Born: November 21, 1978 Primary Instrument: Trombone
Jim is the bandleader and trombonist in Cirque du Soleil's Kooza, which is currently touring North America. More information is available at Kooza's site.
Jim completed his master's degree in jazz studies at the University of Southern California in 2005, after serving for 2 years as a teaching assistant in the USC jazz department. Prior to his studies at USC, Jim had a 2 year stint on the road performing the lead/solo trombone role in the touring cast of the TONY® and EMMY® award-winning production “Blast!” Before he joined the Blast cast in May 2001, Jim was a freelance musician in Orlando, Florida. He played trombone in various ensembles in the parks at Walt Disney World and Universal Studios, as well as other gigs around the central Florida area. Jim's experiences included performing with the Christmas Brass, the Hollywood Hitmen, the Kids of the Kingdom Band, and other professional groups. During this time, Jim also played for 2 weeks on the MS Zaandam (Holland America) in the ship’s orchestra. He was the jazz soloist for the 2000 Disney Collegiate All-Star Band, which played in the Magic Kingdom that summer. Before that, in May 2000, he graduated from Central Michigan University in Mt. Pleasant, MI with a bachelor's degree in music education.
Jim's main instrument is the trombone, but he also enjoys playing bass and piano. These instrumental skills, along with Jim’s abilities in computer music, contribute to Jim's perspective as a composer and arranger. Jim is also a sound engineer and mobile recordist, having produced recordings for numerous ensembles including Michael Stever, ELF, and Matt Zebley. As a trombonist, Jim has had many wonderful opportunities since moving to LA in 2003. Some of these include performing on stage with Dave Brubeck, Harry Belafonte, Nancy Wilson, Bobby McFerrin, Wynton Marsalis, Wayne Shorter, Brian Blade, Danilo Perez, John Pattituci, Maria Schneider, Geoff Keezer, Ingrid Jensen, Patti Austin, Ernie Andrews, Bill Watrous, Brian Culbertson, Sam Winch, and Shelly Berg, to name a few. Jim also has recorded with members of the Count Basie Orchestra for an album with Jamie Davis, called “It’s A Good Thing,” and with the West Coast Jazz Syndicate for an album with Michael Whelan. Jim also has composed and arranged for such clients as Ramsey Lewis and Shelly Berg, and has prepared music for clients like the Count Basie Orchestra. Jim has worked as a music programmer for Yamaha’s downloadable XF MIDI library at www.yamahamusicsoft.com. In addition, Jim writes music for film, having composed and performed on the soundtrack for Jason Carter's “Swing By,” Mike Horelick's “Pee Stains and Other Disasters,” and Melody Rock's “Murder at the Chat Noir.”
Man In Motion
Lutzbone Music
2005
Tracks: Man In Motion, Snowfall, Cloud Movement, Blue for Green, Cripe, Just Ducky.
Personnel: Jim Lutz, trombone. Rob Schaer and Michael Stever, trumpet. Robby Marshall, tenor sax. Jeff Mikusky, piano. Gerald Clayton, piano on "Man in Motion." Shelly Berg, piano on "Snowfall" and "Blue for Green." Andrew McKay, guitar. John Storie, guitar on "Man in Motion." Danny McKay, bass. Harish Raghavan, bass on "Man in Motion." Dan Schnelle, drums. Matt Slocum, drums on "Man in Motion." The Thornton Jazz Orchestra on "Man in Motion."
As A Side Musician
Ray Sings, Basie Swings (music prep)
Ray Charles and the Count Basie Orchestra
Concord
2006
It's a Good Thing
Jamie Davis
Unity Music
2006
Personnel: Jamie Davis: vocals; Scotty Barnhardt, Chuck Findley, Gregg Adams, Robert Schaer, Michael Stever: trumpets; David Kiem, Paul Young, James Litz, Phillip Larson: trombones; John Kelson, Marshall McDonald, Scott Jepperson, William Frenzel, Keith Bishop, Nancy Newman: saxophones; Roger Glen: vibes, flute; Tony Suggs, Shelly Berg: piano; James Leary III: acoustic bass; Will Matthews: guitar; Butch Miles, Greg Errico: drums; Keith Perazzo: bongos; Tony Menjivar: congas; Greg Errico: claves
Disclaimer: All About Jazz is not responsible for the accuracy of the discographical data at the website(s) provided. If a link is no longer valid, please contact discography@allaboutjazz.com. Thank you.
