Biography
Jim was born in Toronto, Canada and at the age of 6 moved with his family to Edmonton. By the age of 8, the Murray clan had moved to Calgary where Jim has been ever since. Jim began playing trumpet in junior high and continued through high school, studying with trumpet artist and composer, Greg Bush. Throughout his high school years Jim played with the world renowned Calgary Stampede Showband. He traveled with them to worldwide destinations such as Japan, Italy, Australia, and the UK.
Early in Jim’s career he played lead trumpet with the Calgary Stampede’s alumni band, The Band of Outriders. Following his eleven years with The Outriders, Jim and the former director, David Jones, formed a new band, Rhythm’s Edge. The band went on to be the house band of Spruce Meadows in Calgary.
Jim’s musical career has seen him play with a number of trumpet greats including Doc Severinsen , Wayne Bergeron , Bobby Shew , Allen Vizzutti , Chris Jaudes , Andrea Tofanelli , Jens Lindemann , Dominic Spera , Gary Guthman , Adam Rapa , Igrid Jensen , Sean Jones , Chase Sanborn , Mike Herriott , Dave Jackson , Greg Bush , and Wycliffe Gordon. Bands / Shows in and around Calgary such as The Temptations , Josh Groban , Jann Arden , Petula Clark , Little Anthony and the Imperials , Paul Wertico , The Full Monty , Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra POPS shows , Mocking Shadows, and Eric Friedenberg Big Band are also familiar with Jim’s talents. Jim is a regular on lead trumpet with one of Canada’s top big bands, and Prime Time Big Band under the direction of David Jones.
You can also hear Jim play on the Heebee-Jeebees’ CD "Heebee-Jeebee TV", Jann Arden’s CD "Uncover Me", and Prime Time Big Band’s CD "…For Our Friends". In addition, you can hear Jim play for millions with The Calgary Stampede’s Grandstand Orchestra for the 10 days of the Greatest Outdoor Show On Earth and at Ironwood Stage and Grill every 2nd Saturday with Prime Time Big Band.