Jim Van Arsdale has shared the stage with many fine musicians over the last 25 years, traveling the bandstands of the Northeast playing lead guitar with the Southspoon Blues Band, Under Construction, Blacke Sheep Shenanigans, Spellbound, and Alibi. In 2001, the readers of the Citizen Newspaper, voted Spellbound the best regional band. In late 2001, Van Arsdale formed the acoustic duo, Nodzo & Van Arsdale with fellow Spellbound member Bob Nodzo. The Citizen Newspaper entertainment columnist, Erica Gellar characterized their music by writing in 2007, "When "Mr. Bojangles" meets someone looking for a "Heart of Gold," its likely that listeners will find the Auburn acoustic duo Bob Nodzo and Jim Van Arsdale" The acoustic format was perfect for Van Arsdale’s blend of blues, jazz, and rock guitar and vocal styling’s.
2009 found former members of South Spoon Blues back together, reforming as Diana Jacobs & The Groove Theory. In between Groove gigs, Van Arsdale performs original music as a solo artist, often joined by long time friend Mark Owens on guitar.
2010 marked the release of the Jim's solo CD titled, "I Believe", which includes 9 new self penned tracks. This inspirational CD is a mixture of soaring guitar lines and soft acoustic ballads, the disk also features the song, "The Gift", a song written in tribute to Van Arsdale's first guitar teacher, Bob Semenza. Jim looks forward to passing on the gift of music and guitar to others for years to come.
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