Keith Hall
March 5, 2008
Good to read about GREAT Buffalo musicians, especially those that influenced us kids!
Jimmy Calire: Guestbook
Danny DiFonzo
December 20, 2007
Jimmy,
Remember me? Drummer...B&S 73 Hope all is well.
Get back to me.
Danny
Phil Dillon
December 13, 2007
Jimmy,
I first heard you play in 1967 and from that moment I knew I would never be the same. I am who I am today because of the musician you were then and continue to be today. I'm proud to know you and equally proud of my Buffalo roots of which you were one of the founding fathers.
jammarlibre
October 12, 2007
Hi
Thanks for your site.
luis munoz
October 9, 2007
Hey Jimmy, I just ran into your site, very cool!! (I specially liked the old photos). Hope all is well. Regards! Luis
www.luismunoz.net
jeff cowan
September 25, 2007
I have nominated you for the "MAVRICK" life time achievment award. You are my selection of whom I am honored to know as a person, and worked with as a friend. I will contact you by phone when I get back to the U.S.
kacey cubero
July 31, 2007
Hi Jimmy-
Glad we got a chance to chat today. I look forward to talking again soon and hopefully working together.
By the way, if you're not gigging this friday night, would you like to play with us at the Deerlodge? Filling in kinda last minute. I usually have Bill Flores, but he's not gonna be able to make it, so some keys would be great!!! Sam Bolle will be on base, Pete Gallegher on drums and Josh Davis on guitar, myself on vocals and guitar. I have charts!
Either way, talk to you soon.....
Kacey
cell:818-430-5268
www.myspace/kaceycubero
www.kaceycubero.com
John Martin
June 21, 2007
Jimmy.
your music, your art is poetry.
it is uncanny,
like the life of a dolphin in its appeal
and mystery
once heard it forever surfaces in one's
soul.
i dont no a word to describe it.
If it were a soldier - galantry
A mountain range - grandeur
a French hero - a natural man
I'll create a new word for your art
Jimmy.
In the meantime ,
The BONE lives on behind the many Falls
congatulations on your work
John Martin '65
jesse
June 13, 2007
in a sentimental mood was beautiful. I just found out about your sons band. What a wonderful band. in checking out there website. I came upon your sons link to you. I am truly thankful for finding you. I am looking foward to hearing more.
Haatoa Vainuku
April 24, 2007
Hey there Thanks for playing in our "GREASE" pRODUCTION.
Bob Decker, Oxnard High - director of Grease
April 23, 2007
Hey Mr. C just wanted to thank you for bringing your talents to our show. It brings the whole thing alive. The kids are agog at the sound you guys produce. It'll be the best experience of their lives.
Thanks again
Bob
Larry Lipschultz
November 27, 2006
Is it possible to get a hold of a copy of either of the two Raven ablums? I have an old scratched up one from when I was a kid in Elizabeth , NJ. I was floored the first time I heard it and still occasionally play it 37 years later.
Larry
louis decarlo
October 26, 2006
wow,,seeing those photos was real nostalgia! Where are the Rising Sons photo's? man, you look as old as me but at least you still have hair. still have a B-3 sitting in buffalo, living overseas, too big to carry.maybe youll be at the Sportsman in Buff over a holiday someday. goodluck...you done real good!!
Michael Campagna
October 9, 2006
jimmy you are a constant source of insparation and forward motion
Carm "Doc" LaFalce
October 5, 2006
Hey Jim,
Thanks for the memories. I like the site. You were my inspiration. Thanks for the lifetime of great music... I'll look you up when I get to Tahoe to see my sister Barb....
Thanks again ole Canisius Buddy...
jack calire
September 14, 2006
I think we may be related. I live in Cleveland, and am realted to Joesph Calire, my grandfather, married to Rosa, perhaps your uncle. The original spelling was caliri.
Paolo
September 13, 2006
Great artist.
Great music.
Very interesting.
I like very much Your Cd.
All the best for You and Your projects.
--------------------
Peace in the World!
--------------------
www.musilosophy.com/jazz-melody.htm
www.aboutmusictheory.com
Ori
September 12, 2006
Best piano teacher ever.
Thanks man.
Louie Angelo
August 23, 2006
Jimmy, your still the greatest pianist to ever come out of Western New York.
