Jim Faliveno

"Gentleman" Jim Faliveno is an older, seasoned musician who passionately enjoys playing his music for audiences throughout the Upstate New York area.

Jim began his interest in music at the age of eight first learning the mandolin and then progressing to acoustic and electric guitar. Encouraged by both parents who were also musicians, Jim has played in bands most of his life playing just about ...every kind of music from polka's and square dances, C&W, early rock and blues to standards and Jazz.

In recent years, Jim has concentrated his talents performing as a solo acoustic guitarist and vocalist. He has a rather unique 4 octave vocal range which according to one voice teacher "has the range of Mariah Carey only it starts in the cellar". Jim uses his wide vocal range and deep rumbling voice in passionate portrayals of sentiment in each song he performs. His performances are described by many as "riveting, moving, uplifting and often times very emotional experiences. "I have never seen anyone get as involved in a song and sweat so much during a performance as Jim does". "I have seen Jim hit a low note that I thought was impossible for anyone to sing and then in a suspenseful way he will sing notes even lower. Then he will pitch his voice up into a range that many soprano's would easily recognize!"

Jim's guitar playing is both classic and fresh. He uses a self taught finger style that is a cross between a Merl Travis / Chet Atkins style combined with Les Paul with a few extras thrown in. He will often play 3 parts at once while singing a driving vocal lyric. One favorite trick is to play a walking bass line using the left hand thumb while simultaneously playing chords and melody.

Jim’s current song list includes popular songs recorded by artists such as Elvis, Johnny Cash, Charlie Rich, Tennessee Ernie Ford, Ella Fitzgerald, Rod Stewart, Hank Williams, Randy Newman, Willie Nelson, Ray Charles and several more recent artists.

Jim peppers his performances with a few short stories always delivered with his unique dry sense of humor. As the song lyrics go, "can you make people laugh and cry when you play and sing?" It will be an odd night when Jim cannot live up to the meaning of that quotation.

(composed by a close friend who wishes to remain anonymous - probably for good reason :-) )
http://imasongwriter.org/members/profiles/Jim.Faliveno.htm