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  Drummer Jimmy Hunter at the NAMM SHOW 2014 Crush Exhibit Producer / Studio Owner / Audio Engineer / Drummer Multi-Instrumentalist / Vocalist/Vocal Coach Jimmy Hunter is a Virginia born veteran touring and studio drummer, a producer, singer and recording artist with scores of album credits who was raised in Detroit, Michigan in the Motown years during the 60's and 70's. He considers himself both a "blue-collar rocker" and a "blue-eyed soulman." At age 25, he moved to Los Angeles in 1975 to play drums for Door's keyboardist Ray Manzarek's Nite City. Jimmy also has been the drummer for Nick Gilder (Hot Child In The CIty), The Village People, Flo and Eddie, Cher, Steppenwolf, and many other world known acts. Hunter has remained in Hollywood, CA and evolved into a top music producer, and studio owner of CAZADOR Recording (www.jimmyhunter.com). Over the years, he has produced over 4000 songs since starting his studio business in 1986 and has also composed music for TV, movies and many jingles. CLICK HERE to hear Hunter's NITE CITY drum solo at the Whisky in 1977   Drummer Jimmy Hunter at the NAMM SHOW 2014 Pearl Exhibit  The Detroit Connection  Although he lives and works in Hollywood, CA, Jimmy Hunter played drums with The Detroit Connection, an all Detroit blues band. Under the leadership of Hunter's lifetime bandmate John Harden (formerly with Iggie Pop / Andy Frazier of Free), Harden's Detroit Connection currently does fund raisers for both charter and public schools as well other worthwhile causes in Flagstaff, AZ. Note the mountains of "Flag" behind the Detroit City skyline. Harden is the band director of Northland Preparatory Academy. The band members shuffle from time to time but the 2002 concert at Flagstaff High Auditorium featured Blue Collar bluesman guitarist Steve Gornall and Don Bassey on bass.  Harden is now preparing the next show for November 5th and 6th, 2004 which features both Gornall and former Detroiter/bandmate John Duva (right) known for his work in Edgar Winter's touring band. Duva, pictured right is another Lakeview High alumni.A past Detroit Connection performance was on April 11/12, 2003 at Sinaqua High School Auditorium in Flagstaff, AZ. This concert featured Paul Warren (Rod Stewart) on vocals and guitar and an inspiring 30 year reunion with Phil McDonald (right) Jimmy's favorite bass player, who came in from Savannah, GA.
 Hunter (above) directs student's backing vocals during a Detroit Connection encore. Hear Steve Gornall front the band's 2002 concert singing "Talk To Me Baby" Blues Hear Paul Warren front the band's 2003 concert singing "Pretty Woman" Blues Robert "Bobbo" Staron Band 2000-2001  Studiojimi's 50th Birthday Bash 2000 Jimmy has the same birthday as Ludwig von Beethoven - 12/16. He celebrated his "Hot Wings and Blues" Birthday Bash the day after his 50th birthday on 12/17/00 at The Cocoanut Teaszer on the Sunset Strip with a wild Sunday afternoon bash.  Photo by Mark R. Kent Guests stars included frontman and Hunter lifetime bandmate guitarist Paul Warren (Rod Stewart), Bob Birch on bass (Elton John), Ken Stange on incredible keys (Joe Cocker / Jose Feliciano), and a special keyboard surprise from Ray Manzarek of the Doors, who did "Back Door Man" and "Riders On the Storm" with Warren on vocals. Other guests were Bob Gianetti (Edgar Winter Band) who jumped to sing the motown tune, "My Girl" and blues from Cix Bits' Blues Band vocalist, Carl Summers of the Coasters.
The Cazador Years 1985-to NOW   Fortune 1984 Gerard McMahon 1983-84 Tim Dulaine 1982 Tommy "Steele" Montanez with Michael Monarch 1982 Alex Machin of "Champion" 1982 
Hunter took a club gig with this Jerry Lee Lewis / Fats Domino style rocker from Orange County. For a season, Jimmy would ride his vitange 1971 BMW motorcyle every night to the Anaheim Sheraton to rock the tourists crowds with "Topper". Band members included Mickey Rooney Jr. on bass with Carmine Sardo on guitar. Cher 1980
Diane Scanlon is a fine singer songwriter out of New York who used the tracks that were intentionally recorded for Cher at The Hit Factory recording studio with Bruce Tergeson engineering, who was the engineer on Disraeli Gears by Cream and many other fine recordings.
