JIM -MAINE STREET JAZZMEN        

 Sax & Clarinet

 (born. NEWCASTLE 1947)

Jim's musical career started when he joined the Northumberland Fusiliers TA military band in Newcastle, aged 16. However he later became interested in playing jazz, and his playing style was mainly influenced by listening to recordings of  both Benny Goodman and Artie Shaw.

On the local Tyneside jazz scene his main influence was none other than Steve Andrews, who also happens to be Jim's brother in law.  Steve, himself a very accomplished reed player and collector of reed instruments, was a leading figure in the Tyneside based  "Savannah  Syncopaters ", who were a  popular local band playing hot jazz music of the 20's and 30's.

Jim was a member of the Syncopaters in the early 80's, and later went on to become involved in the local traditional jazz scene, whilst playing in the Savoy Jazz band.

Jim is currently in great demand in jazz bands large and small, and currently plays with the" New Century Orchestra", The "Maine Street Jazzmen", and The "Tees Valley Jazzmen".

As well as playing clarinet, Jim is equally accomplished on the sax, and plays soprano, alto, tenor, and baritone, (although not all at once!).  Jim has also been known to grab the microphone and break out into song when the occasion presents itself.