Jim Donica is a bassist, composer, teacher, sideman, and bandleader who has performed and recorded with some of the finest artists in the world.
An eclectic and highly accomplished bassist, Jim Donica is a seasoned performer, composer, and bandleader with a career spanning decades of diverse musical experiences, from extensive jazz collaborations to high-profile Broadway and international pop/punk tours. A true master of both the upright and electric bass, Donica is also a dedicated composer who has just completed a new recording, Live from Maureen's Jazz Cellar, Together again featuring the Jim Donica Quintet with Tim Armacost on sax, Alan Farnham on piano, Jeff Barone on guitar, and Tim Horner on drums.
Career Highlights and Jazz Pedigree
Donica completed his formal jazz education at the prestigious Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University, earning a Jazz Studies degree and a coveted Performance Certificate. Under the tutelage of jazz legend David Baker, he honed his craft as a member of the 20th Century Be Bop Band. Moving to New York City, he became active in the jazz and improvisation scene, leading successful groups like Urban Survival (which released two recordings and toured nationally) and the Jim Donica Group, featuring notable musicians such as Tim Armacost, Peter Erskine and Randy Brecker.
A Diverse and Eclectic Performer
Donica's versatility is evident in his performances across multiple genres. He has played with jazz artists like Maynard Ferguson, The David Becker Tribune and George Garzone. He also toured England and Scotland with punk rocker Joe Strummer, appearing on the recordings Trash City and Permanent Record. Additionally, Donica has performed globally as the bassist for Broadway star Chita Rivera and has held bass chairs in numerous Broadway productions including Dancers Life, Allegiance and The Visit as well as supporting on Evita, Cats, Avenue Q, Girl from the North Country and Some Like it Hot.
Jim Donica is a bassist, composer, teacher, sideman, and bandleader who has performed and recorded with some of the finest artists in the world.
An eclectic and highly accomplished bassist, Jim Donica is a seasoned performer, composer, and bandleader with a career spanning decades of diverse musical experiences, from extensive jazz collaborations to high-profile Broadway and international pop/punk tours. A true master of both the upright and electric bass, Donica is also a dedicated composer who has just completed a new recording, Live from Maureen's Jazz Cellar, Together again featuring the Jim Donica Quintet with Tim Armacost on sax, Alan Farnham on piano, Jeff Barone on guitar, and Tim Horner on drums.
Career Highlights and Jazz Pedigree
Donica completed his formal jazz education at the prestigious Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University, earning a Jazz Studies degree and a coveted Performance Certificate. Under the tutelage of jazz legend David Baker, he honed his craft as a member of the 20th Century Be Bop Band. Moving to New York City, he became active in the jazz and improvisation scene, leading successful groups like Urban Survival (which released two recordings and toured nationally) and the Jim Donica Group, featuring notable musicians such as Tim Armacost, Peter Erskine and Randy Brecker.
A Diverse and Eclectic Performer
Donica's versatility is evident in his performances across multiple genres. He has played with jazz artists like Maynard Ferguson, The David Becker Tribune and George Garzone. He also toured England and Scotland with punk rocker Joe Strummer, appearing on the recordings Trash City and Permanent Record. Additionally, Donica has performed globally as the bassist for Broadway star Chita Rivera and has held bass chairs in numerous Broadway productions including Dancers Life, Allegiance and The Visit as well as supporting on Evita, Cats, Avenue Q, Girl from the North Country and Some Like it Hot.