Jimi Pappas: How Music Makes Me (29 Dec. 2008)
Jimi Pappas
Jimi Pappas was born in New Jersey to a musical family. He made his mark as an ace heavy rock drummer and lead singer. In the late 70’s and early 80’s he played with many top bands in New York/New Jersey area, always searching for that elusive BIG record deal and contributing as a songwriter from behind the drums. Some of his former band members did hit it big, and went on to become members of Bon Jovi, Ozzy Osborne, White Lion, and Hall & Oats.
During his heavy rock days, Jimi had other ideas that were taking him in a different musical direction, towards a brighter more melody oriented pop sound. Drawing from his earliest influences of The Beatles, 60’s/70’s radio classics, his teenage love of 70’s progressive rock (i.e. Yes, Genesis, Supertramp), and the mellow sounds of acoustic bands (i.e. Eagles, James Taylor), he was slowly putting together songs that were completely different then the music he was performing on drums at the time. Finding he was more comfortable playing an acoustic guitar, then pounding it out on drums under the hot lights of a huge Jersey rock club, he left the heavy stuff behind.
In the mid 80’s Jimi began playing drums for tribute acts and various international concert/casino shows, The Cast of BeatleMania, and Eddie U and The Turns, to name just a few. This all lead to a spot as drummer/road manager with legendary Chubby Checker (The Twist). In 1996, multiple world tours later, Jimi became a founding member of The British Invasion, A Beatles, 60’s revival show at Disney’s EPCOT in Orlando, Florida, more than 10 years running. Jimi continues to tour with various Beatles acts, including Classical Mystery Tour, the Cast of BealtleMania and many others.
Being off the road has enabled him to go back and clean out his musical closet, and that’s what this “New Jersey Pops-From the Basement” is all about. Digging through ideas and takes, he has finally rerecorded some of his tunes from the late 70’s and early 80’s. Jimi performs all vocals, drums, and guitars on this album, with help from producer/engineer Frank Starchak on bass and keys. “Retro power pop meets acoustic rock with progressive sophistication, is how I describe this CD. I hope you enjoy it.
Jimi’s most recent cd, “Tropical Salvage” is in a more acoustic vein, and Jimi reveled in its simplistic production and also enjoys performing the tunes live. Ten wonderful songs put you positively in a place where your heart is warm! Back to his acoustic roots, with a dash of trop-pop-folk, Jimi handles all the vocals, guitar and percussion. Recorded between August and October 2007, some tracks were done at Jimi’s home studio, others at Jay Burns’ studio, The Sound Workshop, and additional tracks were done at The Deltona Arts Center Recording Studio, where all the tracks were then brought together and mixed by producer Frank Starchak.
Jimi is already at work on another CD, and you will get a listening preview of one of his great tunes later on in our show.
Jimi says, “I have met so many wonderful people, friends, musicians, and fans all over the world because of music, including my number one fan, my incredible wife, Shelley! It is great to be able to do what you love and love what you do. I feel blessed every day that I can make music and the music makes me!”
YOUnique! Life Starring YOU! 
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