(written December 26, 2005 with the help of Balvenie, a Barbera d’Asti Superiore, and Marcel Jacob).
Born: Sexually mature.
Instrument: Didgeridoo.
Influences: Mick Tucker / Ian Paice / Bobby Rondinelli / Jeff Porcaro.
First Record Bought: Sweet Fanny Adams.
First Concert Attended: Early 80’s, probably Rainbow on the “Straight Between the Eyes” tour. Coming from Avesta one is (was ? ) a little bit offside when it came to international artists concerts that were usually happening in
Influential Bands: Sweet / Deep Purple / Rainbow (Bobby Rondinelli) / Eagles, particularly Don Henley, whose soloalbums are among my favourites. His drumming, er, “drumming”, is a bit south of nowhere, but he’s blessed with an angelic voice.
Influential People: Guy Gadboae (have no idea if the spelling is correct...my favourite mustard salesman) / Peter Sellers ...and of course Homer Simpson .
Likes: Whisky ( Balvenie, Bruichladdich, the list can go on ; Im quite amenable to a “bourbon ginger ale” too! ) , Italian red wines preferably Barbera d’Asti (Superiore), detective novels (Michael Connelly, Dennis Lehane, Peter Robinson ) , playing Paul Carrack quite loudly while getting drunk!
Dislikes: Greedy people... when situations are unorganized i e Italian !
Most memorable show/concert: When Treat played the Monsters of Rock show in
Which album are you proudest of?
I can’t single any one out, there may be an odd stinker or two, but for the most part I’m happy with everything I’ve accomplished.
What would people be shocked or surprised to know about you ?
I’m evil – and a damned good chef ! And my frustration tolerance is extremely low when things are unstructured or unorganized, my temper can get the better of me sometimes...need to be in control, anyone ???
Other than music, what are some of your interests and hobbies?
Collecting whisky, reading (see above) , used to watch NHL but it sucks nowadays, my long time favourite team the St Louis Blues are terrible these days, and Brett Hull has turned into an average golf player ... listening to music (duh! )...
Where is your favorite place to tour?
Wherever the plane takes me.
What is the scariest or freakiest thing that ever happened to you on tour ?
Nothing scares me ! After 20 years in this profession, nothing sticks out as particularly scary or freaky – not even seeing Jeff Scott Soto enter the stage wearing an upside down t-shirt for pants! !
What are the things you absolutely MUST take with you on tour?
Drumsticks. Plus – I have my own travel pack (very meticuluously packed in a metal “doctors bag”...very controlled– MJ’s note) with novels, music (Motown mp3’s), whisky, cologne, and underwear.
How do you occupy your free time on the road?
What free time ?
What do you feel is your biggest accomplishment?
Staying alive...and sane ! Balvenie helps !
How many tattoos do you have, and are you planning on getting more?
A lettered band, an alien skull, a motif with a japanese dragon and paradise bird, another skull type thing...the collection may be growing, but I don’t have an appointment with a tattooist booked today ! By the way, they’re done by a guy named Linus , he’s great !
What do you hate?
When the swine horses don’t run the way I want them to ( betting on the national trot races on weekends).
(MJ: I actually can’t see Jamie as a hateful person, and discussing this topic with him we can’t come up with a serious answer..as you probably can tell by the above !)
What is the last concert you attended…..other than one of your own?
Sweden Rock Festival (2005), Motley Crew and Dio were great...I also watched Yngwie for about 10 minutes, but me and Anders Wikstrom (Treat) had to leave because the show sucked so hard. Talk about a guitar player who doesn’t listen to the drummer...the most fun part of attending the festival was meeting Bobby Rondinelli in the hotel bar, as you can see in the photo section. He was just as nice a guy as I thought he would be.
What do you like or dislike about fans?I don’t have any dislikes about my fans, I’m just happy they appreciate what I do.
What is the craziest thing a fan has ever done to meet you?
I don’t really have any stories to tell...one or other has probably told a lie or two to get backstage or to my hotel room, but that’s not really crazy...is it ?
How many albums have you recorded?
23 albums + 1 DVD. Next year (2006) there will be new releases of : Talisman, Last Autumn’s Dream, Treat, and Jeff Scott Soto (a ballads album ).
List of Favorite things:
Car: I drive Peugeot...I like a little french thing now and then.
Food: Indian...some Italian is good sometimes – if the wine is there!
Movie: Usual suspects is one I remember...movies for me are usually 2 hours or so of entertainment, not something I analyze a lot afterwards...
Brand of beer: Lager
Vacation/holiday spot this year:
Favourite holiday spot: Who doesn’t like the
Favourite time of year: Definitely springtime! Born in May I always feel renewed in spring!
What brand of equipment do you prefer to use?
At the moment I’m using Zildjian Cymbals and Ludwig drums...there is some interest from other companies at the moment, so that might change soon. But there is a section called “Equipment” you might want to check out, where I’ll keep you updated on my setups.
Does your equipment preference differ while on Tour or Recording?
Nope.
Out of all projects you have completed what was your favorite, and which one was most challenging?
One of the most fun was the whole process of doing the Talisman “Humanimal” album, living in a basement in Upplands Vasby for rehearsals, moving to Sound Trade for the tracking. This was also the start of the rhythm section of Borger/Jacob Inc. , which has been great fun for me. I’m also very pleased with my work on the “Alfonzetti” album, where I was happy to play pop drums, and the Swedish Erotica “Blind man’s justice” album where I got to explore metal drumming – plus I like the drum sound on it. Most challenging was probably working with Bjorn Lodin, doing the Baltimoore thing...if only higher powers could have taken me away from the studio !
What was the first drum kit you had?
It was probably a
What kind of sticks do you prefer, and do you have them specially made?
They’re standard non-customized Zildjian Super 5 B’s ... at the rate I break sticks, thank God I’m sponsored!
Do you play any other instruments?
(Answer by MJ :) - Yes, Jamie continually surprises me with interesting guitar chords whenever he introduces a new song for Talisman ! A trademark Jamie Borger song has become an integral part of a Talisman albums over the past 10 years - me and JSS refer to Jamie as our own Roger Taylor!
What made you choose the drums ?
I started off singing, but soon my collaborators preferred my drumming ! Jeff always looks forward to my guiding vocals for my songs !
What advice would you give a younger struggling musician?
Look up Balvenie in the dictionary .
Any career regrets….. or regrets as a musician?
No, not really, I’ve been fortunate to play with so many great musicians all these years...I’m content.
Anything else you'd like to add?
Can you do my laundry on Thursday ?