Biography
FOREWORD
Jimmy Dormire is a guitarist, singer-songwriter from Hartland, Michigan, a small town just North of Ann Arbor. Relocating to Nashville, Tennessee by way of Southern Florida in 1990 became a great career move for Jimmy. From a three year run with artist Clinton Gregory to a fourteen year journey with grammy nominated Atlantic recording group "Confederate Railroad", Jimmy has played to millions of people thoughout the world and shared many a stage with Southern Rock legends (The Charlie Daniels Band, Dickey Betts/Allman Brothers Band, Marshall Tucker Band, Atlanta Rhythm Section, Little Feat and 38 Special) as well as country music legends (Merle Haggard, George Jones and Johnny Cash). While holding down the lead guitar spot in "Confederate Railroad" Jimmy was always able to let his signature style and tones shine through thus touching people with deep soulful emotion. Having years of pro experience under his belt, Jimmy is stepping out to "speak his own truth" as a guitarist with a deep prevailing wisdom and versatility. A devout disciple of the Duane Allman and John Mclaughlin schools of tone and improvisation engrained a unique phrasing within Jimmy all his own. Breathing chordal thoroughfares amidst big warm tones fill the air with a sense of deep spirituality. The debut of "Premonition" in 2007 marked a new journey for Jimmy as an artist with a vision. His quest as a musician is to speak to souls with a transcending message of peace.
BEGINNINGS
At the age of 5 the music of the Beatles became imprinted on Jimmy's soul, from that moment on music would be his life. His Father brought home an old Gibson acoustic guitar he had borrowed from a work buddy one day, Jimmy remembers his hands being so small at that time but he still tried to play along with the records they had. His Father raised him on Country music while his Mom raised him on Motown, of course Jimmy loved Rock and Roll. The players most inspiring at this time were Chet Atkins, Roy Clark and Jerry Reed. Being totally dazzled by the fast picking of Glen Campbell and the fiery western swing/bebop style of Leon Rhodes, Jimmy began guitar lessons at age 8 learning how to read and develop his ear. With great music on the radio those days coming from Detroit especially Motown (The Temptations, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye) etc, inspiration was easy to come by. Rock and Roll was an everyday word around the house and Jimmy's first concert was Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band. Jimmy had the greatest musical environment surrounding him and became totally immersed in it. Along with great local players and spectacular motor city jazz scene, these sparks ignited a passion so deep he began to reach higher into the music world. All of this sound and inspiration became a "musical baptism" for Jimmy, touching his heart with the purest of truths, the universal language of music.
AWAKENINGS
Jeff Beck and Richie Blackmore (Deep Purple) truly opened Jimmy's ears and sparked an intense learning experience. He remembers learning Jeff's tune "Situation"and Richies tune "Lazy". At this time Hendrix, Cream and Led Zeppelin were also swirling around his head and then he awoke to the great intensity of the "Allman Brothers Band". The huge warm soulful tones of Duane Allman and Dickey Betts guided his path in a new direction. A quest for this deeper music led to the blues of B.B.King, the jazz of Pat Martino and the bluegrass of Tony Rice.
ENLIGHTENMENT
Before graduating highschool Jimmy discovered a band on a public television channel, "Return to Forever" with a young Al DiMeola. This guided his path to the "Berklee College of Music" in Boston, MA., and what an incredible impact it was. There he found "John Mclaughlin" and like a beam of light directly to the soul Jimmy's musical journey of life changed. The deepest spirituality he'd ever felt from music overtook him. Upon returning home he got to meet John along with Shakti backstage before their show. This light has been with Jimmy ever since and he thanks God for it. Having read the bible from cover to cover in his teens and witnessed the beauty of our creator through many sacred visions, so deeply moved by the spiritual intensity of this music he began to spiritually grow as well. Through the study of Zen philosophy, Native Indian Religion and the poetry of Rumi, Jimmy truly believes he became a better christian and began to focus. "When John Coltrane's musical intensity entered my life the spiritual deepness of God within music went straight to my heart and resolved in my soul". "When notes become prayer"...
MY DEVOTION
I have made a life of music, many different styles with a continuous evolution. Getting caught up in a world of making a living one can easily lose sight of their true intention as a musician. I believe now I have come full circle... With the wisdom of the past and guiding light of the future I must now "play my own truth".
To play with a deep and pure soulfulness straight to the heart of the listener. To be the lords instrument and play with a total awareness of why we're here on this planet. To be thankful for every breath and put every ounce of being into every note. Above all, to be as healing as I can be...
MY GOALS BEYOND
To play with musicians who are "one" with their instrument.. Where everyone's heart and soul is in the same place letting the spirit flow through us touching those who will listen.. Ultimately lifting them to a higher place with a message of peace...Jimmy
