The Soul: Music
Music is Powerful. It is one of the biggest stress reducers. Music has been linked to our emotions, so it can be an extremely effective stress management tool. When we listen to music, it helps relax our minds and bodies in tremendous ways.
“SIMS ON SAX AND THE BAND OF FRIENDS”
James Sims, aka "SIMS ON SAX", plays all genre of music. He thrives on creating a saxophone sound that all ethnicities can enjoy.
"SIMS ON SAX AND THE BAND OF FRIENDS” has played professionally on albums, cruise ships, musical tour, weddings, jazz festivals, and various other social gatherings. Each musical instrument in the band has a signature sound that creates a perfect blend when playing any genre of music. On stage, "SIMS ON SAX AND THE BAND OF FRIENDS" is full of life, and the energy is felt in the audience from one song to the next. Whether someone is dancing or listening, our "SAX GROOVE" is something that one will always feel.
Band Members
DARYL WHITLOW (Drums / Percussions)
Daryl has toured throughout the US. He has played in the following: THEATRICAL — “It Ain’t Nothing But The Blues”, “Fame”, “Disney’s ‘The Lion King’, “The Life of Billie Holiday”; RHYTHM AND BLUES — “Forever Motown” with The Marvelette's and The Intrigues, Atlantic City, NJ, The SOS Band, Atlantic Recording Artist “All for One”, Patrice Rushen, Kevin Toney, Smooth Jazz Artist; ORCHESTRA — Atlanta Youth Symphony Orchestra; GOSPEL — Yolanda Adams, Edwin Hawkins, Vickie Winans, Shepherd of the Hills Church.
JAMES “JINX” GARDNER (Guitar)
James has toured Japan and Canada as well as throughout the US, and has appeared on television and in several plays. “Jinx” recorded guitar on EnVogue’s “Funky Divas” multiplatinum CD. He has performed live with Andre Crouch; Gail Johnson; Donnie McClurkin; Christopher Williams; RAMA; Troop; RioSoul; and Kontroversy. "Jinx" is currently active in several bands throughout Southern California and is the lead guitarist for Spirit of Zion Fellowship Church and "SIMS ON SAX AND THE BAND OF FRIENDS”.
JAMES R. JEFFERSON "HOSS" (Bass)
James has played for recording artist Gail Johnson; Tony Wilkins; Johnny Taylor; and Tyrone Davis. James is currently is the bassist for Spirit of Zion Fellowship Church and "SIMS ON SAX AND THE BAND OF FRIENDS”.
MARK BRIDGES (Keyboards & Special Effects)
Mark is a composer, arranger, keyboardist and engraver of music for film, video, theatre and dance. His work includes music for "Disney's Annual American Teacher's Awards" and a classical ballet, "After The Ball", performed by the Loyola Ballet Company in New Orleans. He has authored eight books on music including Guitar, Bass and Music Theory. Born in Houston, Texas, Mark now calls Los Angeles home. His education includes study with composer/educator Dr. Emma Lou Diemer, film composer Dan Wyman and study of theory and composition with the late Dick Grove at the Dick Grove School of Music. Mark taught Electronic Music at the University of California in Santa Barbara and has performed with such legendary jazz musicians as Albert "Tootie" Heath and Peter Erskine. He is the newest member of “SIMS ON SAX AND THE BAND OF FRIENDS”.
JIMMY "SIMS ON SAX" SIMS (Saxophonist)
Jimmy is currently under the mentorship of professional keyboard player Richard "88 Fingers" Turner and professional saxophonist Donald Hayes.
Venues Played:
Los Angeles Starlight / Hands For Hope Music Festival
Los Angeles Metro Music Performance
Miracle Theatre Gospel/Jazz Music Festival
Hansen Dam Jazz Festival
Palmdale's Annual Juneteenth Jazz Festival
Los Angeles City Reggae Festival, Leimert Park
Antelope Valley County Fair
Fresno Women Convention COGIC
Sacramento Family Day Reunion
Recording Artist Mattie Moss Clarke
Jackie Robinson Jazz Festival
The Coffee House Lounge
The Tripp Bar and Grille
Annual Academic Scholarship Awards Banquet
Tuskegee Airmen Awards Ceremony
Recording Artist E. Z. Patterson & KonKord Records
Saxophonist at LA Louisiana Jazz & Super Club
And, a variety of churches and other venues of various genre