The Village People 1980  Jimmy Hunter played drums for these world famous pop music icons on their "Renaisance" album at Record Plant in Los Angeles with producer/conceptualist Jacques Morali producing.  V.P. band members Mark (guitar), Jimmy (drums) and Howie (bass).
Dennis "Fergie" Fredriksen aka David London 1980 Hunter played drums in the studio for Fergie's 1st solo album which also featured Howie Epstein (Tom Petty) on bass and Mark Christian on guitar (The Big F). Fredriksen eventually became the lead singer for the L.A. Pop group of session musicians known as Toto.  Jimmy in New York City with Fergie in 1980 Nick Gilder 1979-80 Paul Warren & Explorer 1978-79  Dene, Jimmy, Paul and Steve. On the live stage, Paul Warren and Jimmy are electric together year after year. After two years in Door's keyboardist Ray Manzarek's Nite City, they formed this band and tore the town up in the club scene. Around the time of the Knack's "My Sharona", Explorer was an all Detroit band in Los Angeles that kicked ass and took names. Hunter remained until he got an offer he just could not refuse from Nick Gilder, whose quadruple platinum single's, "Hot Child In The City" tour was too hard to resist. Hunter returned to play with Explorer in late 1980 after his world tour hiatus. Paul Warren is the one responsible for bringing Jimmy Hunter to Hollywood from Detroit in 1975. Warren is the consumate rock star blues based guitarist. He rivals the known greats like Eric Clapton and Stevie Ray Vaughn. Known for his playing on many Motown hits including Papa Was A Rollin' Stone by the Temptations, today he tours with Rod Stewart and Italian singer Eros Ramazotti.
Jimmy played drums in a solo effort of Deep Purple / Trapeze bass player / vocalist rock icon Glenn Hughes. This was an experimental project which recorded tracks for Glenn at Sound City studios with Brett Tuggle (David Lee Roth/Fleetwood Mac) on keys and Ray Gomez from Stanley Clarke's band on guitar. Hunter's alliance with Hughes started from a club date where the two co-billed in Detroit at Bimbo's back in 1973. Valentino 1978
With Jamie James, singer and guitarist of the Kingbees known for their hit, "My Mistake." Nick St. Nicholas was on bass. Hunter only did a few gigs in Arizona and Southern California with this legendary group as he was a fill in for his home town drummer bud from Detroit, Jack White, who went on to become drummer for Rick Springfield. Jamie James is currently the band leader for the Dennis Quaid Band. Steppenwolf had quite a few different drummers during this period. Click the pic for larger viewing.
Mark Volman and Howard Kaylan aka The Turtles were two guys Jimmy happened to be a huge fan of since their Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention days. Hunter drummed on the 1977 Flo and Eddie summer tour and also did some studio recording on "The History of Flo & Eddie and the Turtles."  This gig came about when the beloved Nite City Detroit roadies, Chuck Churella and (the late) Bub Brown (pictured right) took on the tour and let Jimmy know about the drum slot of this killer gig becoming available. Hunter was the last guy to join the band this tour after the previous Flo and Eddie drummer, Craig Krampf left the group to join up with Nick Gilder which Jimmy also received from Craig when Krampf joined Kim Carnes. The L.A. music scene was thriving and Jimmy was on fire and at the peak of his career at the age of 26. Jimmy learned the entire concert set in just three days before embarking on an east coast tour of Flo and Eddie concerts which included The Bottom Line in NYC.
