Jim Beard

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James Arthur "Jim" Beard (born August 26, 1960 in Philadelphia ) is an American fusion musician (pianist), composer , arranger and record producer .

Live and act

Beard had an early interest in making music; at the age of five he wanted to play the tuba and shortly thereafter became interested in drums and the saxophone. From the age of seven he received piano lessons; as a teenager he received private lessons from George Shearing , but also clarinet, saxophone and double bass lessons. At sixteen he was a member of the American Youth Jazz Orchestra , with which he toured abroad. Then he studied music at Indiana University . In 1985 he moved to New York City and soon after became a member of John McLaughlin's new edition of the Mahavishnu Orchestra .

He also worked with Mike Stern , Bob Berg and Bill Evans , whom he later produced. In 1986 Wayne Shorter brought him into his band, with whom he worked until 2000. In 1988 he played with John Scofield . From 1990 he presented his own albums, on which musicians such as Erik Friedlander , Bob Malach , John Patitucci , Steve Rodby and Arto Tuncboyaciyan participated.

He toured with Pat Metheny and his Secret Story project in 1992 and 1993. He also worked with Ralph Bowen , Philip Catherine , Dizzy Gillespie , Eliane Elias , Victor Bailey , Wayne Krantz , Dianne Reeves , John Mayer , Walter Becker , Randy Brecker and the WDR Big Band Cologne ( Some Skunk Funk ) as well as with Dieter Ilg . As a producer and keyboard programmer, he works for numerous musicians on the fusion scene such as the Brecker Brothers , Dennis Chambers , Steely Dan and Mike Stern.

Beard's compositions are also played by other musicians, such as The Wait by John McLaughlin, Riddle Me This by Bob Berg, In the Hat by Victor Bailey or Ode to the Doo Da Day (which is based on Camptown Races ) by Michael Brecker . Five of his productions were nominated for a Grammy , and in 2007 he won a Grammy.

Beard has taught at Berklee College of Music in Boston , Rutgers University , the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki and the Aaron Copland School of Music .

Discography

Works

Web links

personal data
SURNAME Beard, Jim
ALTERNATIVE NAMES Beard, James Arthur
BRIEF DESCRIPTION American jazz musician and record producer
DATE OF BIRTH August 26, 1960
PLACE OF BIRTH Philadelphia