At the age of six, inspired by a concert of Carlos Montoya, Jim Spector began studying the guitar and clarinet with other instruments to follow. His first solo guitar performance in grade school was followed by high school participation in concert band, symphony orchestra, jazz band and musical comedies. In 1974 he was selected to perform solo guitar in an all Chicago area talent review. He continued his private study with the renowned guitarist Juan Serranno and in 1975 was the recipient of a scholarship for musical performance from DePaul University from which he received his Bachelor's degree in music performance.
Mr. Spector began teaching privately at the age of fourteen and began teaching professionally at several Chicago area music stores two years later. Before leaving Chicago he was the head of the guitar department at the Sherwood Conservatory of Music and the classical guitar professor at Chicago State University. His performance credits in Chicago included most of the downtown hotels, numerous restaurants including Geja's Café and The 95th in the John Hancock Center, private clubs, museums, The Chicago Yacht Club and concerts for the Chicago Public Library Fine Arts Series.
People have applauded his performances across the United States and during a three year stay in Hawaiï he was selected out of a number of musicians from around the world to be an in house guitarist for The Four Season Resort in Maui where he was a regular at the seaside restaurant and the lobby lounge. While there Mr. Spector performed tableside for Dustin Hoffman, The Eagles, Rob Thomas and many other celebrities and was the opening act for Bo Didley, Fleetwood Mac and several allstar lineups.
In his international travels he has performed in Canada, Mexico and in many venues throughout Europe including apperances at the famous Cavern Club in Liverpool and in St. Tropez. Mr. Spector is a regular in Amsterdam making appearances at local clubs and restaurants and a major concert at the Concertgebouw. A recent tour of the Mediterranean culminated with several months of performances on the island of Malta where he was the inhouse guitarist at The Westin Dragonara. Jim was in the lobby lounge, the seaside restaurant and at special events with a highlight being concerts at CHOGM attended by the Queen of England and the heads of state of 50 countries from around the world.
Many television and cable appearences have made his face familiar to viewers globally and with one of his recordings being played on American Airlines international inflight play list he has been heard around the world. Jim Spector has attended the Grammy Awards where he was up for nomination for two of his five cd..s and he has appeared on numerous other recordings throughout the years.
"...a young Montoya..." WNIB Chicago
"...a sensual and vibrant sound..." Peninsula Pulse
"...moody splendor..." Chicago Tribune
"... a romp into magical romantic realms..." Peninsula Pulse
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