jimSolberg
electric bass, upright bass, and vocals

Jim grew up in Richland, Washington and came from a musical family. He began playing music at the age of 9. Jim's dad played the clarinet &saxophone. His mom and brother both played the piano and accordion. His first gig was when he was 12 years old with his dads band called "ThePolka Dots." Jim pursued music in grade school, high school and Jr. College. When he wasn't playing in his dad's band, he played for high school dances and parties with the best local Rock & Roll bands. Just two years out of high school he joined a funk show band from San Diego called "Power Potion." After a four-year stretch touring throughout California, Canada, and the Pacific Northwest, Jim relocated to Portland, Oregon.

Since moving to Oregon, Jim has played and studied with some of the best musicians in the business. He has played many styles, recorded numerous albums and CD's with many bands; most recently "The Lloyd JonesStruggle" (1986-93) and "The Jim Mesi Band" (1997 to 2002), both very popular Portland-based R&B bands. While touring extensively throughout the U.S. and Canada with The Lloyd Jones Struggle, the band opened in concert for BB King, Robert Cray, Bonnie Raitt, Etta James, Dr. John and Charlie Musslewhite.

Shortly after joining the Jim Mesi Band in 1997, the U.S. Department of Defense contracted with the band to perform two eight-week summer tours overseas for U.S. soldiers stationed in remote areas throughout Europe.The band traveled to Iceland, England, Germany, Hungary, Bosnia, Croatia, Macedonia, Belgium, Holland and Norway. The band was well received and had a blast traveling and playing for all the soldiers. All the troops really appreciated the band coming all that way just to bring them a little taste of home. In addition, Jim Mesi, an awesome guitarist, is considered a legend in the Northwest. Remember the Johnny Rivers song "Secret Agent Man?" Jim played guitar on that song. Pretty cool, huh?