Jim is relatively new to the jazz scene. His first professional work was in cabaret, variety and television, singing with various groups.

He sang with Scottish Opera for over forty years, becoming the longest serving chorister in the history of the company. He has worked with Edinburgh Festival Opera, Cologne Opera and Sadlers Wells. He started "Song Machine" in the 80's - a group of singers performing musicals on composers such as Berlin and Porter. Jim wrote, arranged and directed these shows which toured extensively throughout the country.

In 2005, he took part in a jazz workshop and discovered the joy of working with musicians like Fionna Duncan, Brian Kellock and Ronnie Rae.