Jim Dorsey, Keyboards/Vocals
Jim started his musical career at the age of six, first plunking out tunes on an old piano in a neighbor’s basement. His parents soon located an available upright 1900 Steiff, and weekly piano lessons began in earnest. By fifth grade, Jim had traded the piano lessons for a chance to play alto sax in the school band, though the interest in piano continued. While playing in concert band in junior high, Jim met up with Bob who first made the suggestion to start a band, and with the addition of Ken and Irv, Jim’s band days had begun.
Jim played alto sax in the Jazz Ensemble during high school developing a love for the big band jazz sound. The piano-based music of Billy Joel and Elton John provided motivation to continue to develop his keyboard chops playing a variety of musical styles—with the “Skyline” guys playing the Top 40 and rock music of the day, and with a variety of ad hoc groups playing weddings and actually being paid. An interest in show tunes and the theatre developed while playing piano for his high school musical productions.
Jim’s first regular gig was with the horn-based “Free and Easy,” playing a variety of colleges and weddings in the DC area. During college, Jim made time to join “First Flight,” where met Vern and mixed his sax and keyboard talents. Finding it difficult to juggle school, work and regular gigging, he took a break from music until after graduation. In the summer of 1985, Jim added his keyboard talents to a band that would soon become “Front Page,” playing a variety of “kick-ass, classic and alternative danceable rock music.” After seven years of playing high school dances and area clubs, the group disbanded in 1992. During the 90’s Jim enjoyed opportunities as pianist and musical director for a number of high school musical productions.
Jim’s enthusiasm over the MLC project is not only due to the opportunity to perform again, but to be able to share this opportunity with a group of great old friends.
Jim's greatest musical contribution? He takes credit for influencing his younger bother Christopher, drummer and founding member of No Pets for Noah . You can hear Jim’s piano plunkin’ on the Child’s Play Album, Long Way.
Single girls can email Jim at Jim@MLCrisis.net