Jimi Lee -- harmonica, guitar, vocals, songwriter, teacher, solo artist, band leader and entertainer.
This harmonica master grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area in a musically talented family. It wasn't long before Jimi Lee's dynamic vocals and flaming hot harmonica solos rocketed him into recognition. He ignited shows for giants like Muddy Waters, Bobby Blue Bland, and John Lee Hooker.
Jimi's smokin' harmonica chops landed him gigs with Willie Nelson, Clarence Clemons, Steven Stills, James Cotton, Coco Montoya, Pinetop Perkins, and Chicago's own "shuffle master" Sam Lay. He spent 12 years in Hawaii captivating audiences from around the world and was voted "Best in the State" by the Hawaiian Blues Society.
In 2004, Jimi Lee won the “San Antonio Blues Society Competition” and represented Texas at the “International Blues Challenge” (IBC) 2005 in Memphis.
In 2003, he performed at “The Society for the Preservation and Advancement of the Harmonica” (SPAH), Harmonica World Convention, and was invited back in 2004 to give a workshop on "How to Play Harmonica in the Rack”. In 2005 and every year since (SPAH) has made Jimi “part of the tradition” at the Harmonica World Convention.
The Austin Chapter of the "Harmonica Organization of Texas" (HOOT) declared Jimi "One of the Best in the World" at playing harmonica in the rack and guitar at the same time and had give give a demonstration on “TV Channel 8 News Austin” before a show at Antones nightclub.
For the past 2 years Jimi has traveled the country as harmonica “Coach” and guitarist for Jon Gindick’s “Harmonica Jam Camp” because of his expertise on harmonica, and his lifetime of experience playing rhythms for harmonica.
In their Spring 2008 issue “Harmonica Happenings” magazine did a feature article entitled - “Rack ‘em Up! Playing Harp in a Neck Rack: A Q&A With Jimi Lee”.
In 2005 Jimi won 1st Place in Blues at “Austin Songwriters Group” (ASG) and, “Nashville Songwriters Association International” (NSAI), "International Song Contest” with his song “Where Are You Tonight”. In 2006 he was awarded 1st Place in Blues from (ASG) for his song “Laundromat”. In July of 2008 (ASG) announced that Jimi Lee’s new song “Pocket Full Of Soul” is a finalist in this year’s competition, winners TBA.
In 2007 Jimi Lee teamed up with the extraordinary voice and bass playing of Andrew Venson (www.VensonAndFriends.net) to form "VENSON & LEE". With the added “Magic” of Bart Madeley on guitar, and Rodney Hyder on drums, the power and dynamic sound of this “Super-Group” radiates an energy that moves the audience who can literally “feel” the music. VENSON & LEE must be experienced as well as heard.
Along with James Cotton, Charlie Musselwhite, Howard Levy and Mark Hummel, Jimi Lee signed on as USA endorser for “Seydel Harmonicas”, Germany’s oldest and most pristine harmonica maker.
To purchase the "Jimi Lee Harpcase" by Hetrick go to – (www.HarpCase.com).
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