Guitar wiz Jim Hurst is ending his longtime affiliation with Claire Lynch — first as a member of the Front Porch String Band for five years and another five with the Claire Lynch Band.

Hurst made the announcement himself in a self-penned newsletter to his fans.

“I have decided to resign from the Claire Lynch Band. Yes, you read it right. I am leaving effectively 12/31/09. I gave my notice to Claire and (the) band back in September, but we haven’t said anything publicly until now. Actually, Claire has decided to wait for her announcement.

“She has a band to book and a new member to find and hire, get rehearsed and engrained. I will work as much as I can to fulfill the dates she has until the new member can begin.”

Hurst said he intends to continue his musical career as a solo artist. “that’s what I’ll focus on for 2010, and beyond.”

Hurst mentioned his long affiliation with Lynch.

“You know, I have been a member of Claire’s bands (Front Porch String Band 1995-2000, CLB 2005-2010) for quite some time. I have dedicated a bunch of years and musical energy in those ensembles for many years. I am thankful for the music, the experiences, the learning and ‘honing’ that the position and the music have offered.

“Getting to stand beside and make music with the likes of Missy Raines, and Jason Thomas, and Mark Schatz, and Michael McLain, as well as Claire Lynch (and Larry Lynch) has been a memorable journey. I said a lot when I wrote the liner notes for Claire’s new Rounder release “Whatcha Gonna Do” about how I feel about her voice and her music. So, I won’t repeat myself here.”

The decision to switch musical gears, Hurst said, wasn’t an easy one.

“I spent many hours, days, weeks, really a year or so agonizing over this, and I can tell you, leaving a job with an almost completely empty calendar is gut wrenching and stressful. But, I know it’s the right thing for me. I’ve discussed this and all the associated issues surrounding this with Claire more than just a couple times. No doubt she is relieved that part will be over and done with, as am I.”