Jim’s earliest musical influence was standing mesmerized by an exceptional jazz rhythm guitarist that played at his uncles wedding when he was 5 years old. He stood watching the band all night while the other kids ran around and played.

Jim’s first piano experience happened when he was just tall enough to rest his top teeth on the board in front of the keys of his grandmother’s player piano. With his teeth resting there, he loved the feel of sound reverberating through his entire skull as he played. His sister to this day has that piano with teeth marks plainly visible!

He played his first professional job at "Sassy Jim's" in Milwaukee on south 6th St. in 1973 and he continued playing there throughout the summer. Jim then founded "Rock of Ages" and they began performing from Janesville to Manitowoc including numerous clubs in the Milwaukee and Waukesha areas.

In the late 70’s Jim relocated to northern Wisconsin where he remained for the next 22 years raising a family of four daughters and playing a variety of music in a number of bands.

Jim loves all kinds of music and has played just about everything, from wedding polkas and waltzes, to Country, 50's, 60's and 70's rock, blues, and even a Pink Floyd tribute band.

For Jim, finding himself back in the "Basement" with his new musical buddies playing music that he enjoys is a real treat. He does get talked out of the basement occasionally to share that fun with others, but he knows the basement is always there for him and he couldn't be happier.