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Jim has performed with the most popular big band of all time - The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra. Under the direction of Buddy Morrow who is recognized as one of the all–time great trombone players. Jim filled in for their regular vocalist Rob Zappulla. Jim possesses a smooth singing style that is perfect for swing and ballads.....and when it's time to accelerate the tempo, he's totally able and adept - an excellent improviser performing a repertoire of the Great American Songbook. His style combines influences from his four favorite mentors, Frank Sinatra, Mel Tormé and Tony Bennett and David Street. Jim commented “I learned something from each one of them”. Jim comes from a musical family. Jim’s uncle, David Street was a big band vocalist and performed with Buddy Morrow and the Bob Crosby Orchestra. David Street also appeared in the movie “State Fair” and sang with Ann-Margaret “Isn’t It Kind of Fun”. Jim has performed across the US and opened for Comedian Tom Dreesen. Tom Dreesen opened for Frank Sinatra and traveled with him for over 14 years. Tom’s comment about Jim was:
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Sinatra's hits make the Excalibur swingOn Saturday nights, watch out. His performances have been known to inspire people to
dance with such abandon that "I almost got knocked over a couple of times."
Paravantes revives the hits of the late Frank Sinatra at 8:30 p.m. every Saturday night at Southfield's Excalibur restaurant. He categorizes audience reaction to his music as favorable but restrained. That's due to the stage presence of Marilyn, his percussionist and wife of 32 years. "I don't have too many wild female groupies," he says. Having grown up in Detroit during the Motown era, Paravantes, 50, took his time becoming interested in the swing-jazz genre. Now, he says, "It's a passion." One of his favorite songs to perform is "Polka Dots and Moonbeams." "Most of those songs are about someone who lost somebody or is looking for love. By Mary Beth Collver |
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Performances:P
Las Vegas
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