Guitarist, composer and teacher Jim Witzel grew up in the small town of San Rafael, and started learning the guitar at the age of twelve. In doing so, he explored different music styles such as folk, pop, rock and blues. However, he went on to study jazz guitar at college. He then transferred to San Francisco State University where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Creative Arts Interdisciplinary (Music Emphasis). Then he focused on film scores and music for jazz combos. After that, Jim worked freelance in clubs and concerts, both as a leader and a musician. He joined the Life is Color band and hosted the weekly TV show Jazz After Midnight. Jim moved to LA and explored the jazz/pop side of the music scene with singer-songwriter Joyce Yarrow. However, he returned to San Francisco Bay, toured Italy, and taught at both San Francisco State and Santa Clara Universities. For a long time he played guitar in an “organ trio”. His debut 'Give and Take' came in 1993, and now the follow-up has been released. It contains “straight ahead” jazz compositions, and it opens with the original title track. It reflects his Blue Note influence from players such as Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock etc. 'Softly, as in a Morning Sunrise' is a swinging cover of a jazz standard, followed by The Beatles' turn with a relaxed, dreamy cover of 'Norwegian Wood '. 'Beyond Beijing' is an original track, which he wrote after a tour through China. In doing so, the language of music overcame the language barrier. You will of course know 'I Loves You, Porgy' from George & Ira Gershwin, and 'If Ever I Would Leave You' gets a calypso arrangement. ‘Mrs. Information' was inspired by Wayne Shorter and the standard 'The old Country' closes. Jim was inspired as a guitarist by what he calls “the Great 8” which are Kenny Burrell, Joe Pass, Wes Montgomery, Jim Hall, George Benson, Pat Martino, John Abercrombie and Pat Metheny. A CD that will certainly bring him new fans!
		Website Jim Witzel Tracks: Feelin’ it Softly, as in a Morning Sunrise Norwegian Wood Beyond Beijing I Loves You, Porgy If Ever I Would Leave You Ms. Information The old Country