Is
acknowledged as a highly accomplished harmonica player whose distinctive
style is well known to blues, jazz and country music enthusiasts.
His extensive career includes national tours with American bluesman
Brownie McGhee, The Captain Matchbox Whoopee Band, Circus
Oz and The Backsliders.
Jim was a member of the Conway Brothers Hiccups Orchestra
from 1984 – 1988 and toured the U.K. in 1986 appearing at
the Edinburgh Festival, the Capitol Music Festival and
the Newcastle Festival. In 1988, the Conway Brothers
appeared at the Houston International Festival,
World Expo 88 and the Perth festival. Jim joined the Backsliders
in 1989, touring nationally at festivals which include the Perth,
Adelaide, Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne Festivals, Womad,
the East Coast Blues Festival, the Port Fairy Folk
Festival, and the Gold Coast International Jazz
and Blues Festival .He has twice been a judge at
the Hohner Australian Harmonica Championships at the Tamworth
Country Music Festival.
Jim has also composed, produced and recorded music for a broad range
of film and radio projects, including the Kennedy Miller telemovie
”The Riddle of the Stinson.”
At the Sydney Paralympics Opening Ceremony, Jim
performed a piece of music specially written to feature his harmonica
playing.
A documentary film celebrating Jim's contribution to Australian
music was screened on S.B.S Television in July 2000. The film won
a silver medal for Best Independently Produced Documentary at the
Chicago International Film Festival.
Jim is currently playing with Jim Conways Big Wheel
