James Caine, 91, April 11 on the Isle of Man. A pianist and radio personality known as the father of jazz on the Isle of Man. In 1946 he joined a hotel swing band with drummer and bandleader Hugh Gibb, father of four sons who would form the Bee Gees. The boys thought of Jim as an uncle. He compared his piano style to Carrol Gibbons. He played with his own trio as well as several larger bands at venues throughout the island.
In the early 60’s he began radio broadcasts which he would continue until 2016. He hosted Jim’s Jazz Hour a program that became known as Sweet and Swing and continues now as Jumpin’ In, hosted by his sons Howard and Chris. He brought many jazz notables to the island and was a pioneer of live outdoor recording for radio in Europe. A CD of his Trio made from reel-to-reels dating from 1963-68 was released as Saturday Night at the Arragon and raised substantial money for island charities.