Ray Manzarek's Nite City 1975-76   Nite City--Ray, Noah, Nigel, Jimmy, Paul 
Based on a recommendation from lifetime bandmate Paul Warren (Rod Stewart), Jimmy did a "geographic" in 1976 from Detroit to Los Angeles to become drummer with keyboard legend Ray Manzarek of The Doors in his new band, Nite City. Soon signed to 20th Century Records, and later on Polygram for their second album sans Noah with Paul Warren taking over most of the vocal chores, Nite City headlined often at the Whisky Agogo on Sunset in Hollywood and other venues like The Starwood, The Roxy, Doug Weston's Troubedor. Van Halen in their early days even warmed up for them. After the second album, Nigel Harrison left to play with Blondie and Paul's buddy, bluesman-guitarist Steve Gornall took the bass gig for the duration of the life of the band around the middle of 1977.
 Jimmy (center) on the road in Denver on the same bill with The Ramones In Boston, the band played to a crowd in a jazz venue who had come to see drummer Lenny White-the band rocked the house to a bunch of people with their heads in their newspapers. Once at My Father's Place on Long Island, NY, singer Noah James came out in his monkey coat and paraded around the stage with a SM58 mic in his mouth while dirvishly growling at the audience-and that was just the beginning of the show. Nite City explored the wild city nights and darker side of the night life of Hollywood Babylon. This band is where Jimmy got his road dog legs. The mysterious and elusive vocalist Noah James has not been heard from for many years. HEY-anybody know where he is ?  Jazz fusion drummer, Lenny White, Jimmy Hunter, and Noah James at Paul's Mall in Boston 1976 Stix & Stoned 1975  
The Your Mustache Lounge is still standing in Dearborn, Michigan at Ford Rd. and Wyoming. When Jimmy's drummer buddy, Marcus Terry, left Stix and Stoned to go to Las Vegas and eventually on to tour with Jose Feliciano, Hunter jumped at the chance to play with this coveted Detroit Trio which did some originals but played to a listening rather than dancing crowd. Each night was like a little concert fronted by former Headliner's guitarist / singer and 1957 world banjo champion, Bobby Lewis.
Lenore Paxton Trio 1974-75 Danny Schafer Band 1974 Free Beer / Cricket Smith 1973-74 Moonstone 1973  Pictured below is Moonstone at the 300 Bowl in Pontiac, Michigan. Memorable gigs were warming up for Jim Croce and Glenn Hughes' Trapeze when they were house band at Bimbo's, a concert bar venue. 
Tom Powers Group 1972
 Sessions for Motown staff writers Nick Zesses and Dino Fekaris Frankie Dunn 1971 The River Rats / Smile featuring Al Collini 1971  Collini and Hunter played in Woordward Ave. beer bars and in a seedy dive hole in the wall called the Sewer By The Sea which was in a back alleys near the edge of the Detroit River waterfront. They cranked it loud and played Al's original tunes and a few other classics, did a lot of jamming and soloing. It was from Al's encouragement and inspiration that Jimmy began to turn on the power and endurance that he became known for. They did a tune called "The Train" where Al would turn on the leslie speaker on and off like a whistle blowing and Hunter hit his "Grand Funk Triplets" so loud and furious and fast that it sounded like a real train coming thru the place.  Al Collini in a recent pic with a fresh catch. Wake 1971  Regretfully,"Tex" (pictured) passed away in May of 2010. You can check out more about Wayne "Tex" Gabriel online. Rochester Michigan Elks Club House Band 1971 Wayne State University Concert Band and Big Band 1971 Justice Colt 1970-71  Justice Colt - Joe Gutc-gtr, Tony Presti-drms, Rick Manasa-keys, Steve Hiddid-tpt, Phil McDonald-bass, Ron Jimison-tpt, Mark Olsen-sax, Mark Ryder-vocals A Blood Sweat and Tears type horn band which performed original music with vocalist Mark Ryder, brother of Mitch Ryder and The Detroit Wheels. Rick Manasa went on to play keys with Bob Seger, John Harden (also not pictured) went on to play with Iggie Pop. Jimmy was not the drummer at the time this pic was taken but it includes his former bandmates in an earlier shot before he took over the drumming chores. Mark Olsen, sax/keyboards went on to become a member of Motown hitmen Rare Earth. Drummer Jimmy Hunter and bassist Phil McDonald established a team that lasted through several band congifurations in this period of Jimmy's career. Joe Gutc aka "The Rat" pictured on the left still tours with Mitch Ryder's Detroit Wheels. The "Jammin' at The Cave years 1970-71  Billy Lyons and the Soul Safari 1969-70
Alden 1970 Macomb County Community College Big Band 1969-70 St. Clair Shores (Michigan) Civic Symphony Orchestra 1969-71 The pic is the great Jack D. Metz band director/conductor and Jimmy Hunter from the Lakeview High School Band 25 year reunion around 1984. The Rude Awakenings 1967-68 Lakeview High School Band 1966-69  Irv Inselman, Hunter, Chet Birch The Manchesters 1964-66  The Manchesters, Keith, Mike, Jimmy and Gary Chippewa Jr High School Band 1963-66 
Hunter played drums and tuba in Concert Band, Jazz Lab Big Band, a Tijuana Brass tribute group and played tuba in German Polka band arranged by band director, Art Dries. Dries was a mentor to Jimmy and allowed him to be in the 8th and 9th band as a tuba player in the 7th grade.
