Step Right, Shake Left!

Jim Beckwith, singer/songwriter, has released a new cd featuring 11 of his tunes, arranged and performed by Los Angeles-based band Native Vibe.

The music is a fusion of jazz, pop, and world-influences with melodic vocals and intelligent lyrics.

The cd hit #1 on the charts in its first test market! (WMNF (88.5 FM) in Tampa, Florida in April of 2001).

This project has some heavy hitter guest artists, including Arnold McCuller, long-time backup singer for James Taylor and Lyle Lovett. Munyongo Jackson, percussionist for Stevie Wonder and Dianne Reeves, adds some percussion tracks.

Vinx, introduced to the mainstream world by Sting in 1992, collaborates on percussion and vocals. "Vinx was the reason I started to play this drum, the djembe (jim-bay)", says Beckwith. "Sting brought him out on stage, and the sound of that drum with his voice alone was so amazing, I had to get one and learn to play it."

The producers and arrangers are also the founding partners of Native Vibe, Bill Macpherson and Nee Sackey. Native Vibe's music is a fusion of jazz and world-beat styles, with 7 of their own releases to date.

See their website for more info >> NativeVibe.com