Biography

Jim grew up in Medford, MA, and started playing drums at the age of fourteen. While attending The Berklee School of Music in Boston he began performing around the New England area. He began a jazz vocal career and has recorded seven critically acclaimed CDs performed in jazz and cabaret settings in the Northeast, London, San Francisco, The Virgin Islands and Vancouver. Jim was also the featured vocalist at Boston's Ritz Carlton and Boston's prestigious Bay Tower Room. He has been the featured vocalist with the Artie Shaw Orchestra, and is the leader of the swing band Bombay Jim and the Swinging Sapphires, as well as the lead vocalist in Primavera, a tribute show to the music of Louis Prima and Keely Smith. Jim has also released a new album “Dream Dancing with You” featuring Mike Renzi piano, Bob Cranshaw bass, Buddy Williams drums, and Harry Allen sax.

Rebecca Parris, jazz vocalist
"Jim lends real warmth to a ballad, takes a lyric seriously and sparks freshness into his upbeat repertoire. His scat singing is enviable, and his delivery is right on the mark. A real please to listen to."

Ron Della Chiesa host of Music America
"Jim Porcella sings with feeling, warmth and emotion…enhanced by a very special delivery of lyrics. Thanks, Jim, for keeping the American Songbook alive.

Fred Bouchard, Downbeat Magazine
"A genial baritone with his own smooth sound, relaxed feel, fine timing and tasteful repertoire, an honest-to-God male jazz singer."

The late Joe Williams
"Jim's got the gift! He really swings!"

Diane Schuur - Jazz Vocalist
"Wonderful choices, beautifully sung."

Bob Blumenthal-Jazz Critic
"We now know that Jim Porcella can sing with great feeling his Two For the Road is close to the definitive version."

Jim West, Swing 830, WCRN
“Jim Porcella (aka Bombay Jim) is the only male singer I’ll follow Sinatra with.”