Jim Funnell makes a convincing case for quality over quantity. A lot of living goes into making each of his works.

Geno Thackara, All About Jazz

Born in 1984, Jim Funnell is an accomplished Anglo-French jazz musician whose work as a composer, bandleader, producer, and educator is driven by a profound passion for music and cultures from around the world. Known for his colourful post-bop sound and Afro-Latin and Brazilian influences, Jim’s music transcends genre boundaries, blending his classical and jazz roots with global traditions.

Jim’s musical journey began in his early teens, when he started leading his own band and performing in Parisian jazz clubs while still in high school. A classically trained pianist, he earned a Diplôme d’Etudes Musicales (DEM) in classical piano from the Conservatoire in Evry, France, before expanding his musical horizons by attending the prestigious Berklee College of Music. There, he received a full-tuition scholarship and graduated summa cum laude in performance and jazz composition (Class of 2007). During his time at Berklee, Jim studied with jazz luminaries such as Danilo Pérez, Joanne Brackeen, Laszlo Gardony, Joe Lovano, and Greg Hopkins, among others, and performed with acclaimed artists including Marcus Miller, Meshell Ndegeocello, Dave Douglas, and Yellowjackets members Russell Ferrante and Marcus Baylor.

Upon graduating, Jim embarked on an immersive musical journey through Latin America, traveling to Mexico, Argentina, Uruguay, and Brazil to absorb the rhythms and folklore of the region. These experiences played a pivotal role in shaping his unique musical voice. His diverse background in classical music, jazz, and global traditions continues to inform his compositions and performances.

This young pianist’s mastery is evident, with his agility and inventiveness evoking, in turn, great figures such as Bill Evans (the first that comes to mind), as well as Ahmad Jamal, Oscar Peterson, and Chick Corea.

Patrick Dallongeville, Paris Move

Jim has won recognition for his compositions, notably earning the Composition Prize at the 2011 “Trophées du Sunside” in Paris. As a bandleader, he has toured extensively across the Americas, Europe, and Asia, performing at renowned venues such as ShapeShifter Lab, Central Park SummerStage (NY), Ronnie Scott’s (UK), Sunset Sunside Jazz Club (Paris), Kanazawa Jazz Street (Japan), and the Malta Jazz Festival, among many others. His projects include the kaleidoscopic post-bop ensemble Word Out and the African infused jazz duo AfuriKo, featuring percussionist Akiko Horii.

His music has earned praise from outlets such as All About Jazz, jazzLife, London Jazz News, and Jazz Magazine, and he has recorded and performed as a sideman with a wide range of artists, including David Fiuczynski’s KiF, New York Gypsy All Stars, Chico Freeman, Ravy Magnifique, Sébastien Jarrousse, and Benjamin de Roubaix.

A pianist with a flair for oh-so-British nonsense.

Guillaume Lagrée, Le jars jase jazz

A passionate educator, Jim teaches jazz performance (piano and ensembles), composition, and improvisation both online and in person. He has given workshops and masterclasses at institutions including Cardiff University, BRICKS Music Salon (Tokyo), Koyo Conservatory (Kobe), and the Euro Institute of Music and Arts (Malta). Jim was nominated Jazz Piano Teacher of the Year for 2019 and Audition Prep from Berklee Alumni Teacher of the Year for 2024 by lessonface.com.

Through his teaching and music, Jim strives to inspire musicians and students to connect with their own musical voice. He is dedicated to encouraging others to resist the conformity of the modern world and to embrace individuation and creativity in music and life.