Jim Odgren Her Eyes CD

Biographical InformationJim is an alto saxophonist who doubles on tenor and soprano saxophones and flute. He began playing saxophone at age nine. He studied and played in the public school music programs in Massachusetts, where he grew up.Upon graduation from high school, Jim attended Berklee College of Music, from 1972-1976. In 1976 to 1977, he joined and toured the USA and Canada with a soul band called "Wayne Cochran & the C.C. Riders." Also, in 1976, he played saxophone and flute on his first recording session, with Michael Mantler and Carla Bley.In 1978, Jim recorded in New York City with the Dutch guitarist, Jan Akkerman. This was with a great horn section, including Michael Brecker on tenor saxophone.In 1980, Jim joined the Gary Burton Quartet. From 1980 to 1983, he toured Russia, Eastern and Western Europe, the Caribbean, and South America with Gary's group. During this time, they recorded two LP's ("Easy As Pie" and "Picture This") on the ECM record label. On the second one, Jim wrote and published two jazz compositions, "Tierra Del Fuego" and "Skylight."In 1982, Jim began to teach at Berklee College of Music, in Boston, Massachusetts. He began as an Instructor of Ensembles (contemporary and jazz/rock styles). Throughout his fifteen-year career at Berklee, Jim has also taught in the Performance Studies and Woodwind Departments. His current title at Berklee is Associate Professor, Woodwind Department. Jim has received two teaching awards from Berklee. In 1989, he received the "Dean of Faculty Award" for his work in improvisation. In 1995, as part of Berklee's fiftieth year celebration, Jim received a medallion in appreciation for his contributions to teaching.In 1983, Jim toured England and Wales with the Mike Gibbs' Band. This band included Kevin Eubanks on guitar, Bob Moses on drums, and Steve Swallow on bass.In 1986, Jim went to London, England to play alto and soprano saxophone as a featured soloist on the music soundtrack of the Paramount motion picture, "Heat", starring the American actor, Burt Reynolds.In 1988, Jim played on composer, Michael Gibbs CD, called "Big Music". He was the featured soloist on the song, "Wall to Wall". This CD recording featured famous instrumentalists; John Scofield, Kevin Eubanks and Bill Frisell on guitar, Bob Moses on drums, Lew Soloff on trumpet, and Bob Mintzer on tenor saxophone, flute and bass clarinet.Also in 1988, Jim played alto and soprano saxophone section and solos on Chicago-based composer, Kimo William's' CD (41/2 *'s in Down Beat Magazine), "War Stories". Some other players on this CD are; Vinnie Colaiuta and Kenwood Dennard on drums, Mike Stern on guitar, and Victor Bailey on bass.In 1990, Jim was invited to Rotterdam, Holland, to compose for and tour with the "Rijnmond Saxophone Quartet". During that visit, Jim also conducted a performance of his ten minute piece for the "Great Saxophone Orchestra". This piece was played in the lobby of the Rotterdam Conservatory by more than 300 saxophonists. The tour with the Rijnmond Quartet also featured French classical saxophonist, Jean-Marie Londeix. At that time, Jim also presented master classes in saxophone performance and improvisation at the Rotterdam Conservatory and in other cities in Holland.During the next few years, Jim visited Holland a few more times, and ultimately recorded a CD with the Rijnmond Saxophone Quartet, called "The Meetin'". He also played more concert tours with the Rijnmond Quartet and French classical saxophonist, Claude Delangle. On "The Meetin'" CD, Jim wrote six of the arrangements, including four based on his original compositions in the jazz and R&B styles. In 1992, Jim performed some of these pieces at Teatro Rossini in Pesaro, Italy during the World Saxophone Congress, with the Rijnmond Saxophone Quartet.In 1992, Jim recorded on the music soundtrack of the motion picture, "Hardboiled", which is a film by John Woo. This film score was composed by Michael Gibbs.During 1993 and 1994, Jim publishe