As a result of his interests in becoming a band director, Jimmy received a scholorship to attend a summer music program offered by the William and Mary College of Virginia, in Hunter's home state, for his tuba playing.  Jimmy at 13 with Kippy in his room on Wildwood in St. Clair Shores, Michigan Cornet (trumpet) and Tuba lessons 1960-1962 Piano lessons 1959-1963 Jimmy's Father and Mother / James and Sarah Hunter  |
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The last three concerts were recorded and live CDs are available to the public. The 2002 CD was fronted by motorcity bluesman, Steve Gornall. Other highlights feature Sedona multi-instrumentalist, Robin Miller who, along with Steve, taunt the crowd with their dueling guitar frenzy. The Academy's student band, Slamina, was also featured and cameoed with D.C.'s Johnny B. Goode encore. L.A. Blueswoman Dee Archer has also been showcased by the Detroit Connection as a guest sit-in singer on various past concerts. The latest concert is sceduled for October 7th and 8th, 2005 at Flagstaff High in Flagstaff, AZ.
Guitarist Richard Fortune's "Foreigner" type rock group included, Roger Scott Craig, a keyboard player from Foreigner and Bob Birch on bass (Elton John.) L.A. Greene (pictured left), known for his "Top Gun" motion picture theme song "Through The Fire" was the vocalist. Hunter is only featured on one tune from the Fortune album but it ended up being single called "Dearborn Station." 
Jimmy played drums on hit songwriter's solo album "Don't Look Back" and various major movie soundtracks. Jimmy's Detroit bred bass buddy Bobby Gianetti was the bass player and the outrageous guitarist was Dawayne Bailey (Chicago the band), who went on to become a guitarist of Chicago. Live highlights were playing the Hollywood Palace with Hunter's long time bandmate Paul Warren in the band.
Hunter was the drummer with this killer power trio ensemble fronted by former Stray Dogs vocalist-Timmy Dulaine, then boyfriend of Runaway's rock Diva, Lita Ford. Legendary band member musicians included Tim Pierce / guitar (Rick Springfield) and Ricky Phillips / bass (The Babys / Bad English). They recorded tracks at Goodnight L.A. studio and a memorable gig was prime time for a packed house and Madame Wongs in West L.A. 
Tommy Steele was a voice to be reckoned with in the early 80s at a time of real change in the record industry. A lot of bands were going into a techno disco influendced with drum machines around this time. Real rock groups were searching to find a sound that could stand up and thumb their noses to the new trends of drum machines and synths. 
Hunter had high hopes for this band and helped arouse some label attention with this Hollywood rock singer's band project. A key member was Michael Monarch (pictured right), the original guitarist of Steppenwolf. Hunter sponsored the project and financed some studio demos but sadly, it never got off the ground. Let's just say it was more of a party band. 
