Jim Bement was born in New York City and began studying accordion and music theory in the 1950s. By 1967 he was performing and recording in rock bands, later studying classical organ at Stetson University’s renowned music conservatory, where he made the Dean’s List under Dr. Paul Jenkins.
Through the 1970s, Jim performed, composed, and recorded with rock and art rock bands covering artists like Kansas, Styx, Yes, and ELP. He played with WBLM recording artists Tank, the University of South Florida Jazz Laboratory Workshop (including performances with the Brecker Brothers), and members of The Dick Van Dyke Show orchestra. His career also included tours with an Elvis impersonator band, disco, show tunes, country bands, and live broadcasts over WWVA to an audience of 8 million.
In Southern California, Jim continued his classical organ studies at UCSB and UCLA, giving concerts that included Jehan Alain’s Litanies and Bach trio sonatas. He is the longtime accordionist for Jim Connolly’s avant-garde Gove County Philharmonic, appearing on their first two CDs.
Since 1993, Jim has served as Music Director of the Santa Barbara Summer Solstice Parade Accordion Ensemble and performed at numerous ethnic festivals. He has worked with members of Santa Barbara rock and jazz bands including Raw Silk, Area 51, Cold Sweat, and the David Cosgrove Television Show band, while also playing countless piano solo and duo engagements. His current projects include classical concerts, a high-energy doo-wop dance band featuring Hammond organ, and Celtic and other ethnic accordion music.