Based out of Rochester, New York, James, or as his friends call him “Jimmie” is a seasoned Jazz musician who began his musical incipiency at the mere age of 7. Jimmie began studying piano, which created an early basis for his music writing in his later years. His music teacher introduced him to and he began playing the saxophone, shortly thereafter. Recognizing Jimmie’s promising potential, he was guided to study music at the Hochstein School of Music where he honed his ability to musically shine and stand out from his peers. Jimmie brought that same focus and thirst for music playing to the High School for Performing Arts. At the High School for the Performing Arts, Jimmie was exposed to a musically competitive environment of band competitions, jazz combo performances, and other competitive solo scenarios. In Jimmie’s senior year of high school, he auditioned for and was accepted into the prestigious Eastman School of Music, where he played Baritone sax in the Eastman School Jazz Band. After graduating from High School, Jimmie enlisted in the US Air Force. While stationed in New Jersey, Jimmie found himself in the ideal location to access the New York and Philadelphia jazz scenes. In the service, Jimmie formed a jazz band consisting of musicians from both the US Air Force and Army. The band played at many military events and performed in various countries as part of the entertainment for the International USO Tour. In 1992 Jimmie returned to Rochester where he launched his professional music career and the rest is history. Jimmie has formed many jazz bands, which have been recognized as top regional jazz bands playing in big music festivals and clubs. Jimmie Highsmith, Jr. has performed with many notables such as: Paul Boutte, Chris Beard, Joe Beard, Wessell Anderson, Carl Thomas, Wycliffe Gordon, Eric Reed, Wynton Marsalis and Yolanda Adams. He and his band have also opened for many greats, like: Natalie Cole, Little Richard, Najee, “Papa John” DeFrancesco, Robert Cray Blues Band, Joyce Cooling, Montell Jordan, Shameika Copeland, Nevllle Brothers, Temptations, and the Isley Brothers. Jimmie launched his DEBUT cd, entitled, Passive Thoughts in September 2002 with Variance Records. “Jimmie mixes elements of smooth Jazz, R&B, Gospel, and Funk, culminating into a kaleidoscope of musical textures. “Upstate Funk” is a funky joint that’ll “get yer boutte” up and moving, while “ Once Upon A Time,” takes the listener on a melodic journey through a delightful trek of soulful melodies as sax and keyboard compliment one another. Two versions of the song, “May I Love You,” exist, which give the listener a taste of Jimmie’s arranging versatility and creativity. This disc is a “must have” if you enjoy serious smooth jazz with a positive vibe. If you’re a fan of Kirk Whalum, Branford Marsalis, or the late Grover Washington, Jr., you’ll enjoy this CD tremendously,.. Go Buy it NOW!!” >>EP Rockline Magazine Vol.2 Issue 3 “Saxophonist Jimmie Highsmith Jr. rips it up on his debut CD, Passive Thoughts!! Highsmith studied sax at Hochstein, School of the Arts and the Eastman School of Music, and his training is evident. With jazz stylings that go from smooth to funk, Highsmith adds healthy doses of R&B as well. A mostly instrumental endeavor, Highsmith is joined by select vocalists on a couple tracks, including Shawn "Black" Jackson and "Divine Nature." Originals like "Upstate Funk" and "Just Chillin'" are especially infectious…….”>>>>>> M Picardo FREETIME Magazine Vol. 26 No. 12