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Jim Pearce

About Me

Pianist / Composer/ Singer Jim Pearce has released 7 Jazz CD’s and one Neo Classical. Jim's CD “I'm in the Twilight of a Mediocre Career” which hit #1 on the JazzWeek Jazz Chart was featured in an interview on NPR'S Morning Edition with Susan Stamberg and Jim’s compositions have been used in over 400 TV shows including Saturday Night Live, The Voice , 90210, Succession, Empire, Blue Bloods, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Parenthood , Pawn Stars, and many others. He’s also been the recipient of numerous awards including Outstanding Achievement in Songwriting (Great American Song Contest), Grand Prize in Jazz Category (John Lennon Songwriting Contest), and Finalist for Jazz Album of the Year in The Independent Music Awards. Jim has written and produced over 600 tunes.

Press Quotes

”There exists a unique and storied subset of jazz artists who pen the most clever music and lyrics this side of Tin Pan Alley and way that side of modern-day Nashville. Besides Bob Dorough and Dave Frishberg, who are in a class by themselves, are Mose Allison and Jim Pearce, who are also part of that rarefied class.” All About Jazz/ C. Michael Bailey

”Never Open with a Ballad is a delightful collection of modern jazz performed by an outstanding collective of sympathetic musicians who are truly deserving of wider recognition. Pearce proves himself a highly adept leader who approaches every aspect of his music with vision and integrity.” All About Jazz/ John Barron

“Pearce has produced another winner. This is outstanding mainstream jazz. Washington Square Park is a powerful reminder that not all great jazz pianist/composers are signed to Verve or Blue Note-or work out of New York” All About Jazz / Paul Olson

“Jim Pearce is in possession of a special type of “triple threat.” I don’t know if he can dance or act. That’s not the kind I mean. What Pearce certainly can do is sing, play piano and write great music. He does plenty of each on his latest CD, Never Open with a Ballad. He and his band play in relaxed, straight -ahead jazz style. The songs (each tune on the CD is a Pearce original) are unique. Pearce has a clearly developed compositional style. The arrangements bring out the best from each composition. The musicians bring out the best from each arrangement. Never Open with a Ballad is seriously swingin’ CD that is infinitely worth a listen or two.” Jazz Improv Magazine/ Dave Miele

“Jim Pearce reminds me somewhat of Bob Dorough and Dave Frishberg, you see. Fans of both will enjoy this CD along with Mr. Pearce's fine piano playing.”The Jazz Rendezvous /Eric Alan

“Pearce's group is nearly flawless.” All About Jazz / Michael Gladstone “Jim is an extraordinarily talented musician and those skills are matched by his songwriting abilities. It is easy to see why he has earned many songwriting awards during his illustrious career. His stories and their imaginative lyrics create vivid images that one does not soon forget, or want to. And his piano riffs continue to play in your head long after his music stops.” Roots Music Report/ Brenda Barbee

“Jazz composer/pianist Jim Pearce has assembled an impressive canon of songs showcasing his own creative composition prowess and dazzling technical gifts. The septet shines from the opening title track through the album’s closer, “One More Tomorrow.” He also delivers charming vocals on four tracks.” One Way Magazine “Thirty Year Waltz comforts like a caress.” “Muddy River Vamp peppers us with groove and carefully configured ensemble. This song and a few others will stop casual conversations. The complexity within provokes a deeper listen.” Jazz Improv Magazine / Gregory J. Robb

“Singing pianist is incredibly hip, but please don’t tell him. It might ruin his hangdog charm, which stacks up favorably alongside witty songsters such as Bob Dorough, Dave Frishberg and Mose Allison.” ——Jazziz Magazine

“From the opening track, “Muddy River Vamp”, this one cooks! Herman Burney (b), Paul Fallat (d), Eric South (sax, fl), Ken Gregory (t) and pianist Jim Pearce play with a fervor that is energizing.” O's Place Jazz Newsletter

AWARDS Won by JIM PEARCE

2006 INDEPENDENT MUSIC AWARDS—Finalist for Jazz Album of the Year (Washington Square Park) and Finalist for Jazz Song of the Year (Dreaming in Van Gogh Colors)

Outstanding Achievement in Songwriting in 7th Annual Great American Song Contest (Prairie Dog Ballet)

Grand Prize in Jazz Category 2003 JOHN LENNON SONGWRITING CONTEST

First Place instrumental-category in 6th Annual Great American Song Contest and 3rd place “Outstanding Achievement in Songwriting” instrumental- category

Finalist in Jazz Category in 2004 U.S.A. SONGWRITING COMPETITION

Outstanding Achievment in Songwriting in 2002 GREAT AMERICAN SONG CONTEST (2nd Place-instrumental category)

Honor Award in 2003 GREAT AMERICAN SONG CONTEST

FINALIST in 2003 UNISONG INTERNATIONAL SONG CONTEST (4 SONGS