Shadow Puppets

Jim plays tenor and soprano sax, and is accompanied on Shadow Puppets by Laurence Hobgood on Rhodes piano, Larry Kohut on double bass and Eric Montzka on drums and percussion.

Jim's rich smooth tones and thought provoking yet accessible improvisations are newcomers to The Naim Label, although Jim is no stranger to making wonderful and critically acclaimed albums. He played recently on Kurt Elling's Grammy nominated disc "Man In The Air"

Much of Shadow Puppets are tunes that were transcribed originally from a session of total improvisation that Jim did with Chicago drummer Jeff Stitley. Jim made a preliminary recording, which he then listened to in close detail. He noted down which parts of the improvisation worked and caught his ear and worked on these bits, nourishing and tending them until he had the music which makes up the debut album for his group, Split Decision.

Jim's cohorts on this album have their own musical pedigree; Laurence Hobgood needs no real introduction to fans of Naim Label, being part of Union trio and also having recorded a solo disc for us. Larry Kohut adds a very strong presence on acoustic bass, having learned his technique playing with the likes of Randy Brecker, Larry Coryell, Ryan Schultz and John McLean. Eric Montzka is long time drummer with Patricia Barber, having appeared on most of her recent albums.

Produced by Jim Gailloreto