Touch Of Grey

Jim "The Bassman"

Born in Da Bronx, NY, in 1952 (that makes me ...... ah ..... er .....40+). Lived in New York 'till I was eighteen (not counting the two years I spent in school in Lynchburg, VA). 

Joined the Navy a couple of days after turning eighteen (right after pulling no. 82 in *The Lottery*). Studied Electronics while in the service. Was an Electronics Tech on the U.S.S. Francis Marion LPA-249 (Flag Ship Amphibious Force-Atlantic). Really nothing more than a old Merchant Marine ship that they converted into a Troop Transport. All that training paid off, 'cause I'm still in the Electronics field

As for my Musical background..........I have to thank my parents. Neither one was "talented", but they saw a little in me and "made" me pursue it (by buying me an accordion that was bigger than *I* was). I was heavily influenced by "Big Band" in my early years (guess that's why I still like it today). How many people can say that they sat on the stage and watched Guy Lombardo and The Royal Canadians every Thursday night while their parents danced the night away....<smile> Through my formative years I dabbled with keyboards, woodwinds, and then ..... the great awakening.........guitar! 

I played guitar for a number of years. Then, while part of the *Official* School Band, a *real* band visited the school to put on a concert. Well, because we were in the School Band, we were given permission to go "back stage". That's when I first laid my hands on a Bass Guitar. That was it......I was hooked for life.

After that, I "made" my first Bass (using parts of my old acoustic). When my Dad learned of what I had done, he bought me my first Bass Guitar. It's been a dream ever since. I played in a couple of "garage" bands in High School. It wasn't until after my short career in the Navy that I started working hard at it.

I toured for a number of years, mainly on the East Coast. Did some studio work. But, after touring with David Allen Coe, and following the birth of my first daughter, I gave up "the road", cut my hair, and "got a real job".......LOL. But, even after that, I couldn't stay away, playing every weekend in "local bars". I have to admit, I've played with some of the best "unrecognized" musicians. Every one of them, if they'd been "discovered", would have gone far. As for me, I never made it big..........but the memories...........ahhhhhhhhh!

Mike
(Lead/Vocals)

Dennis
(Rhythm/Vocals)

Rick
(Lead/Vocals)
Cheryl
(Vocals)

Randy
(Drums)

Jim
(Bass/Vocals)

Various Band Pics

Songs We Did