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1500 SHERIDAN ROAD HOME OWNERS' ASSOCIATION WILMETTE, ILLINOIS 60091 December 3, 2007 To Whom It May Concern: This letter is let you know how much the homeowners at our Association have enjoyed James and his music at our social events. For the past several years, James has been the center of attention as he has not only provided background music, but has also led groups in a sing-along. James' music is reason enough to keep bringing him back. His warm, engaging personality is a bonus. We particularly appreciate the way that he goes the extra step to make certain that the music he plays is right for our crowd. We skew to an older demographic and we are always amazed at the way James can play the standards that our people enjoy. We hope that you will enjoy James as much as we do.
Building Manager
We all know James Bottoms as our Monday through Friday doorman at 1500, and most know that he also has a jazz band that has entertained us at many 1500 events, but you may be in- terested to know that, although James always had an interest in music, it was not until 1999 that his wife encouraged him to start piano lessons and a build- ing resident made their piano available for him during his lunch breaks, that his dream became a reality. In 1975, James' father, James Sr., was an employee at 1500 in the Receiving Room. James worked on Saturday mornings assisting his father. Then in 1984, James became a full time em- ployee, and he is now the longest serv- ing employee ever at 1500, 34 years. His passions were always baseball and music, but in 1998 he had a new pas- sion, when he married his wife. She suggested he start piano lessons, and he found Mick Archer in Chicago and began his musical career. His instru- ment was a Casio keyboard. Around the same time, Pat Smith (her husband was Lee Paul Smith), in unit 5D, also began piano lessons, and she and James conferred on their progress. She suggested that he practice during his breaks on their baby grand piano. As time went by, they noticed that he was becoming quite accomplished, so good in fact, that they suggested that he play at their daughter's wedding reception. James was hesitant. Most people learning the piano at age 40 play only for their own enjoyment, but they persuaded him to try. The rest is history. In 2003 he joined the Terry Dickerson Jazz Group, and in 2006 he formed the J.B and Friends Jazz Trio. They can be heard every Friday and Saturday, from 6:30 to 9:30 at the Ethi- opian Diamond Restaurant, 7537 Clark Street, Chicago (not too far from Howard Street) In addition, they have been invited to play at the Winnetka Music Festival on June 16 from 4:30 to 5:30. There are several stages for the festival in Winnetka. He will be at the Lulu Lemon Spynergy Stage near the Winnetka Community House. He would be delighted to see several homeowners in attendance. J.B and Friends will also perform at the 1500 Summer Barbeque on August 18.
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James Bottoms is an exceptional musician! I have had the joy of knowing James and hearing him play on his own as well as with his ensemble on many occasions. He is humble. Because he is so humble, let me take this opportunity to sing his praises! James is a jazz pianist who plays with great emotion that is rare. When you learn more about his background after hearing him play you too will be stunned to find out he only started learning piano in his 40's. James was a singer first and continues to have a spellbinding voice. In my own home James has performed in a variety of settings. He has played for an audience who was actively engaged in each piece and were present just to enjoy the music and play along with some "name that tune" type of game. James has also performed in a social setting where the music was adding to the ambiance of the event and the guests were reveling in his music. If you are considering James and his ensemble for an event or an ongoing engagement your life will be richer for knowing him and hearing his music. In my work and life I have had the pleasure of meeting a wide range of people and James is the top 1% of people you will meet. James is always kind. He reads people and a crowd very well. He is someone who naturally draws people in both in conversation as well as music. When James has performed in restaurants he has had a following of people come to the restaurant specifically to hear him play. I hope you have the opportunity to hear James perform. His own performance will speak more fervently than my letter can. Warmly, Bridget