Following is an interview with Buffalo trumpeter Jim Bohm of the band Winelight…
What is the name of your group?
Winelight
Members?
Jim Bohm- trumpet/flugelhorn
Ken Witman- tenor sax
Dave Calire- keys/vocals
Jerry Livingston- bass
Carl Johnson- drums.
Where are you from originally?
Clarence, NY
When and why did you start playing?
I joined the school band at Ledgeview Elementary in 4th grade because music was a cool thing to do.
What was the first tune(s) you learned?
Wow, as a band student, probably Hot Cross Buns! First favorite jazz tune was probably something from trumpeter Maynard Ferguson library.
Who was your first teacher?
Ron Case
Most instrumental teacher?
Ron Sutherland
Is your family musical?
Yes- Mom sang in choir in high school and my sister also sang throughout school.
When and how did your current band originally form?
Last summer when the Liberty Hound opened at the waterfront, there was the chance to put a band together for some Sunday afternoon gigs. I had worked in a duo context with Dave on piano, so we went about filling in the rhythm section. Sax player Ken Witman and I first played in the Nikki Hicks band, found a great sound developed, and have worked together ever since
How did the name Winelight come about?
I was looking for something that sounded classy, and the Grover Washington Jr. song title came to mind and it stuck. And when? This came about around the time that Dave and I were working as a duo on the patio at the Shadow Lounge for their Friday happy hour.
Where is the furthest from Buffalo that you have played?
Seoul, South Korea
How often and for how long do you practice?
An hour a day
Where do you practice?
Home
Do you play covers?
Yes- jazz standards done with a modern feel
Do you play original music?
No, but the band is beginning to write some music.
Which famous musicians do you admire?
Generally, anybody who can really play their instrument or voice. To me, it’s all about tone and musicality. Trumpeters such as Doc Severinson and Maynard Ferguson, bands such as Tower of Power, Chicago and Blood, Sweat and Tears.
Describe your first instrument.
First really good horn was a Bach Strad that my parents bought for me in 7th grade- top of the line horn!
Where is your favorite place to play/sing in Buffalo?
We play a weekly Saturday gig at Duke’s on Allen St. and it has been a blast. Great place, great vibe!
Where would you most like to play in Buffalo?
Opening for a national act on a stage like Kleinhans or Shea’s would be great.
Do you perform in public venues? Concerts, radio, TV?
As a union musician, I have had the privilege of playing with touring musicals, and have performed with Aretha Franklin, the Four Tops, Frankie Valli, and Gino Vanelli, among others.
Where do you draw your inspiration from?
Good music, good people
Do you tour?
No
If you could play for one famous person, who would that be?
Maynard Ferguson
What are your strengths?
Tone and feel
What are your weaknesses?
Technique
Do you have a label? A recording studio? Have you recorded a CD?
No label, but I do have a CD out with Ken Witman under the Bohm Witman Project name. It is titled My Funny Valentine
Where and when is your next gig?
Winelight – Wednesday, April 17 at the Pan American Grille at the Hotel Lafayette (see Facebook) – 6:30pm-9pm.
Anything else?
Every Saturday at Duke’s Bohemian Grove Bar from 6-9pm
Facebook, www.jimbohm.com
Lead image: Photo by Will Holton – from Gruvology @ The Pan Am jazz series – Hotel @ The Lafayette
Video: By Will Holton
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