Jim Lopina
How could you not love music growing up listening and grooving out to 'Whipped Cream', the quintessental Herb Alpert album on the Hi-Fi? At a very early age, as soon as his hands could reach, James was banging out simple melodies on the upright piano, trying to emulate his older siblings. When he was old enough, he was able to attend lessons under Wauwatosa legend Virginia Kissinger, whose large presence was both terrifying and inspiring. He quickly became fascinated by the fugal arrangements of the baroque and classical artists, further fueled by the ever-growing collection of sheet music in the house - Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, Chopin, etc.
During grade school, between lessons, recitals, and marching with the 'Cardinal Cadets' youth band (alto sax), Jim discovered rock music at it's finest, and couldn't get enough of it. All allowances and paperboy earnings went to expanding his album collection, most of the money spent at 'The Record Shop' at Mayfair Mall (yeah it was right next to Chess King in the 'Bazaar'). Eventually, he and others from his grade school got together for impromptu 'jam sessions', which later evolved into real performances at social gigs and parties around town.
High school was a period of musical discovery and enlightenment for Jim, as he delved into a wide listening spectrum - from jazz fusion, to blues, bluegrass, ska, reggae, punk, new wave, oldies, and jam rock. Countless hours were spent recording cassette tapes of the perfect 'mix'.
In college, Jim reaffirmed his music performance skills by enrolling as a music minor at Loyola of New Orleans. He learned jazz piano from John Mahoney, performed on the harpsichord for his formal pedagogy instrument, and was trained in music theory, recording engineering, and composition. Without any prior vocal training, he auditioned to become part of the presitigious 'Loyola Chorale', an acclaimed singing group for the university. Weekday evenings were spent in the practice studios in the music department, or at the production studio at the college radio station, where he later became production director. On the weekends, he played with the 'Uncle Jam' band and also briefly with 'James and the Spore Addicts'.
In the 1990's family and career took precedence, however music still ran thick in his blood. It was until the next decade however that someone at a parish event suggested that he join the contemporary church choir. After several months of patience, practice, and vocal tuning, he soon relished any opportunity to sing and perform. Newly inspired by this new group setting, it wasn't long after that he met Dick Phalen, and the rest is history....... NOT! Jim is looking forward to a great future with the band, now that music has become an indellible, permanent, and integral part of his life. He is continually grateful to be surrounded by such great family, friends, and musicians!
Influences
All of the Artists we currently perform, especially Allman Brothers, Eric Clapton (and all his bands), C.C.R., The Beatles, Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, and Santana.
Other Major Influences - Little Feat, Steely Dan, The Doors, Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Wonder, Bonnie Raitt, John Hiatt, Jeff Lorber, Chick Corea, Talking Heads, David Bowie, The English Beat, Steel Pulse, Pinetop Perkins, James Booker, Howlin' Wolf, Muddy Waters, Johnny Winter, Gene Harris, Monty Alexander, Scott Joplin, Fats Waller, Louis Prima, Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Bobby Darrin, and Steve & Edie..., etc.,
New Stuff I Like and/or Currently Listening To - Northern Mississippi All Stars, Spoon, Moe, Raq, Phish, Sloan, Los Lonely Boys, Status Green, Aretha Franklin, and The Strokes.
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