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"vocally beautiful " - The Ithaca Journal "considerable flair" - The Capitol "dance expertise and delicious sense of humor" - The Baltimore Sun 
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REVIEWS"Robust-voiced baritone Jimi James makes a commanding figure - and commanding singer - as Escamillo, the sex-object bullfighter who ultimately displaces the troubled Don Jose."
"Jimi James seemed to be having a great time as Escamillo, the toreador, who could "shoot the bull" as well as fight one."
"… upstaged by Jimi James' Bartolo, as was the rest of the cast. The baritone captivated with a rich, resonant voice, impeccable comic timing and a commanding presence."
"The third singer Gretz introduced to Annapolis Opera who seems on the brink of stardom is Jimi James. Having heard James two years ago sing an unforgettable "Elijah" with the Annapolis Chorale and an amazing Billy Bigelow in the chorale's Carousel, I was delighted to finRd him cast as Dr. Bartolo in "Barber."
"In discussing the Doctor Bartolo of baritone Jimi James and the Don Basilio of bass Jeffrey Tarr, we enter the realm of Major Voices (note the capitals). Their respective performances were characterized by rock-solid vocalism and powerful projection. From Mr. James' very first entrance in the first act, we were aware of a dominant stage presence, and this impression continued through his comic turns as Basilio's 'foil' in the aria 'La calunnia' and in his own classic offering, 'A un dottor della mia sorte.'"
"As Escamillo, Syracuse baritone Jimi James proved that not all local singers are subpar, contrary to conventional wisdom. James rose to the challenge of performing the opera's most recognizable tune ("Toreador's song") with an assertive, full voice, conveying Escamillo's swaggering chest-puffery through vocal color instead of physical caricature."
"Baritone Jimi James (Figaro) sang with ease and a rich chocolaty sound throughout. His high notes were notably big and clear, and he conveyed the expected humor of the role with bite."
"Of the many principals, Jimi James sporting a lion of a voice was impressive as Figaro. He commands the stage and his vocal resources seem endless."
"Jimi James (Rigoletto) delivered a fierce performance of the title role. The passion was as startling as it was telling." "Jimi James (Masetto) and Megan McCorkle were marvelous as a young couple whose lives were dizzied by Don Giovanni's toying with the affections of young Zerlina. The voices of Masetto and Zerlina were splendid and the acting prowess of each was exceptional."
"Jimi's rendition is absolutely beautiful, so moving."
"Every segment was perfect, with James (Mefistofele) delivering a dazzling performance that not only displayed his magnificent voice but showcased his dance expertise and delicious sense of humor."
"Pride of place must go to Mr. James' playful and downright diabolical Mefistofele: Not only was the part well-sung with beautifully sustained lower bass notes, but Mr. James acted the role with considerable flair, taunting the audience and occasionally leaning insouciantly against the conductor's podium."
"The vocalism exhibited during the performance of "Elijah" was excellent. Jimi James was superb in his rendition of the title role. What particularly distinguished his performance was that, while consistent, he was never dull and was adept with his vocal acting."
"The Germont père of baritone Jimi James was sung with enormous richness of tone, great attention to the text, a seamless legato and volume to spare. Both action and expression leading up to his powerful and vocally beautiful "Di Provenza" were flawless."
"Jimi James brought a magnificent voice and strong acting skills to the role of Billy. He delivered a warm "If I Loved You" and a thrilling "Soliloquy"."
"Baritone Jimi James was convincingly evil as Lucia's brother Enrico, but even more convincing as a leading vocalist. His singing seemed thunderous and expansive, consistent with his character's temper and lack of restraint."
"Anna Vikre and baritone Jimi James deliver spellbinding performances in Opera Memphis's 49th season opener."
"Among the delightfully fresh ideas was a Papageno on stilts. Gamely played by Jimi James, the birdman seemed to flutter on stage and then took over the evening. James used his warm baritone to great effect, whether hilarious or touching."
"Jimi James was one of the strongest Masettos I've ever seen on stage. His "Ho capito" was sung with a terrific mixture of blind outrage and intended class irony." |