James Kalson

Jim has been a professional bass player since the age of thirteen. Early in his career, he was a member of The Kalson Family band that toured the country. They shared the stage with artists such as George Jones, Tammy Wynette, The Statler Brothers and Ronnie Milsap, to name a few.

Jim started his solo career at 18, and has been playing jazz and contemporary Pop music since. He has performed extensively with jazz artists Paul English, Joe LoCascio and David Caceres, and has been featured with renowned jazz professionals including Jon Faddis, Ndugu Chancler, Paquito D'Rivera and Kirk Whalum.

Jim is no stranger to the music studio either with many hours spent in local studios including BGM Studio and Keith Harter Music. His dozens of album credits include performances with Little Joe y La Familia, Rick Cavender, Jazz PR, Terri Hendrix, Ron Wilkins as well as the recently released "Boplicity, " with the local band Footprints. Other studio credits include television and radio commercials, jingles and demos for companies including Taco Cabana, Bud Light, Red Lobster, Coca Cola, HEB and SBC Call Notes.

Jim has spent his time in the orchestra pit, as well, with touring broadway musicals such as Grease and A Chorus Line. He has had numerous San Antonio Symphony Pops performances with artists such as Joel Grey, Vicki Carr, Patsy Torres and High Class Brass.

Jim served as an Electric Bass Instructor at U.T.S.A for twelve years and has been an instructor with Saint Mary's University since 2002. Jim has also been a private instructor since 1985.