- Jim -
Gretch - 1962 Duo Jet
Guitar - Vocals
Jim started playing his dad's acoustic guitar in his teens. It quickly became his passion. He soon bought his first electric, a $50 Kent starter guitar and it was in his hands constantly. He and three friends started a garage band, sometimes making noise and sometimes making music. The band played a lot of Ventures instrumental songs in the beginning. The Kent was replaced by a Gretsch Duo Jet in '63, a guitar that He still has and plays today, and the band transitioned to vocal music, playing and singing mostly songs of the "British Invasion." The Men-Dels played for dances and frat parties in and around the Rochester area for a couple of years, but Uncle Sam called in '66 and the band came to an end. While serving in the Air Force in Germany, Jim played and sang with a four person folk-rock group, The New Folk, specializing in four-part harmony. In '68 The New Folk took second place in a European wide talent contest wining a two week tour of one night stands throughout Germany, a once in a lifetime experience. All good things must come to an end though and Jim left the group when orders sent him stateside.
Playing and singing became a solo act in 1970, when Jim's music took a back seat to raising a family and pursuing a career. For many years music was strictly for his own personal enjoyment, but the Guitar called him back several years ago and once again playing and singing have become an important part of his life.
Jim especially enjoys singing songs with two or more part harmony. His early influences include the Everly Brothers, The Beach Boys, The Four Seasons, and all of the great doo wop artists. Naturally, the Beatles, Simon and Garfunkel, Crosby, Stills, Nash, & Young and other similar artist are included in the list.
Jim is proud to be part of Grey Fox Lane.
“Callin' out around the world Are you ready for a brand new beat?”
Dancing In The Street –
Martha & The Vandellas