Jim Hurst strikes out on a new course

Those of us who saw Jim Hurst with the Claire Lynch Band at this year's Omagh festival or on his earlier appearances in Ireland in a duo with Missy Raines, will be interested to hear that he is leaving the band after two terms covering ten years.

Jim, who has twice won the IBMA Guitar Player of the Year award, is also an ace on mandolin, banjo, and vocals, and has worked solo in the past. His solo tour de force on 'Nine pound hammer' at Omagh 2009 will remain a highlight of the year for many who were there, and a fine example of how much life there is in a three-chord warhorse.

Jim is also offering guitar instruction on line; read more on today's Bluegrass Blog.