Music

On the Spot: Jim ‘theJim’ Nobles

by Nick Pittman

A very busy man with many plates, bands and musical projects in the air talks about his music and passions.
Between being a dad, work and all the rest, how do you find time to be this active in local music?
I’m very fortunate to have people around me that believe in my dreams and aspirations. My family helps with babysitting for regularly scheduled rehearsals and performances. So, that helps. Making time is all about communication, pre-planning and commitment. Between two bands, work, family and a somewhat social life, it takes a lot of people to try and keep on the same page. Priorities, man. Work is first. This is what funds my life. Then my daughter. She is what inspires my life. Then the music. This is the life I want. Scheduling my priorities is key.

What is the thread that connects your different projects?
The thread that connects my projects is faith in friendship and performance. Laura Cradeur, bassist for The Nameless, is a valued friend I made in my time with Holy Ghost People. If not for her faith in my performance and composition, The Nameless may have never begun. Nick Dreadnaut, upright bassist for Arn Mait’n is my best friend of 22 years. And just the same, if he and his wife, Lauren, had not believed in me then Arn Mait’n may not have ever come to fruition either. At least not right away.

Other than playing in bands, what are some of your musical passions?
This is not a band, but this is one of my biggest passions. Since 2010, I have put together a local multi-band event every year to raise money for Autism. This year, due to my daughter having medical issues, I am taking the year off but getting back on track for next year. It’s my dream to grow to a yearly event held at Parc International featuring local bands and a national act. Event coordination and promoting is one of my passions. I would love (it) to one day become a nonprofit traveling festival - raising money and awareness for Autism around the country or maybe even the world!

What’s the deal with the bluegrass tribute to Iron Maiden that you do?
I have been trying to start something like this since 2004. But, due to not being able to find the right musicians on the right instruments, it’s12 years later that the concept comes to fruition. People seem to be liking it and it’s a lot of fun. I would love to tour festival season with this group. At present, we are playing a set of Iron Maiden’s Greatest hits. Currently titled Arn Mait’n A Bluegrass Tribute to Iron Maiden, in the future you can expect Arn Mait’n Tribute to Hard Rock ‘n’ Heavy Metal. Also, you can look out for a spin-off band The Ment’ly Illbillies, which would be punkabilly /bluegrass covers of alternative standards. In this band, anything goes - any genre. If we can play it like bluegrass ... we will.

Musically, what is your goal?
These days, my goal musically is doing it for a living. I give lessons, I do session work for hire, I do private events, I play solo and with my bands. I just wanna do something I love for a living and right now I’m fortunate enough to be able to do that. I’m very fortunate to have two bands with talented musicians who enjoy making music that we love. Not to mention that we are very fortunate and humbled that people love it and come out to see us perform.