I am a musician who specializes in jazz piano. I have shared the stage with many of today’s jazz luminaries, including Wynton Marsalis, Frank Catalano, Luba Mason, Spider Saloff, Bill Yancy (long-time bassist for Ella Fitzgerald), and many others.
In addition to jazz, I have many other musical influences and interests. I have performed for theatrical and cabaret performances at major Chicago-area venues, such as The Park West, Victory Gardens, Royal George, Second City and Annoyance theaters. And I perform classical music on occasion.
My CDs “Playin’” (2012) and “House Hour” (2000) are both widely available.
Jim is a top-shelf performer and piano player extraordinaire! He can play any style music to fit any occasion, he is awesome!
We hired Jim via GigSalad to play background music for our wedding celebration, a Sunday morning brunch for about 75 people. We chose Jim among the 7 bids we received. He was professional, was set up in advance for the party, played well, and added the desired ambiance to the party.
We're mature (some would say old) and were interested in our family and friends enjoying the day - -which they did. The room barely held the guests and was quite noisy with everyone talking. Many of our guests complemented us on Jim's musical selection and said he added a lot to our happy day. We were very happy we chose Jim to play at our event.
Jim did a wonderful job and amazed the people being able to instantly identify with and collaborate with another pianist having never met prior. Definitely would recommend and hire again.
I hired Jim along with 2 other musicians to play for our small wedding reception and I would gladly do it again for any other future occasions.The music was great and Jim was able to fulfill a last minute request of mine which I really appreciate. Thanks Jim!
I already sent a review
Response from Jim Sellers:
Thank you Claudia! It was great meeting you all. Wishing you a very happy new year!
Jim
Jim did a spectacular job playing background music for our neighborhoods progressive Christmas party! Besides being a gifted pianist, he was simply a delight to work with. He was extremely responsive to all of our ideas/needs -- like the many(!) favorite song selections we kept relaying . Jim was also very organized throughout, and there was no doubt in my mind that we will have Jim back next year! Thank you!
We hired Jim to provide a piano and a jazz quartet for our wedding ceremony and the cocktail hour before our wedding reception, respectively. He was incredibly helpful in picking music for the ceremony while also incorporating our requests. The music during the ceremony fit the mood perfectly and Jim and the band hit all the marks despite the unique venue and lack of rehearsal time. Jim and the rest of the quartet then provided the perfect mood for the cocktail hour with some some great jazz standards and improvisation. I'd highly recommend him.
Rarely are my expectations me...yet alone exceeded. Jim is an amazing pianist as well as a great professional (not to mention…a really nice guy!). I booked him to play for my University's reception during an annual conference and everyone thoroughly enjoyed his playing. I would recommend Jim for any event and any individual with discerning taste and high expectations.
Jim did a great job playing at my annual client appreciation party. He was very easy to work with and his skills as a pianist are excellent. Two of my clients that attended the party are jazz fanatics and they both approached me during the party to say how great Jim was.
Jim was extremely pleasant to deal with and provided helpful suggestions. Jim and the group played as the guests arrived, the wedding ceremony as well as the cocktail hour and did a fantastic job. Very professional. The music was a great part of the wedding as we received many compliments specifically regarding Jim. His music helped make the day as beautiful as it was meant to be. Would we hire Jim again? You bet!
Mike and Julia
Price Range: Contact for rates
Jim Sellers earned a Masters of Music degree in Jazz Studies from DePaul University and a Bachelor’s degree in music composition from Northern Illinois University. He has worked at The Bloom School of Jazz since 2000, teaching private piano lessons and accompanying Spider Saloff’s vocal jazz classes.
A virtuosic jazz pianist, Jim has performed with many of today’s jazz luminaries, including Wynton Marsalis, Frank Catalano, Luba Mason, Spider Saloff, Bill Yancy (long-time bassist for Ella Fitzgerald), and many others. A staple of the Chicago jazz scene, Jim has performed at virtually every major jazz venue in the metropolitan area.
With wide-ranging versatility, Sellers has also performed for many theatrical and cabaret performances at such venues as The Park West, Victory Gardens, Royal George, Second City and Annoyance theaters, to name a few. His wide variety of musical influences includes everything from Count Basie to Bruce Hornsby. And he performs classical music on occasion.
Jim’s CD releases include “Playin’” (2012) and “House Hour” (2000), both widely available.
| May 20, 2023 • 6:00pm - 9:00pm | Fundraiser |
| June 04, 2017 • 12:00pm - 3:00pm | Wedding Reception |
| May 12, 2017 • 7:00pm - 9:00pm | Nightclub Event |
| February 18, 2017 • 12:30pm - 3:30pm | Wedding Reception |
| December 29, 2016 • 5:30pm - 8:00pm | Dinner Party |
| April 16, 2016 • 3:00pm - 6:00pm | Convention/Trade Show |
| December 11, 2015 • 8:00pm - 10:00pm | Holiday Party (Christmas) |
| December 14, 2013 • 7:00am - 11:00am | Christmas Party |
| December 08, 2013 • 10:00am - 12:00pm | Church Service |
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