Jim Black is a drummer and percussionist from Daly City, United States, associated with free jazz and jazz. Born in 1967, he grows up in Seattle, Washington, and plays music ranging from garage rock to big band swing.

Early life and education

In 1985, Black moves to Boston to attend the Berklee College of Music. While studying there, he records numerous albums, performs in Europe, and teaches summer classes at Berklee. In 1991, he moves to Brooklyn, New York, and becomes a prominent figure in the jazz and new music scene.

Groups and collaborations

Black co-leads and composes for Pachora and Human Feel. He also records and tours with Ellery Eskelin, Chris Speed’s yeah NO, Tim Berne’s bloodcount, Dave Douglas’ Tiny Bell Trio, Uri Caine’s Mahler, Bach and Berio projects, and Laurie Anderson. Other associated projects include Jim Black’s AlasNoAxis, Carlos Bica & Azul, Endangered Blood, the Satoko Fujii Trio and Satoko Fujii Four, Peter Evans Quintet, Exoterm, Ben Monder Trio, GingerBlackGinger, Andrew D’Angelo Trio, Edges, MeoW, Other Animal, and Peter Epstein Quartet.

AlasNoAxis and Pachora

He records and performs with his quartet AlasNoAxis, and his album Habyor appears on Winter & Winter Recordings. He also regularly performs with Pachora, a collective quartet with Skuli Sverrisson, Brad Shepik, and Chris Speed, with Balkan music as a key influence.