jim bruton

Keyboards

Jim was born in Sarnia, Ontario. He is a classically trained piano player who began with lessons at age 5. He completed Grade 10 piano from Royal Conservatory of Music and began playing rock and roll in late teens.

Jim later played clubs in Ontario and midwest US for a number of years with rock guitarist Kim Mitchell, and, along with Mitchell, was a founding member of Toronto-based rock band Max Webster. After leaving Max Webster he switched to latin/pop jazz and played with Windsor-Detroit based flutist Alexander Zonjic for a number of years.

Travels took him to Vancouver for several years where he played in various local R&B and blues bands. He has since returned to Ontario to reside on 4 acres outside of Hillsburgh.

Jim's current music activites are primarily playing blues/jazz with the Free Agents band. He also occasionally plays with St. Catherines-based Celtic band ‘Ancient Mariners’, and from time to time some jazz-fusion crossover with former Max Webster drummer Gary McCracken in Sarnia. His major keyboard influences: From blues – Otis Spann From rock – Keith Emerson, Rick Wakeman From jazz – McCoy Tyner, Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock, Bill Evans on piano; Jimmy Smith and Joey Defrancesco on organ.

Go to Jerry's Bio, Ofer's bio, Sal's bio, Norma's bio or Bruce's bio.