Well, it's been quite a while since I've updated this journal, so here's what has been happening in the life of Jim. . .

        My reason for neglecting this page has been primarily because I moved on August 1st.  I spent most of May, June and July preparing for the move.  Alas, those months are a blur to me, so I'll do my best to dig up what's noteworthy.

        First, a "reunion of sorts" took place between Russ Starke and myself this past June.  He had completed his first solo album entirely on his own and was looking for people to form a band so we could go out and gig the album.  I mustered up a drummer, Steve, and Russ had a long-time guitarist friend, Brian, who helped complete the lineup for a show to be played at Cafe Rustica in Philadelphia.  It was nothing short of awesome!  The people loved the group, Russ was glowing and I heard some really nice compliments about how I was just grinning from ear to ear during each song.  This couldn't have happened at a better time.

        Second, since Steve is a music student in Toronto, CANADA, he's gone back to school leaving us without a drummer.  Between that and the difficulty of finding a gig without a couple months planning, the band, previously known as "The State Champs" is on hold.  But that hasn't stopped us.  A new band is on the horizon with regular practices starting up soon.  It includes, Russ, Brian and myself from the original group as well as drummer Russell Gellman and vocalist Abby (not like Cher, I just don't know her last name yet).  The goal of the band is to put together some of the best talent we've all come to know over the years and work on each other's material to create something new and different.

        Third, I'm not done yet.  There's more.  I recently started talking to Michael Raven, the percussionist featured on most of the tracks from my site.  We had a falling out last January and haven't spoken since.  But I figured it best to open a clear line of communication rather than stew over the past.  We got together, had a good long talk and came to the conclusion that what we did together is worth keeping and continuing.  So, the two of us will be joining together again and restarting our duo.  It turns out that Mike's moving too, so it'll be a little while before we start things up.  Until then, I know we're both in eager anticipation, because after what we've been through, it's safe to say it's been too long!

        Fourth?  Yes, more.  John Mazzarella Band is still going strong!  We have more gigs booked in September and more to come for October and November.  We're in the process of reworking the lineup, so I don't know what John's intentions are for future gigs.  He's been talking about adding a horn section with backup singers--could be cool!  Then there's the permanent drummer thing--all to be worked out within the next couple months.  It turns out that John is moving too and it's been hard for any of us to keep in touch.  Rest assured, there will be more info on the news and shows pages.

       Thanks for visiting and reading up.  Visit the shows page to find out when and where I'm playing next!

-Jim