Hi, I’m Jim
Bass Guitar and Vocals
I’ve played bass, electric and acoustic guitar since my uncle gave me my first guitar at 12 years old. Over the years, I’ve really come to love the low tones and groove of the bass guitar so it has become my main instrument.
Night Divine
Since 2014, I’ve played bass guitar with Night Divine – a group that won a WAMI Award for Best Christian/Gospel Artist of the Year and performed at the inaugural Midwest Original Music Festival (MOMfest).
Other Adventures
Musical Memories Project
Music is a powerful tool for memory because it taps into multiple areas of the brain! Here’s why it works:
- Rhythm & Repetition – Songs often have a steady beat, and repeating words or phrases in a melody reinforces them in your mind.
- Emotion & Engagement – Music evokes feelings, and emotional connections make words stick better.
- Association & Context – Lyrics paint a story or scene, helping your brain link words to images and meanings.
- Melody & Pattern Recognition – Your brain is naturally wired to recognize patterns, and melodies create a structure for words to fit into.
- Active Recall – Singing along requires you to actively retrieve words, strengthening memory.
That’s why learning languages through music or remembering information with jingles works so well! Learn more about the project.
The Rockin’ Psalms
I am honored to have been invited to play bass on two full-length charity releases with The Rockin’ Psalms music ministry: “Lockdown Live 2020” and the “Armed Forces” tribute album recorded live at a special event dedicated to honoring America’s military.
I served in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Guitar Virtuoso Troy Stetina
Troy has given guitar lessons to thousands of people (including Mark Tremonti from the bands Creed and Alter Bridge). Here is a good shredding song as a fun example of his abilities.
I played with Troy as part of a church worship team. Here’s some video from a Christmas program at the church. Troy was also kind enough to help record and produce the song “Rise” for Night Divine.
Music Minister Eddie Shipman
Eddie and I love jamming Third Day tunes, original material and a growing list of other music.
One Stone Down and Mikey Howard from Gold Recording Artist 7eventh Time Down
I had the amazing opportunity to play on several recordings with the band One Stone Down. This photo was taken while recording the single “Welcome to Church” at the studio of Mikey Howard from Gold Recording Artist 7eventh Time Down.
Vocalist Ayca Yayman
One summer night in Knoxville, I was going to see Russ play at Market Square. It turned out the main bass player that night was unable to make it so I was both extremely surprised and blessed to take the stage behind the amazing voice of Ayca Yayman.
God’s Soldier Christian Rock
Have a blast learning the bass lines for the original music of the Christian Rock band God’s Soldier.