JIM BOITOS
Saxophonist and Retired Professor of Saxophone and Director of Jazz Ensembles at Illinois State University.
For more than two and a half decades, Jim Boitos’ jazz groups won individual and group awards at college jazz festivals throughout the country. Boitos was a featured soloist at the 5th World Saxophone Congress, London, the 6th World Saxophone Congress, Evanston, and the 7th World Saxophone Congress, Nuremburg. Mr. Boitos has also free-lanced with Pearl Bailey, Billy Eckstine, Joe Williams, Cab Calloway, Nancy Wilson, Louie Bellson, and many others. Jim currently plays with Disorganizer.
"I have known Carl for close to three decades now, and have seen every effort that he has made to improve, upgrade, and resurrect instruments considered long dead. There is a term in physics called the "Lazarus Effect" that describes the phenomenon of bringing back the life of dead atoms, similar to humans who are pronounced Deceased yet regain a pulse miraculously. Carl's most recent reconstruction of a Selmer soprano sax that was torn apart by the monstrous tornado that hit Washington, IL, is a work of art. Carl has the touch of a Master craftsman of the highest level.
I recently bought a washed-up Conn curved soprano sax from the 20's , and it was the first one I have ever seen that wasn't satin silver plate, only nickel, and it was rough. Had two good notes, total. Didn't expect too much, just wanted a toy, a distraction for times of boredom, but after Carl completed its rebuild, wow, this baby blows!! It is all I play now.
Simply put, I have never met any group of craftsmen who have dedicated more effort in improving and updating their business than Carl, Travis, and Austin Thacker. Whatever wind instrument you choose to leave in their hands will be returned in better playing condition than ever before!!!!" – Jim Boitos
