Philadelphia native Jim Beards path to music success was inevitable. His interest in music flourished when he was very young, with jazz being the centerpiece of his palate. Jim studied jazz piano privately with the great George Shearing when he was in his teens and then went on to the renowned Indiana University School Of Music where he was under the tutelage of legendary jazz composer David Baker. After his move to New York City in 1985, Jim quickly connected to other great musicians as a recording artist, producer, composer and touring musician with the likes of Bill Evans, Mike Stern, Dave Liebman, Bob Berg, John McLaughlin, Wayne Shorter, Michael Brecker and Pat Metheny. Jim is also credited for work with an amazing list of other musicians, including Steve Vai, John Mayer, Walter Becker, Esperanza Spalding, Al Jarreau, Dizzy Gillespie, Chris Botti, David Sanborn, Bela Fleck, and Larry Carlton, to name a few. Since 1990, Jim has released six solo albums and since 2008 has been a touring member with Steely Dan. Inside MusiCast is pleased to welcome Jim Beard.