Norbert
August 21, 2006
Jimmy:
Now having house-rock-band with kids,Jason, Calrla, keyboards, drum,bass:
NO MERCY!!
P.S. Greetings to Donna and the whole family!
Remember: B.C. is lovely, warm and sunny -
ahem in summer!!
love, Norbert
Lee Gibson
August 20, 2006
Great websit, Jim. And to think, you even condescend to play with a guy like me, occasionally! Interesting history, too.
Peggy Ghiandoni Sperrazza
August 15, 2006
Dear Jimmy, you probably don't remember me. I used to go out (?) with Gary, before you all went to CA. It was fun to find this site and see your pictures. It brought back lots of memories. Thanks, Peggy PS: I don't remember how hairy you all were!
Bob Vosteen
July 29, 2006
Raven, for me, was one of the truly GREAT unsung bands. I made it to the Tralf for your reunions. It was seriously impressive to hear the way you guys put the old sounds in place. For me it was a musical highlight. I've seen many spectacular jazz, blues and rock shows and you guys were at the TOP for me. While the sound of your original Raven record (Columbia) left something to be desired, the playing was (is) amazing. I play it for friend (even now) and it holds up incredibly well with age. I have two copies of the record and love it.
Is there any chance anything will ever be done with the Raven tapes from the Tralf shows?
Your Xmas CD is really excellent as well.
All the best,
Bob V.
July 15, 2006
Hey Jimmy,
An old Raven Worshiper from the Hideaway days. Spent more time at that bar listening to Stan and then the Rising Sons than I did at home. Was stationed overseas in Europe in 69 and surprise, found a copy of Raven in Rotterdam, Holland on a German Columbia label. Great Reunion at the Tralf in 96, hope a video will come out on it. Like your website, brings back memories.
Chris Domres
June 21, 2006
Jimmy,
I met you once in the basement of Baird Hall on the campus of SUNY. You were warming up for a House Rockers gig on the Ateinway concert grand. I listened through the door for about twenty minutes thinking it was Keith Jarrett playing! You talked to me about how you "groked" evry new piano you played to get a complete feel for the instrument before you even began making muusic on it. Your style is known as the epitime of that Buffalo blues piano style, which influened me greatly over the years I have been playing piano. I am glad to see you are going strong.
Do you keep in contact with John Weitz at all? Is he still playing? The two of you were major players in Buffalo's early rock/jazz beginnings.
Dave Parker
June 2, 2006
Greetings from the homefront (Bflo). Its been long time since we last chatted during the "Hideaway" days. Our old group the "Avanti's" got together for a reunion last year and now some of us are out gigging again, even at our age. Amazing, but a B3 covers a lot of sins.
Thought you would appreciate that locals still remember and request "Neighbor","Howlin" & "Jive". We try, but "Raven" was the standard for music and musicianship in this town. Best wishes.
Michael "Satch" Sakevich
May 19, 2006
Jim, by a fluke I was looking up Cocker, Konikoff and then...Jim Calire.
I was a drummer/percussionist, John Roland student, and did very well for a very long time. Played with John Heiss' brother Paul.
Remember I worked the other show (World's Fare) at Great Adventure in NJ? "Free drinks for the band?" when you had that tiny soprano sax? Hated the gig.
Hung out at the Bona Vista, Granny's, etc..Oh! Meech 'dem hhhhArt Kuberas Music Store.
Used to call Sharky (Paul Liebersham) when I was in Phoenix. Saw John Roland there several years ago playing in a Shriners parade float. Heard Stan passed away. How's Sandy? Any word?
Live in OH now. No longer a Hertle (sp) avenue shuffler. Working computer stuff for Honda.
Need a greasy taco from Grany Goodness's about now.
Later Jim.
Mike (937) 585-4350
bob stearns
March 21, 2006
hi jimmy don't know if you remember me i was your biggest fan when you were the rising sons. in mesa az. no almost 11 years to much to say in a email. would love to get over to hear you in Ca. spoke to marty angelo he gave me your web page. mine is www.bobstearns.com
frannie
March 6, 2006
Loved the website. OK this is a bit wierd. This morning I interrupted Robert while he was getting ready for work and insisted he watch what I think is the most incredible ad on TV. It makes me cry everytime I see it. It is the UNITED AIRLINES ad!!!! I've enjoyed the whole campaign, but the dragon really takes the prize! I can't wait to show him this "serendipity".
frannie
March 6, 2006
Hi Jimmy, Haven't found my perfect set of ivories yet......so in the meantime, I think I'll check out this cool website. See you in Buffalo. Bring your saxaphone!!!!!
