The musicians who helped bring these songs to life: vocals: Christy Bluhm piano: Joel LaRue Smith guitar: Shahan Nercessian bass: Jesse Williams drums: Renato Malavasi flute/sax: Tim Maher
Influences
Gershwin, Tom Waits, Cole Porter, Coltrane, Ryan Adams, Paul Simon, Gillian Welch, Derek Trucks, the Beatles, Branford Marsalis, Donny Hathaway, Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, Van Morrison, Harry Connick Jr., Mingus, Led Zeppelin, Mark Erelli, Mark Geary, Kris Delmhorst, Ron Sexsmith, Peter Gabriel, Duende, Bonnie "Prince" Billy, and oh, so many more....
It all began with Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue.” Ever since hearing the first strains of that lonesome clarinet, Jim Ricciuti (pronounced "Ri-soo-tee") has steeped himself in jazz.
With the fourth grade came the saxophone. Several bands and teachers later, Jim discovered a passion for jazz composition and songwriting at Tufts University.
Upon leaving Tufts, Jim explored the Boston folk scene but soon found himself writing more than performing. During that time, songs emerged that didn’t quite have a home. They remained unheard, simmering beneath the surface.
Those songs have finally found a home.
Reminiscent of a lost era, No Companion is a collection of original songs ranging from jazz to bossa nova to blues.
With the help of some of Boston’s finest musicians, No Companion provided an opportunity for Jim to work behind the scenes writing, arranging, and producing.
A finalist in the UK Songwriting Contest, Jim continues to write across several genres and looks forward to finding more homes for his songs.