Hunter played drums with this Canadian singer/songwriter who was seeking label attention. The project did a few showcases but never got off the ground. Eventually, other offers lured Hunter awary from his commitments to the band. Machin, best known for his Canadian success in the band Foot In Cold Water, eventually moved to Michigan and later back to Canada forming a band called Champion. Alex on vocals and guitar, Gene (Block) Black guitar and Bob Gianetti on bass.
A financially sponsored "corporate" rock group which drew much major label interest featuring vocalist L.A. Greene (pictured right), who went on to write and sing on vocals on "Through The Fire" as main theme for the Tom Cruise movie "Top Gun") Hunter's affiliation with Greene was his connection with the other group they played with called Fortune. One of the guitarists was Lifehouse producer, Ron Aniello. Other members included Howard Laravea on keys, Rick Bielke, guitar and Bobby Gianetti on bass. 
Played drums on New York City recordings for the Jacques Morelli-produced tracks. Complications between artist and producer changed things. Cher backed out and there was the Los Angeles imported rhythm section in New York with an album of tunes ready to go. In order to salvage their investment, the Can't Stop The Music production company quickly found another female singer (Diane Scanlon) and signed her but Cher eventually recorded Hunter's song "Rudy" collaboration contribution. It is on Cher's "I Paralyze" album
For two years, Jimmy drummed on this quadruple platinum artist's american arena tours with The Cars (Candio Tour) and a Chrysalis Records co-billed Japanese tour with The Babys. Featured as drummer on two albums: "Rock America", produced by Peter Coleman and Body Talk Muzik, produced by Ken Mansfield and Nick Gilder, Hunter's sound is refined and shines nicely on these wonderfully made recordings.
The lineup included Jimmy Hunter and the two of the future bass players of Cheap Trick, John Brandt, Pete Comida (was lead guitarist in this band) along with Micki Free, who went on to become guitarist and member of Shalamar. Showcased at the Starwood in West Hollywood, this group had everything it could take to get the coveted record deal but it was an odd time during the 80s to get a contract with a legit rock group. Micki Free (pictured), who was also with Janet Jackson is shown in a more recent concert photo from his solo endeavors.
The band included several members of Alice Cooper's band. Hunter bonded with the band's director and keyboardist Andy Cahan and Jimmy remembers many nights of partying on the road with Cahan, who also has a studio business now in Los Angeles. A highlight for Hunter of this gig was playing drums on Mark and Howard's cover of the classic Kingsmen hit, "Louie Louie."
Hunter was now being exposed to a lot of famous musicians and had many offers to leave Nite City which included direct offers from Gene Simmons to join Kiss, Ted Nugent even several offers from Bob Segar which would have meant turning around and moving back to Detoit. Hunter declined and chose to stick it out with Paul Warren and see what Nite City and California had to offer. The original wild group of outrageous personalities sold about 80,000 albums, toured America, including a huge concert in Florida's Coconut Grove for 50,000. Jimmy's Dad attended it and was invited to introduce and bring the band onstage.
Jim Hunter Sr. was decked and decorated in sailor hat, Elvis steering wheel shades, handle-bar mustache and eyebrows, multiple voodoo necklaces and other fetishes, striped red shirt and a pair of "Winston tastes good" draw string pants. One nite in Philly, a mafia guy shot a towel rack off the wall while entertaining the band in the restroom of an elegant hotel where the band had been indulging in Irish Coffees and other elixers. On another night the band's manager, Danny Sugarman, fell from the upper level of the Troubador to the floor below. They also did a wild show in Denver with The Ramones which ended in a bar brawl.
Stix and Stoned had the reputation for having its former drummers go on to some great achievements - drummers like Andy Newark and Larry London. This band utilized Hunter's quick wit and improvisational skills and snappy tongued humor as the three bantered candid dialog between songs. They were known for their entertaining antics as well as musical versatility. Hunter was exposed to a lot of touring musicians who stopped at Your Mustache to see the group. Most of the drummers in Detroit would say this was the best gig in town for both pay and exposure and many of them came to see Jimmy's solos and dig his hot licks radiating off of his Fibes clear drums.