Janet HIll
February 2, 2006
Hi
We were a Native American family that used to live next door to you in Buffalo, I think the name of the street was Collatin (sp?) I remember thinking how lucky I was to live next to a local musical celebrity...you were indeed one back then1!! Became good freinds with your sister Amy but lost touch after I moved from the B-lo to Canada. I actually have a scarf that your wife Donna knitted when she bought her first knitting machine!! Goodness! seems like a lifetime ago. You never know what you'll find on the internet. Good luck Jimmy and thanks for being the awesome musician you are!! Say hello to Amy & Donna. Don't know if they remember.
PS Years ago I heard a band doing a cover of Neighbor..Neighbor and was wondering if the Raven album is still available in any way shape or form.
Cheers!
Janet Hill
Sonny Doss
January 24, 2006
Hi Jimmy
I never met you but know who you are. I also sold several red, white, brown etc tuxs that I had when I was with Bourbon & Spice. We started the Bourbon & Spice "73" in "73". I believe you replaced me when I left in Pittsburgh or somewhere down the line. Small world--sincerely Sonny Doss
junior
January 17, 2006
Hi Jimmy Ilona and I say hello from Florida . cousin val
Karen Koonsman
December 29, 2005
I was looking for information on James Frank Calire and stumbled onto your guestbook. My mom has an antique piano stool with an inscription to James Frank Calire. Would love to know know more about it. Thanks, K. Koonsman
dan gambino
December 16, 2005
Nice website. Hope everyone is well. I sure miss Marie. I wish I knew if you were going to be in town, I would love to here you play. You've always been an inspiration to me . Merry Christmas to all. sincerely, dan.
victor j carr
December 12, 2005
Janet, my sister e-mailed me your site address.Cool site, the home page picture looks like grandpa Frank Calire.
Merry Christmas to you and your family.
your cuz,
Vic
Bob Ambrusko
November 13, 2005
The Raven thought me that it's not about the notes, it's about the feel. Seeing the band play at the Hideaway was my musical revelation, I went home a different person.
Karen Halmhofer (Ruiz) now Bosman
September 25, 2005
Hi Jimmy,
Love the website. I lost your email address and figured I'd find you by googling for you. How's Donna? I miss you guys. Drop me a line when you get a chance.
Karen
Walt Fix
September 11, 2005
Great site- especially the pics!- have to find a way to get the Houserockers one to Sandy K- I'll make his day.
Keep it going!
wf
Diane
September 4, 2005
I just discovered your website, and was
reading that you were inspired by the Hound-Dog.
Well, I actually worked for him !
When he owned radio station WBLK I worked there voicing commercials. He was the one who actually called me to hire me!
After radio I did television. Now I work behind the scenes in Los Angeles TV, so let me know when you are performing in the area.
Carmen Osinski
September 3, 2005
Hi Jimmy
Just saw your website and was happy to see that all seems to be going well for you.
Uncle Val and I are fine. We wish you the best. Our very best to Donna and the rest of your family. Love you,
Aunt Carm
Robyn Savoyski
August 29, 2005
Hey, you knucklehead, how are ya? Nick and I are doing well in North Carolina. Miss your music.
Big blessings,
Robyn
Gus Russo
August 26, 2005
JC,
I like the reworked site. Thanx for leading off the pix page with one of mine. The shot
with "the purveyor" is LM's.
Sorry we didn't connect in the B-lo. Keep in touch.
Ciao,
GR
Michael Calandra
August 23, 2005
Hey Jimmy this is Michael Calandra, Tommy Calandra's son. I just wanted to tell you I ove the sight you made here. Some of those photos are unreal. Ive never seen some of those before. Anyways if You could maybe email me some of those raven pics, Id love to have some for memories sake. If you get this give me a call sometime. 7164401374. It would be great to talk a lil music with you. Im moving out west in a week to Nevada. So I hope to hear something from ya.
Cousin Jo Walrath
August 21, 2005
Hi Jimmy,
Hope all is well with you and your family! Although the circumstances were not the best, I greatly enjoyed seeing you and all your family. Lots of great memories when we were young kids.
