James was born in Florida, grew up in the western suburbs of Chicago, but considers the greater Washington, D.C region home. He is a self taught musician that learned to play several instruments during his early childhood. His father wisely directed him to concentrate on becoming proficient on one of the several instruments at which he tried his hand.
Taking his fathers advice to heart, James decided to play the saxophone in his teens. He is now proficient on the Soprano, Alto, Tenor saxophones as well as the AKAI Electronic Wind Instrument.
The saxophone is his primary instrument of choice, however his skillful use of Computers, Digital Audio, Cutting-Edge Technology, and Keyboard Synthesizer/Sampler Workstations are important components in arranging and producing his CD Project along with many original music compositions and World Wide Web presentations.
Accomplishments and Memorable Performances include:
- AT & T Center Performance with award winning saxophonist “Najee” - Washington, D.C.,
- Martin Luther King Salute to Greatness Awards Performance with “Jean Carne” - Atlanta, GA.
- Red Cross Benefit Performance as opening act for “Spyro Gyra” with Destiny Jazz Band - Alexandria, VA.
- Opening act for Grammy award winner “Fred Hammond” and Radicals for Christ with WPGC’s “Children of Promise” - Woodbridge, VA.
- Clarinet performance with Legendary jazz pianist “Ramsey Lewis” at J. W. James A.M.E. Church - Maywood, IL.
- Awarded the 5th “Gospel Musician of the Year” award at Heritage Christian Center - Denver, CO.
- Awarded the U.S. Air Force World Wide Talent Contest “ROGER" Award at Eglin AFB - Fort Walton Beach, FL.
- Opening and Closing performances for the National Headquarters of the “Combined Federal Campaign” - Denver, CO.
- “Emmy Awards” post celebration party at the J. W. Marriott Hotel - Washington, D.C.
- Opening act for “Ricky Smiley” and “Martha Munizzi” with Staff Musicians of Sweet Home Baptist Church – Round Rock, TX.
- Opening act for the “SOS Band” with Silver, The Secret Code Band at San Antonio’s Annual Juneteenth Celebration - San Antonio, TX.
- Performances with various artists at “Blues Alley” of Georgetown - Washington, D.C.
- Encore performances with the European Band “Parallel” - Adana, TU.
- Numerous “Best of Show” and “First Place” talent show awards in local, European, Regional and World Wide competitions.
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