by Jason BirchmeierNew age pianist Jim Bajor began his career with a well-received debut album, Awakening (1987), and a Grammy nomination. His output continued with each successive year, resulting in a string of self-released albums and many for the Californian contemporary instrumental label Sugo. Born in Michigan, where he continued to reside, Bajor studied music for over 25 years, both privately and at Wayne State University, where he studied both music and psychology. In the mid-'80s, he struggled with alcohol and obesity before coming to terms with his problems. This "awakening" became the inspiration for his self-released 1987 debut album, which garnered a Grammy nomination in 1988. He continued releasing more albums over the years, some of them personal albums such as Awakening (Gentle Images), others lighter work such as his holiday albums (Intimate Christmas, Christmas Memories, Holiday Collection). In addition to his many albums, Bajor has also done television work such as scoring the soundtrack to a PBS special (The Sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald). His music draws from both jazz and pop influences, and Bajor showcases these influences during his numerous live performances.