jm
background/bio info
The purpose of the business is to
provide music production and recording services and music that will
glorify God in all aspects. It includes full music production, recording
services and live performances.
In the recording and production side of
the business, Jim operates in the roles of producer, arranger, musician,
songwriter and all aspects of recording (engineering, editing, mixing and
mastering) to meet the needs of each client. His primary instrument is
piano, and he also played drums several years professionally. Jim has
produced four of his own CDs and several CDs for other artists. His work
was recognized by the Midwest Entertainment & Music Association in the
areas of R&B/jazz (2003) and gospel/inspirational (2004).
In January 2003, he released his second
CD, titled “I Give It All To You” which represented his permanent
commitment to serve the Lord Jesus Christ. The musical style of the CD is
best described as inspirational jazz instrumental, and also includes
remakes of three soul/R&B classics (each redone with a message giving
praise and glory to God) – the Isley’s “For The Love Of You”, Marvin
Gaye’s “God Is Love (God Is My Friend)” and “(Jesus) You’re The Best
Thing That Ever Happened To Me,” which features his wife, Susie, a very
gifted and anointed singer.
In 2004, Jim completed two music
ministry CDs - Psalms Vol. 1 (Psalms 1-30) and “Instrumentals For
Meditation, Healing and Peace”. The Psalms Vol. 1 CD is a collaboration
with Lanette Moore that was a result of an in-depth study of the first 30
Psalms. It features Lanette’s anointed reading of the scriptures
with a backdrop of instrumental music written by Jim as each Psalm
ministered to him. As “faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the
word of God,” it is his prayer that this recording will be used as another
means to strengthen, comfort and encourage all who believe and all who
will listen. “Instrumentals For Meditation, Healing and Peace” is an
extension of the Psalms project with the purpose stated in the title. Prayerfully it will
also reach out to those who may not yet know the Lord Jesus to direct them
to Him as the ultimate source of true healing and peace.
In live performances, Jim worked for
several years with soul/R&B/jazz group JMH, which he co-founded with
Susie. He has performed as music director/keyboardist for jazz
saxophonist Pamela Williams in her concerts in Omaha. He has performed as
an opening act on shows with James Brown, Bobby Watson, Jennifer Holliday,
Kevin Toney, and a number of national recording groups at jazz festivals
performing with Chad Stoner. Jim's primary keyboard influences have been
Alex Bugnon, Joe Sample and Ramsey Lewis. In addition, his style of
playing has been very influenced by melodic instrumentalists in general
like guitarists Jonathan Butler and Peter White and saxophonists Kirk
Whalum and Gerald Albright.
Jim is greatly blessed to be able to
minister through music
with Susie and different combinations of many of those with whom he has
worked as a producer, including Chad Stoner and his wife, vocalist Elaine
Stoner, gospel rapper H.G. Filled and vocalist Camille Metoyer Moten.
He is currently working as a counselor
for Omaha Public Schools at Skinner
Magnet Center. Jim previously taught Special Education for 21 years
for Bellevue Public Schools.
Jim and Susie are
incredibly blessed to be the parents of their 21-year old daughter, Melody, a very gifted singer,
songwriter and dancer, who gives them great joy!
Jim and Melody - August 2008
Melody -
www.myspace.com/melodymusicworld
