A Night Out!

datman studios was here soundsystemLike most young boys, Jim would often pull pots out of his Mom’s cupboards to create a make-shift drum set. As he grew, his banging on things turned into a search for rhythms, sounds, and melodies. Into his teen years he developed a love for Jazz and a type of music that eventually was recognized as World Music. He listened to his parents' old recordings of Louis Armstrong, Ramsey Lewis Trio, Quincy Jones, and Ray Charles among others. Jim found an escape within the melodies and rhythms. As he began to embrace this music he graduated from pots and pans to real percussion instruments and began piano lessons.In college Jim chose to pursue a degree in Communication rather than follow his heart in music but most of his free time was spent in the Music and Dance Departments. He attended many workshops and participated in small recitals.Jim received frequent instruction from renowned World Percussionist, Jerry LeDuff [who fortunately was his cousin]. Jim's study of percussion was developed further with a concentration on Conga drums.Upon closing the bank near Greek town where Jim was assistant manager, Friday evenings for Jim ended on a Greek town corner frequented by drummers. Still dressed in business slacks and shirt minus the tie, he played for hours with seasoned street musicians. Jim learned from these old street performers, and as one should, borrowed some of their techniques in the process.Good fortune blessed Jim again, as he was permitted to attend a selective Masters Class with the famed Cuban Conguero Chanquito who was touring the United States. This very special class was arranged and held at the home of his cousin Jerry; only highly-developed hand-drummers were permitted entry. Jim was shown the invisible hand technique in the session with Chanquito.During the mid-1990’s, Jim and cousins Jerry and his wife Annette traveled together on a music sojourn to Brazil. They spent their time in Rio, Ipanema, but mainly in Salvador, Bahia, the true home of Afro-Brazilian rhythm. Here they immersed themselves in native life: living, eating and mixing with Brazilians, surrounded by native sounds. Jim brought home more than a souvenir...his new appreciation for the Afro-Brazilian sound, that same sound which is now a part of our popular music.Jim always wanted to be involved in music, he began a music promotion business. He promotes the music that he loves, and shares it with others. Thus A Night Out was incorporated in 2003.