ALONG THE WAY

Born in Pennsylvania, I began playing the piano at age four and couldn't be dragged away since. In eighth grade, I was diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP). This caused me to be legally blind with very limited sight. Even with that obstacle, I continue to play and music has been a great comfort through many trying times.

At age 14 I became a church musician and continue that today. After high school I began to play solo gigs while I also worked with local rock and country bands.

When I first started in public, I got great experience through open mic nights with the Lehigh Valley's own Phil Stahl, the legendary promoter of local music. Besides bands, I’ve worked many lounges (yes, Piano Man) and private parties, playing the music I love: Billy Joel, Elton John, and other music of what was becoming “classic rock”.
In 2001, I returned to school and earned my BS in Music Education at Kutztown University of Pennsylvania in spring of 2006.

Lately, I have been on local radio shows and cable TV shows. I also appeared as part of the 2008 Berks Jazz Fest. One of the most exciting things to happen is having an original song played on XM Radio 204 for Hockey This Morning. The show is based in Toronto and is the headquarters for NHL Home Ice. My song “Hockey This Morning” will be played throughout the 2008-2009 season.

I continue to write and play solo gigs and occasionally I am joined by one of several drummers. It had been a pass-time for me, but now I am pursuing my music career and focusing on my original material with a new-found energy and determination. My experience will be a valuable asset in this endeavor.

My ability to play various bass lines while chording or playing riffs and singing gives me the advantage of having a full sound with fewer people. Drummers add to what I do, yet I am free to improvise harmonies or form and sometimes even modulations.  I often allow my audience to guide me as I customize the performance for them on the fly. I will occasionally throw in some humorous material and I enjoy joking with the audience. Life and music should be fun. There are enough serious moments in everyone's life.

I’ve been fortunate to make many friends, enjoy several styles of music, and to have had great experiences “Along the Way”.

Jim lives with his wife, Jen, and four children: Katie, Sami, Alex, and Jonah. He currently serves as the staff musician for Meck Music Inc.