Narrators

Talking with Jim Weiss

2011 Best Voice in CHILDREN & FAMILY LISTENING: Just So Stories

We always talk about brilliant audiobooks having a core of storytelling, and who is better equipped to do this than acclaimed storyteller Jim Weiss? Over the years, we've spoken to Jim about his original and thoughtful storytelling programs from Greathall productions--29 of them--which have garnered nearly every award and accolade, including AudioFile Earphones and ALA Notable Recordings, Parents Choice, and others. Sherlock Holmes, King Arthur and His Knights, Greek Myths, and Spooky Classics are some of my personal enduring favorites. In the last several years Jim has lent his engaging voice to full-length classics and to several of Live Oak Media's book-and-cassette programs, including MOLE MUSIC by David McPhail and GREGORY'S SHADOW by Don Freeman. Our review and Earphones in this issue for Joseph Heller's CATCH-22 show the further brilliance of Jim's skills. He delivers the genius of the book with consummate skill. The recent narrations have allowed him "to stretch as an actor," Jim says. Recording classics for Books on Tape from Beatrix Potter to FRANKENSTEIN to CATCH-22, Jim demonstrates an impressive range.--[OCT/NOV 2003]