tom Waits of sorts, the hardscrabble American troubadour with a bucket full of stories to tell. And even when he hurts and is unsure about what life has coming down the road for him, he still finds time to smile.

“I love the music, man,” he said. “I just want to be wrapped up in musical notes.” CV

One Comment

  1. Julie Enos says:

    A wonderful story that totally explains Jimmy in ever way. I love my sons they make me Proud that they are living their dreams.

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