The utilitarian bassist / keyboard player was John Coury, who eventually left this band to go on to play with Rod Stewart and Don Henley. Coury, actually a guitarist, who also is a fine pianist and singer/songwriter co-wrote "End of the Innocence" with former Eagle, Don Henley and most lately the touring pianist for the Who . After flying to Los Angeles for rehearsals three days a week with Door's keyboardist Ray Manzarek, Hunter left Detroit before Coury in 1976 to head for California to play in Nite City.
This is an early pro band of a great Michigan guitarist who later moved to Nashville and to play for Shania Twain and a host of others. Jimmy pursuaded Schafer to form this band after they left the prior group they had joined together in 1973, Moonstone. Danny exposed Hunter to a level of harmony vocal arranging that blessed him with many of the vocal sensibilities and tools he uses with his artists today as a Hollywood music producer. Band members pictured included Jimmy Hunter-drums (wearing hat), Rory Dewey-piano, Dan Schafer-guitar and steel guitar and Mark Zuzanek-bass. This band stretched out and explored jazzy fusion-type instrumental arrangements 
in the Pat Metheny vein and pop vocal with harmony interpretations as well as being a vehicle to explore Schafers original pop vocal material. They took on tunes from Miles Davis to The Carpenters. They had a fine fan base from playing the top Detroit area "listening" rooms, The Inn Between in Waterford, MI and the Struttin' Club on Gratiot Bl. in what was then known as East Detroit. Tony D'Iorio (pictured right) played bass on the Struttin' Club dates then went on to play with Motown's The Four Tops. 
Challenged with deciding on what to call themselves,this band of young rockin' virtuosos was a lively group but it was very short lived. They played only a few firey gigs but it was this group where guitarist/vocalist Paul Warren (Rod Stewart) teamed with Jimmy that built a relationship that would carry them both to Los Angeles. Hunter met Warren at the 300 Bowl Lounge in Waterford, MI when Paul was with well known keyboardist, Skip Van Winkle. Warren had already made a name for himself as a young Motown session player and had played on the Grammy award winning Temptation tune, "Papa Was A Rollin' Stone." John Harden was on alto sax and Phil McDonald played bass in this kick ass band. With high hopes for success, they rehearsed fervidly in the back room of the local VFW lodge of Jimmy's step-father, Elmer Kolar, where they built their song list - but sadly the band disbanded when Paul was offered a gig to move to California with Motown's Rare Earth. In a year or so, Paul would eventually send for Jimmy to come out to L.A. 
Formerly known as Boonesfarm--and before that The Naked Lunch, Hunter drummed for Moonsone. This very popular Detroit bar band was known for strong musicianship and excellent vocal group harmonies. Every member sang lead vocals which included Danny Raines (bass), Ron Blight (guitar) Tom Neme (keys/guitar), Jimmy Hunter (drums) and a soon to be added on Danny Schafer (guitar/pedal steel). This band did covers of Yes, Loggins and Messina, CSNY and other harmony oriented groups with great expertise. It was known around the Detroit Area as being the finest vocal harmony rock group. Soundman, Denny LaCasse, (Jimmy's high school buddy) was at the helm of a giant Acoustic sound system and was a dedicated often unseen member of this organization.
Hunter drummed for this talented singer songwriter and played both at The Tender Trap in Detroit and The Inn Between in Waterford, Michigan. Powers, originally from Keane, New Hampshire, was signed by Clive Davis after seeing this band play live. Tom was a dominating mentor for Jimmy and grounded him in harmony singing experience and the art of disciplined rehearsal. Association with Powers gave Jimmy city wide exposure and elevated status and reputation as a well renowned Detoit club musician. Many musicians from other club groups would make it a point to see this band which both improvised on instrumental jams and did vocals on covers as well as Powers' excellent originals. Original band members were Hunter on drums, Phil McDonald (now in Savannah, GA), bass and Steve Cowart (now Steven Lee of Las Vegas) on guitar. Later that year, and after a break up hiatus, Hunter and Powers realized their strength as a team and the group streamed down and reformed as a trio.
