| Location: |
Glasgow, KY |
| Website: |
www.jimhurst.com |
| Email: |
jim@jimhurst.com |
| Genres: |
Bluegrass / acoustic |
| BIOGRAPHY |
| Jim Hurst was born in Middlesboro, Kentucky into a musical family and was raised with a guitar in his hands; weekends growing up were spent picking with family and friends. Jim was influenced early in his career by flatpickers such as Doc Watson and Clarence White, then later Tony Rice. He was influenced also by guitarists Merle Travis, Chet Atkins, and Jerry Reed calling their fingerstyle playing “a turn in the road” for him. His diverse tastes led him to play in several bands, playing rock, country, bluegrass and blues. Jim continues to learn from the music of many great guitarists, including jazz guitar icons and those of other instruments. Jim continues to challenge himself to grow musically and strives to better his career.
Jim has worked with country artists, Trisha Yearwood, Sara Evans, The McCarter Sisters, and Holly Dunn.
He joined IBMA Vocalist of the Year Claire Lynch in 1995, meeting bassist Missy Raines in Claire’s band. When Claire took a hiatus in 1998, Jim and Missy began the duet "Jim Hurst & Missy Raines". Their two releases 'Two' and 'Synergy' were met with critical acclaim, garnering nominations for 'Emerging Artists of the Year' awards and culminating with Jim and Missy receiving the Guitar Player and Bass Player of year awards at the 2001 and 2002 IBMA Awards Show. In April of 2005, he returned once again to tour and record with Claire Lynch as part of her new band configuration, the “Claire Lynch Band”.
Jim is also a sought after Nashville studio musician, recording and performing with many acoustic artists such as John Cowan, Mark Schatz, Tim O'Brien, and Sam Bush.
He teaches guitar and singing at several weeklong music camps including NashCamp, RockyGrass, South Plains College, Augusta Heritage, Bluegrass at the Beach, and California Music Camp.
Jim recorded his first CD “Open Window”, released in 1998, to introduce himself to the Bluegrass community and to show his varied styles and abilities. It has been well received among music lovers of all genres. The variety and the fact that half of the recording is Jim’s original material are two reasons for its initial and continued success.
His next solo release, "Second Son" on Pinecastle Records, is a blend of many new songs from great songwriters, a few classic songs arranged and adapted by Jim, and original compositions and/or arrangements. He is quickly becoming known as one of the most versatile guitarists and vocalists in the business, and this recording displays some of the reasons he is considered among the best.
Jim’s latest recording is “Box of Chocolates”, released in June of 2007, has the makings of another in the list of musical achievements in his career. Again, half of the songs are Jim originals (including two co-writes), and features a wide variety of musical styles and feels… and as Jim says: “I wanted to record the music I wanted to record, and what I think the fans and people who have supported me and my music wanted…”. Alison Brown says: “…”Box of Chocolates” is a real boon for great acoustic music.”
Jim continues to reach for higher levels of musical abilities and achievements, but he mostly just is thankful to be able to have a career doing what he dearly loves to do… play music. |
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AVAILABLE ALBUMS:
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A Box Of Chocolates
Jim Hurst
2007
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Open Window
Jim Hurst
1998
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