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Emerging from Galesburg in the prairies of central Illinois, Jim Haptonstahl has worn a variety of musical hats. Starting as a solo artist in 1974, Haptonstahl integrated his original material into a mix of late '60's and early to mid '70's folk-rock, from Beatles to Joni Mitchell to Cat Stevens. But he was also intrigued with the complex sounds of Peter Gabriel-era Genesis, with Frank Zappa, with elaborate poly-rhythms and open tunings.
In 1978 he formed a duo with Robin Akins. He and Akins soon combined forces with other Peoria-area musicians Hugh and Rudy Higgins, Mark Smith and Doug Lady to create a formidable band-- Helix-- and a considerable cult-following. With its wide range of rock, jazz and folk-infused sounds, Helix provided a vehicle for a number of original Haptonstahl tunes, while also broadening Haptonstahl's musical vocabulary.
In 1983 Haptonstahl joined New Moon, a Bloomington, Illinois based new folk group. Violin-mandolin-harmonica player Joel Batty and bass-player/guitarist Bob Egan (who subsequently has recorded and performed with Wilco and Blue Rodeo) combined with Haptonstahl to create tight harmonies and driving instrumental arrangements. Over the next two years New Moon was featured on several local live radio concerts, including joint performances with Alison Krauss.
In 1986 Haptonstahl ventured into the studio to create his "Seventh Recurring Dream" song cycle. This seven-song effort, featuring six vocal tunes and one guitar duet, addressed themes ranging from apocalyptic fears to flights of fantasy, from rapturous love to a tale of haves and have-nots in a stark urban world. To render these intense, imagistic songs Haptonstahl assembled a tight ensemble of accomplished instrumentalists.
Through the last decade-and-a-half Haptonstahl has continued to perform solo, as well as with Steve Jackson on cello, bass and backing vocals. Focusing primarily on original material, he has played the Chicago area coffeehouse circuit while continuing to compose a voluminous repertoire of songs. He and Jackson created a quirky and ironic soundtrack for the Tom Jackson & Marty Monical film short One Track Mind, winner of the "People's Choice" award at the recent Black Earth Film Festival. With Inside My Mind's Eye Haptonstahl has continued his musical evolution-- utilizing a complex array of guitar tunings, song structures, and lyrical themes to create an arresting collection of songs.
Haptonstahl resides in Oak Park, Illinois with his wife of 23 years Michele, and two daughters Julia and Lizzi. His home-based Happy Gunner Studio served as the locale of nearly all of the Inside My Mind's Eye recordings. Renowned jazz composer/arranger Bradley Williams provided studio space to record one of the songs. Chris De Monk employed his veteran skills as recording engineer to mix, master and provide other sound production, along with Bill Kavanagh, at Oak Park's BobDog Studios. Andy Mead of MeadInk Graphic Design translated the surreal art of Jim's brother Max Haptonstahl into an imaginative CD package. In addition to devoting himself to music, Haptonstahl has labored long and hard in service to people with developmental disabilities. He currently serves as Senior Vice President of Seguin Services, a multi-faceted Chicago-area social service organization. Part of the proceeds of the sales of his CD will be donated to Seguin, to promote their mission: supporting adults and children with disabilities and other special needs, enabling them to be productive, valued members of society.
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