Jim Cruz

Go to ImageShack to Create your own SlideshowHi! Jim Cruz here! Originally, I'm a native to Lindenhurst, Long Island (New York), until I moved out on my own at 19 to chase my musical dreams. I began studying guitar at age 10. Having been influenced by hearing Spanish folk music which was largely made up of guitarists with incredible chops and a wonderful sense of rythmic melody - I was naturally drawn to the guitar. I was soon exposed to Jimi Hendrix, Led Zepplin, Cream, Santana, BB King, many other classic rock musicians and a host of Jazz musicians that became my early guitar heroes. After several moves around the country chasing my musical dreams, I eventually landed in Atlanta, GA...where I now reside. I found work briefly working as a fitness instructor at 2 gyms. Later, I began working in corporate America, where I've been working for the last 23 years. All the while I kept musical things happening, just very scaled back, while raising a family. I'm married to my wonderful wife, Cheryl and we have 5 great teenagers between us. Over the years I've played in dozens of bands around the country or playing solo gigs. While in Atlanta I began teaching guitar and over the last 25 years I had the privelage of literally teaching hundreds of students and seeing a good many of them become fine players in their own right. In the last number of years, I've played in different musical projects: prog rock bands, country bands, a Latino-jazz fusion band with ex-Santana percussionist, Carlos Jorge, and have played in a number of different Church ensembles as well as performed as a solo guitarist. I'm presently collaborating with virtuoso bassist & friend, Nemo Tristani in a Jazz project called "Alchemia". We're working on material for a CD project. Our music is a mix of all our diverse influences culminating into a smooth funk/Latino-Jazz blend with a little bit of a Rock/Blues edge. More about Alchemia will be forthcoming including our website and MySpace site. Thanks for visiting. I'd like to know about you. While you're here, please visit my website at: http://www.JimCruzMusic.com