Jim Murray Internationally acclaimed Irish guitarist
Jim is one of the world’s leading traditional Irish guitar players. For over twenty years Jim has been touring, performing and recording with an artists such as Sharon Shannon, Sinead O’Connor, Steve Earl, Shane McGowan, Seamus Begley, Mike McGoldrick, Altan and Mary Black.
A passion for Irish guitar
Born into a musical family in County Cork, Jim’s early years were spent immersed in Irish music. At the age of three, Jim could play melodies on the piano and a year later, discovered his first love – the button accordion.
Jim’s progress was rapid and he went on to join an accordion band at the age of seven. Soon after, Jim’s passion for the guitar grew fiercely and it was on his tenth birthday that he was given his first guitar. After quickly learning the basics Jim spent the next few years learning and mastering the music of artists such as The Beatles and James Taylor while all the time developing his talent for accompanying traditional Irish music. Jim’s talent as a melody player would now pay dividends to his accompaniment skills – he intimately understood the music he was accompanying.
A wealth of Irish music performance and teaching experience
Having finished school, Jim formed his own band at the age of eighteen and performed around the local Irish circuit. Two years later in 1998, Jim began his professional career being invited to tour Japan and Australia with accordion legend Seamus Begley whilst also in the same year, touring America with piano accordion ace Alan Kelly. In 1999 Jim was invited to become guitarist with world renowned Irish musician Sharon Shannon.
To this day, Jim remains Sharon’s “right hand man” having recorded and toured with her over five continents. He also released two critically acclaimed albums with long term partner Seamus Begley in 2001 and 2008 which collectively scooped many prestigious awards such as The Irish Times and Hotpress Traditional Irish Music Album of the Year. Jim also has a wealth of teaching experience having taught masterclasses around the world. Since Jim’s arrival on the world stage, he has gained the respect of both national and international musicians and has performed and recorded with artists such as Sinead O’Connor, Steve Earl, Shane McGowan, Altan and Mary Black to mention but a few.
Jim continues to tour and record with an array of artists while basing himself in West Cork with his wife and family.
Testimonials
"... Jim has a style of his own and he shows great musical versatility in his playing. He uses predominantly Double Dropped D tuning and uses a range of rhythmic approaches, from soft and sweet to punchy and rocky! He shows an intimate knowledge of the tunes he’s accompanying, sometimes joining in the melody for little phrases.
"I feel so lucky to travel the world with Jim because he's an absolute genius musician."