Jim has been writing songs and performing live for over 15 years.  His career began with solo acoustic performances near the city of Albany, New York, where he grew up.  After various collaborations, including almost 3 years with the Albany-based jam band Jerkwater Ruckus, he left to travel across the country.  Jim is now back in New York and is focusing on his solo performance and songwriting in the Capital Region. 

As a member of Jerkwater Ruckus and as a solo artist Jim has performed in many music venues across New York State and the northeastern United States, including the legendary Wetlands Preserve and the Lion’s Den both in New York City, Valencia’s in Burlington, Vermont, the Monopole in Plattsburgh, New York, Revolution Hall in Troy, NY and regularly at Valentine's Music Hall in Albany and Club Caroline’s in Saratoga Springs, New York.  Over the last several years he has had the pleasure of sharing the stage with various members of moe., Ominous Seapods, Conehead Buddha and Moonboot Lover.  

His style of music can best be described as acoustic rock with a touch of bluegrass, country, and folk with influences ranging from Bob Dylan, Neil Young, and Cat Stevens to The Grateful Dead and Phish.  More recent influences include Beck, Nick Drake and various bluegrass artists.

Over the years Jim has received much praise for his vocal style, acoustic guitar and harmonica playing, and most of all his songwriting.  A review from the live music beth website of his latest CD “Heading for an Eclipse,” referred to his material as “…beautifully crafted songs - lyrically dark, yet beautiful, showcasing Jim B's signature acoustic guitar sound.”  He began writing at age 15 and now has an extensive collection of carefully constructed songs in many different styles.