Jimmy's high school buddy guitarist Jerry Kent, played fretless bass at the Inn Between gig to packed crowds of fans. When Clive Davis flew out to see the group, Powers got signed to Big Tree Records. Tom eventually went down to Nashville to make his record using studio musicians. Powers had a regional hit called "It Ain't Love." Tom is now in Phoenix playing and uses Jimmy as a producer on some projects and sometimes Hunter even flies over to play jazz gigs. 
A little known fact about from Hunter's past early days as a Detroit drummer was doing a recording session around 1971 at PAC 3 in Detroit for two GREEK hit Motown songwriters, Nick Zesses and Dino Fekaris. Dino became well known for penning Gloria Gaynor's "I Will Survive" The tunes Jimmy did for them as "demos" were taken to the Motown group, Rare Earth and they became hits 1. "I Just Wanna Celebrate" and "Hey Big Brother". Since the fact is, Jimmy was the first drummer to play on these tunes in the studio as demos, his beats may very well have influenced Pete the drummer/vocalist of Rare Earth on these bonafide hit songs. An additional fact: Hunter attended MCCC Macomb College with Rare Earth keyboardist Mark Olsen.
Dunn fronted a popular lounge organ/drum duo (1971) for many years in the area of Pontiac, Michigan. Jimmy played drums with Frankie (Dutto) Dunn at the Shelby Inn at M-59 and Mound 4 nights a week during his early college days at Macomb County Community College. Hunter honed in his show drumming chops but at every spare chance he played in original rock groups in the daytime and took night off to play concerts around the Detroit area. 
Hunter, majored in music performance and education played Tuba in concert band and Drums in the big band. The big band featured a lot of future Motown session players like Joe Podorsek and Dennis Coffey. This was a turning point period for Jimmy as he was involved in both original music rock groups and moonlighting in clubs.
Jimmy and two of his drummer buddies, Bill Fierst and John Vlecko shared the drumming seat with this lab big band. Each drummer had his special talents and took on the tune best for them. Jimmy did the rock and funky numbers. Fierst took on the trio swing numbers. Vlecko, who was right out of the army did the heavier reading and numbers that required better reading-he also had great brush technique. It was John Vlecko was a big influence on Hunter's powerful and fast kick drum technique by steering him in the direction of the Chapin method of hand/foot independance. 
A big highlight was a concert they got to play with featured Motown studio session vibraphonist, Jack Brokensha (pictured) who also was a member of the Australian Jazz Quintet. Hunter achieved associates degree in music education with honors despite the animal house parties at the cave. Jimmy Hunter attributes much of his influence from the teaching techiques learned from professors Tom Cook and Ken Koenig. Hunter learned to play many instruments as he pursued his music teaching degree. Where Jimmy was an average student in high school he attained a Dean's List status (4.0 average) while attending this college.
When available, Jimmy played tympani, drums and tuba under direction of Jack D. Metz and later with Buffalo N.Y. conductor, Fransisco DiBlasi over the course of his high school and college years. 
Hunter was a multi-insrumentalist in high school playing tuba, tympani and drums/percussion-even some string bass with his school's championship high school music program under the direction of Jack D. Metz who had a very large staff which included Jimmy's mentors- Art Dries, Thomas Ploeger, Janice Mackie, and Irv Inselman. An uncanny percentage of musicians come from this school and achieved a national level of recognition in the area of pop music. Some of which work in the studio with Jimmy today. Many of the production techiques he learned from this very dedicated staff of instructors help him today in his production of his clients at Cazador Studio. 
Jimmy's first rock band was a "Mercy Beat" type group with Keith Jenken guitar and Gary Kanaby on bass. The band played around their hometown in (Detroit area) St. Clair Shores, Michigan at Chippewa Jr. High School dances, battle of the bands, and youth nites at Lakeshore Presbyterian Church. They practiced after school almost everyday in Jimmy's basement until his folks got home and
flashed the lights from upstairs yelling, "The vibrations, the vibrations!" They used Silvertone guitars and amps, did everything from Louie Louie, to My Baby Does The Hanky Panky. They loved The Kinks and Stones and other British Invasion groups.