My daughter Chris got married in City Hall in NYC while I was in Buffalo. She has your Mom's name as her middle name..it was quite a surprise! Please if you are ever in Baltimore, please look Craig and I up...The website is terrific! Cousin Jo
Gina
August 20, 2005
Wow, great to find this website now! Last year we started with Mizar5 (www.mizar5.net) and wrote something about Jimmy Calire, in reference to Brian Buel (we found him because googling for Steely Dan related stuff), America and simply because of his outstanding sense for arranging etc etc. This wasn't around yet!
Anyway, very glad to learn there's this whole online Calire world to discover... Happens so, in the Steely Dan fan forum Sign In Stranger (known as the Yellow) they're discussing America now... and i wanted to mention our Mizar5 writings about Jimmy Calire...
I'll simply send them this way then, eh?
Thanks and perhaps we could have you as a Mizar5 guest some day,
Kind regards,
Gina/Mizar5
Lou Marinaccio
August 17, 2005
Jimmy, It was great to see and hear you again. The photos look great on your web site, I'm really flattered to see them again after all these years.
Lou
Ted Parkins
August 3, 2005
Jimmy,
I saw every Raven gig in Boston. You guys were inspirational to many young musicians in the area. A friend and I snuck in a tape recorder to the Boston Tea Party. I just found the tapes. I've got about half of the music on CD at the moment. It's not studio quality but it's certainly listenable. Would you be interested in a copy? (No, I'm not looking for anything in return.) If you can send me a mailing address i'd be happy to send you a CD. I live in NH and play bass & drums. Your nasty tone on that old Leslie was the best! Thanks for the unforgettable music.
Ted Parkins
4 Huntington Rd.
Henniker, NH 03242
April
July 1, 2005
I stumbled upon your website last Christmas and listened to some of your music from the website. Amazing! I bought your spirited Christmas CD right then! Loved it! My mom, myself, and my husband all play the piano...if only we could play like you!
dennis schooley
June 16, 2005
Hi Jim...enjoyed your site..great photos. I still own your Raven Altec PA system...that I bought from you in NYC..last saw you doing the sax with Janice (Hall) Mitchell in Williamsville..I play out (guitar & vocals)weekends in WNY with my band Red Hot Blues
john allen
May 16, 2005
hey jimmy,
great site! i like the photos and especially the music clips.
when are you coming back to buffalo?
i had a great time playing sax with you at the sportsman. i hope you return this summer
good luck
john allen
Paul Tulowiecki
May 11, 2005
Dear Jim,Thank you so much for all the great music over the years.I used to play in a band in Buffalo (my home) with a guitar player named Ron who used to date your sister-in-law.Margaret I believe was her name (what a nice lady).I caught the Raven reunion show at the Tralf and loved that group as much then as I did at the Inferno.Spirited Christmas is our families favorite Christmas CD along with Tuck Andress.My wife and I also loved Donna's Artwork.It remind's us of Buffalo.I am living in North Carolina now and look forward to hearing some more Jimmy stuff.Take care and remember that you are an incredible musician who's name comes up quite often in conversations and that you have influenced many players.Paul
William Bull
April 29, 2005
Jimmy.....
I was looking up info on Gary Mallaber/ Tony Galla and here you are!! I am 54 and followed the Rising suns/ Raven all through high school into the Columbia days. I am a drummer and think Gary is incredible. I listened to your clips and the style is exactly as I remember you. I loved the B3 and the piano combo you did and tell my 24 year old what an awesome experience it was growing up musically with you guys. I live in Nh now, but I'd drive 500 miles for a Raven renunion in a heart beat. You are in Ca.now I see. well best of luck. Bring your band to Boston and let me know when and where.
Bill
Norbert
April 16, 2005
Jimmy, for me you'll always gonna be the greatest! Wishing you,Donna and the kids all the very best! P.S. When you're coming with me to Berlin the next time? Remember, you promised....
Norbert
dan gambino sr.
March 21, 2005
high jimmy. just visiting.seeing the old pictures always brings back the n"good ole days". I miss hearing you play .I'm sure you're still playing your heart out. me too. say hello to everyone for me, ps...Imiss your mom. and my mom is very ill with cancer. Please keep us in your prayers. thanks ./ love./ big Dan.
Julie Christensen
March 11, 2005
Just checked out the old pix (hotcha!) and some other stuff. Nice site, my friend! Proud to know ya. xo Julie