Guestbook has been removed 

So, I just received an email from a Danish website, telling me that someone was using the guestbook page of this site to create misleading links. I immediately turned off that function of this website, and I hope that this will solve the problem. My apologies to anyone who was inconvenienced by this problem. Thanks!

NEW RELEASE! 

Well, after far too long without any new material for this site (blame it on trying to both teach high school and have a life), there's big news Yes, I have finally managed to release a new recording. "The Great Plains" features me on flute, along with pianist John Harmon, in a program of mostly improvised duets. We recorded last summer, and I have finally found the time to get it all mixed, mastered, art-directed, and pressed You can get the CD at CDBaby - http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/jimolsen and…

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new release in the offing! 

Finally! It's been a LONG TIME since the last update to this site, but the drought is about to end. I've got a new CD project in the works, and it is almost ready to release. We're working on layout and artwork right now, so expect to see a big announcement sometime in the next few weeks. One hint: this new recording will be my first one as a performer (flute), as opposed to composer. And it features a very special guest. That was two hints? Oh. stay tuned!

Radio Update 

So, it's well past time to thank and honor the many radio station that have added/aired/promoted "We See Stars." It's incredibly gratifying to see the music reach so many parts of the country. Thanks also to Origin Records (and John Bishop), who got the music to these stations (and even more that I haven't heard about) HPR2, Hawaii JazzFM91. - Toronto KAZI, Austin, TX KIOS, Omaha, NE KKFI, Kansas City, MO KKRN, Bella Vista, CA KLCC, Eugene, OR KRFC, Fort Collins, CO KSDS, San Diego, CA KSVY, Vallejo,…

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busy week 

Well, if I ever thought that life might get a little easier, this week is a clear indication that I was wrong I received a last-minute request to direct Swing Shift for their concert this Friday. That, plus two rehearsals, with them, scores with missing pages, and a whole bunch of other things, have taken what should have been a regular week of teaching and made it pretty hectic I suspect that I will be more than ready for an adult beverage or two by the time Saturday night rolls around. Now, when…

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just dropping in... 

A quick update on life for a teaching musician. First, there's a lot of teaching. Second, you try to cram in time to write/practice/do business/etc. Obviously, that doesn't leave as much time for keeping up with this webpage as I'd prefer However, despite the crush of classes and grading, there is some new music in the pipeline. First, I've been adapting some light classical pieces for A3's production of "God," by Woody Allen. This has entailed me working in Logic for what seems like hours at a…

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a little late, but... 

Well, I'm late in posting this, but the two gigs in support of "We See Stars" were just fantastic! All of the musicians came loaded for bear, and played the music as if they had composed it. We had great crowds at both the Jazz Station in Eugene and the Blue Monk in Portland, managed to sell a few CDs, and in general tore up the joints In fact, things were so much fun that we've been asked to reprise the show, so look for us to play this summer at Roaring Rapids Pizza, which is quickly getting a…

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radio airplay 

Well, it seems as if the new CD is filling that radio niche for "kind of odd, but somewhat interesting nonet music." In fact, "We See Stars" is generating airplay on stations in Vallejo, CA, Beaumont, TX, Stevens Point, WI, Chicago, IL, and Hawaii, as well as KLCC here in Eugene/Springfield. The list seems to grow weekly, which is a good sign. Many thanks to everyone who has helped make this possible!

"We See Stars" now available as a download 

That's right, my new CD, "We See Stars," is now available as a download, either from Origin Records or iTunes. Use the Links page or just search for Origin/OA2 Records. Or, try this: http://originarts.com/oa2/recordings/recording.php?TitleID=22106

great gig last night 

Played a great gig last night with coNtEXT, the co-op trio that I'm in with bassist Whitney Moulton and drummer Don Elkington. Had good sound, a nice-sized crowd, and just a whole lot of fun. I really look forward to opportunities to perform; the flute is not a typical "jazz ensemble" instrument, so there aren't too many chances to play with groups unless I put them together myself We've begun to develop a very nice language as a group, so I'm pleased that we have a few gigs scheduled where we'll get…

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