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.
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:
"There are just a few vocalists today that can present this music as it was intended, and Jim Paravantes is one of them".
Jim
Paravantes thinks big-band music is "the best music that's
out there."
That's why he's happy to be the featured vocalist for Sunday's
show by the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra at the River Raisin Centre
for the Arts. "The standards they created back in the '30s and '40s keep
getting better. I'm a believer that that type of music has to
remain," he told The Evening News in a recent telephone
interview from his home in Canton, Michigan.
It's the third time Mr. Paravantes has performed with the
legendary big band, owner of such hits as "Marie,"
"I'll Never Smile Again" and "Stardust." He
sings regularly in southeastern Michigan - mostly jazz.- "It's a passion for me," he said.
The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra has been called one of the best
all-around dance bands in big-band history.
Called the Sentimental Gentleman of Swing, Mr. Dorsey was
"a master at creating warm, sentimental, and always musical
moods - at superb dancing and listening tempos," according
to press information.
Among the band's vocalists were Frank Sinatra and Jo Stafford. The end of World War II, big-band music was on the wane and many
bandleaders put down their batons, Mr. Dorsey included.
However,
just two years later, he started a new group.
The band now is led by Buddy Morrow, a trombone player and
original member of the Tommy Dorsey Band. He also played with
Paul Whiteman, Artie Shaw and Jimmy Dorsey.
The band's repertoire includes original Dorsey classics along
with a range of popular music.
Barb Krolak
Monroe, Michigan News "2008"
On 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."
This song did not show up in the movie "Beyond the Sea". Most likely the lyrics/story is not acceptable today. Great song though. Hope you enjoy it. I love this song.
Swing and Big Band Examiner
"Swing with Jim Paravantes"
We've been saluting some of the past singers of the Great American Songbook, such as Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Rosemary Clooney, Billie Holiday, etc. Now it is time to recognize some of the singers of today who are "keeping the flame alive."
It is far from easy to maintain a "singer of standards' career today. The television variety and talk shows that featured vocalists have just about disappeared. Leno and Letterman, provide a few minutes at the end of their hour programs to music acts....99 percent are rock groups.
Tony Bennett is about the only "smooth singer of standards" who receives any exposure. The radio stations that featured the "oldies" music of the 30's and 40's are mostly gone. Oh, Martin Block where are you? Plus, and well documented, the recording business is in trouble. Try to find a record store in your town. Tower Records is gone with the wind..
But, let's meet a Sinatra style singer, Jim Paravantes. Click below for the complete article.
Las Vegas
Tommy Dorsey Orchestra
Carnival Cruise Line
New York
Creekside - Ann Arbor, Michigan
Excalibur - Southfield, Michigan 12 month run.
Andiamo Italia West - Bloomfield Hills, Michigan 12 month run.
Andiamo Lake Front
Bistro - St. Clair Shores, Michigan
Sheraton Universal Hotel - Los Angeles, California
Village Theater - Canton, Michigan
Available For:
Parties
Grand Openings
Corporate Functions
Conventions
Bar / Bat Mitzvah
TV Soundtracks
Movie and Television Soundtracks
Fund Raisers
Casinos
Voice Over
April 26, 2009 performance with the II-V-I Orchestra in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Great Cole Porter gem "I've Got You Under My Skin"
