We’re a little over a month away from the release of THIMK, the final album from 70s singer-songwriter Stephen Bishop. The album will be his 20th and admittedly his final work. Whether that holds form remains to be seen but Bishop does not come across as one who retires and then unretires because he can’t quit music. Especially considering the cast of characters joining him on this swan song album.

THIMK will feature the likes of:
Eric Clapton
Sting
Graham Nash
Art Garfunkel
Jimmy Webb
Dave Grusin
Michael McDonald
Christopher Cross
Kenny Loggins
David Pack
Gerry Beckley + Dewey Bunnell (of America)
David Benoit
Marilyn Martin

The session band includes those both living and deceased:
bassist Nathan East (Eric Clapton, Phil Collins, et al)
keys player Greg Phillinganes (Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Bee Gees, et al)
bassist Leland Sklar (James Taylor, Phil Collins, Toto, et al)
drummer Steve Gadd (Paul Simon, Eric Clapton, et al)
keys player Steve Porcaro (Toto)
vocalist Leah Kunkel (James Taylor, Art Garfunkel, et al)
pedal steel wizard Greg Leisz (Jackson Browne, KD Lang, Eric Clapton)
drummer Nic Collins (Genesis, Phil Collins, son of Phil Collins)
bassist Sean Hurley (John Mayer, Alanis Morrissette, Ringo Starr)
drummer Jake Reed (Katy Perry, Laufey)
harmonica player Jack Tempchin (The Eagles, Glenn Frey)

The album is slated to include new music, rare unreleased tracks and special collaborations with some of the talented friends above. THIMK was produced by singer/songwriter and guitarist Marcus Eaton, a longtime collaborator of David Crosby and executive produced by music exec Liz Kamlet.

As for the quirky title? Bishop says it’s pronounced exactly like the word “think.” During a tour run in the 1980s, Bishop found a pin with the word THIMK on it and brought it home. While preparing for the recording of this album, Bishop’s wife founded the pin and the songwriter felt it appropriate to use it to adorn his final album. He’s also quite proud to mention that the word “thimk” is featured in the Scorsese film Taxi Driver. Not bad company to keep, eh?

Bishop fans should note that his retirement also includes a retirement for touring, but a virtual concert is slated in the near future. Bishop and his wife are also working on opening a music venue called Bish’s Hideaway (yep, named after the 1978 song) in his adopted home state of Colorado. Bishop last toured in 2019 and while many planned for his 2020 postponed shows to be rescheduled, Bishop, his wife and his team have decided it best to just walk away from touring.

The songwriter’s retirement marks the end to a 50 year career, and while this writer primarily knows him for his ubiquitous single “On and On” he has both a voice and songs that are quite worth celebrating.

So here’s to Bish for 50 years, THIMK and Bish’s Hideaway. Upward and onward!