Sonic Spotlight: Jimmy Easton

AGE: 56

HOMETOWN: Barnesville, Ga.

DAY JOB: Saxophone instructor, Portman's Music Academy

MEMBER OF: Doc Easton Smooth Jazz Band since 2007

FAVORITE CONCERT ATTENDED: Grover Washington Jr., Bell Auditorium, late 1990s. "It was just awesome. It inspired me, you know, makes you wish, 'Wow, I want to do that one day. I really want to do that.' It encourages you to practice more so you can get better on your horn and try different things."

TV FAVORITES: TRUE BLOOD, The Sopranos

MUSICAL FIRSTS: "My first taste of jazz was with my dad's album with Dave Brubeck and Paul Desmond playing Take Five. That was my first initiation into jazz. That was the first song I ever heard that I really tried to take my horn and mimic what was happening on the album."

BEST PERFORMANCE: The 33rd Army Band, Munich, Germany, late '80s. "I was singing a Stevie Wonder song, and it was just so many people. It was just like giving a big giant concert, you know, because the Germans, they just love American music."

PRE-SHOW RITUAL: "Being on time. Because of the military, it's like I can't stand to get somewhere and be late."

SEE HIM: Mr. Easton will perform from 6-9 tonight at the French Market Grille West, 360 Furys Ferry Road, Martinez.