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Here are my band-mates for the CD. They are all among Chicago's finest musicians, and I am fortunate to have had them at my recording session.
Laura
Hoffman, Piano
One of Chicago's premier keyboardists, Laura has been playing, she says, "Almost longer than I can remember". A teacher as well as a performer, Laura has played in all genres including solo piano, cocktail piano, trios, quartets and big bands. She has personal and professional ties to the New York City area and has performed there as well. So if you happen to walk into a NYC club and see her at the piano, stick around and listen. You won't be disappointed.
John Whitfield, Bass
John played his first gig with Peggy Lee. After 4 years, John started a 6 year job in Bermuda with a house band at the Southampton Princess Hotel until 1980. He has played and/or recorded with Anita O'Day, Barry Harris, Mose Allison, John Young, Ears, and many others. He names Ron Carter as one of his major influences.
Charles McFarlan, Drums
Due to unforeseen circumstances, Charles was a last minute replacement at my recording session and was certainly an excellent choice and a wonderful addition. He has played locally and on the road over the years and has worked as part of the Judy Roberts Trio here in Chicago. (Thanks again for the referral Judy. You always come through for me).
Sadly, Charles left us the last week of 2005.
Requescant in Pace, Charles.
Jim is a lifelong native of Chicago. He began private Clarinet and Saxophone studies in the 1950's. In 1966 he attended Chicago Musical College of Roosevelt University, majoring in Music Education, and studied privately with the legendary Joe Daley, finishing in 1969 to join the Navy. While serving in the Navy at Moffett Field, California, Jim performed with the band as a Navy Special Services group at many Naval functions.
From 1967 thru today, Jim has performed with groups of all types touring different parts of the country including his own Jazz Trio, the Mike Louie Trio, Ice, Music Unlimited, his own Jazz Unlimited, (a 16 piece big band), Joe Cantafio and the Giant Killers, (backing such acts as Del Shannon, The Shirelles, and Coasters), The Chicago Grandstand Big Band, The Jazz Unlimited Orchestra, and The Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethon.
Jim produced his own CD recording session in 2000, and participated in several others including vocalist Sally Richards and The Chicago Grandstand Big Band.
Between 1997 and 2001 he was a member of the The Guy Lombardo Orchestra with Al Pierson. During that time the orchestra performed with nationally known acts such as, The Four Lads, The Mills Brothers, Lynn Roberts, Johnny Mercer, The Ink Spots, Pied Pipers and many others.
Currently Jim is the Lead and Jazz Tenor Saxophonist on tour with the Rick Schalk Orchestra in a show called Big Band Cavalcade.
