Kenny Malone,Ringo Starr, John Bonham, Jeff Porcaro,Chris Layton, Al Jackson Jr, Roger Hawkins, Joni Mitchell, Steve Gadd and my high school English teacher Mrs. Case.
About me: Jim has been busy swinging the sticks for some of the biggest names in the music business. Eddy Arnold, The Dixie Chicks, Susan Ashton, Walker Hayes, Josh Gracin and Jimi Jamison are just a few artist that Jim has lent his talents.
Growing up in Brazil, Indiana, Jim studied percussion from his father, the local band director. In junior high and high school, Jim played in various school bands and in the local country and rock groups. At fourteen he decided to concentrate on drum set, studying at Indiana State University. He went on to study with one of the best backbeats in the free world- Kenny Aronoff. It did not hurt having the Mellencamp band a few country roads away! Jim is proud to be called a "HOOSIER"!
Jim provides a positive attitude and solid foundation for any artist he is supporting. From Grammy award winning artist to clinics and private lessons, Jim continues to perform and perfect his craft.
Hello everyone! If you are interested in booking me, please drop me a line and I will be in touch.
If you get an opportunity please check out Joyful Noise Drum Company. I am now an endorser for there incredible snare drums. They have changed the way I think about snare drums!!!!
Who I'd like to meet: Joni Mitchell, Robert Plant, Jimi Page, John Paul Jones, Peter Gabriel, Ringo Starr- and Paul!
I've been listening to a lot of Zappa recently, and thought of you, bro. I remember listening to Zappa's slightly irreverent treatment of Johnny Cash's "Ring Of Fire" and you objecting, finding it slightly disrespectful towards Cash. At the time, I didn't "get" Johnny Cash, but have long since learned to appreciate him (buying lots of albums, reading his autobiography, etc.)
Hey stranger, did you fall off the face of the Earth?? It's been a while since I had a dose of Thistle wisdom, I need my fix. Hope you're doing well. The Haute loves ya!!
Hey Jim. I am sorry I did not get to see you while you were back in town. If you are coming back in town anytime soon either you are Gail let me know, I would love to see you again. Take care.
Hey bud, how was Vegas? I went to Clinton to see RH and Blackhawk. Great show. I have some pics on my site if you wanna see them. Take care and keep in touch.
Hey there, Jim!! Been a while! I actually met someone recently who remembered our performance in western Nebraska! You know, that place where you couldn't get enough of the trains! We should've called you "Train Whistle" Thistle! I ran into Chris recently as well, in California! Glad to see you're still doing music, and doing it well! :-) Congrats on all the great gigs! Hope to run into you again soon! C&G
