James Cammack is a very well-known bass player from New York in the United States to France over seas. Born on April 15th, 1956 from Birmingham, Alabama, James moved to Camden, New Jersey when he was just a child. After a short period of time, his father got a break and to make all long story short, they ended up in Cherry hill, NJ. James was known for playing instruments in school from middle to high. When James finished school, he joined the army and played in the band for the soldiers. Ahmad Jamal discovered James at an early age and decided to take him along the way. They've been known to play together for over 26 years and have done quiet a lot of traveling. As of right now, they have a trio band that still travels to other continents. Every year Ahmad and James make their way to Blues Alley, located in Georgetown of Washington D.C. where his 2 sons and 2 daughters visit him (it's almost traditional). James is a well recognized bass player and deserves a spot in the history books............
written by josh cammack..............
Bassist James Cammack...........
In a feature article on James Cammack, Bass Player Magazine reviewer Richard Johnston nick-named James, who was at the time a Chicago resident, “Chicago fire,” for his hard-driving, creative approach to playing both acoustic and electric bass. At rehearsals of even the most complicated jazz pieces, Cammack just puts a finger on his instrument to find the key, asks for the general feel, and takes off. An extremely sensitive player, Cammack is an excellent sideman and his own solos demonstrate both virtuosity and musicality.
It’s no wonder. For the past 26 years, James Cammack has performed continuously with legendary pianist Ahmad Jamal. Cammack has visited more than 30 countries backing Jamal and has also toured with singer Nancy Wilson, tubist Howard Johnson, and singer Vanessa Rubin. He has performed in some of the world’s most famous jazz clubs such as the Village Vanguard in New York City and Yoshi’s in San Francisco; and major jazz festivals, including the Montreal Jazz Festival, Italy’s Umbria Jazz Festival, and the North Sea Jazz Festival in Holland.
Cammack has several recordings with Ahmad Jamal under his belt, including Rossiter Road (Atlantic), which reached the number-five position on the jazz chart billboard and the last release is It’s Magic(Dreyfus). There is also a new dvd just released,Ahmad Jamnal Live In Baalbeck. He has also recorded with pianist Chris Neville, Russian actress Natalia Nazorova, tubist Howard Johnson, and Senegal super star, to name a few.
A piano and trumpet student in his early years, Cammack is largely self-taught. He became interested in playing the bass through an uncle who was also a professional musician. Later, by the recommendation of a high school teacher, Cammack was accepted into the West Point jazz band following an audition. During his stint in the military, Cammack had ample opportunity to play weddings, shows, and jazz gigs in the New York area and learned his trade. A great music associate, pianist and mentor, the late Frank Richmond, mentioned Cammack’s name to Ahmad Jamal, who snapped him up right after West Point.
James Cammack is a brilliant performer and offers the highest caliber of jazz, R&B and almost any style music out there
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jim cammack/power house project's Friend Space (Top 7)
You are the dancin' bass man... And Clark Sommers, has got your style down to the bone... Love it! Call me the next time you're in Chicago... xo Jeannie
"In everyone's life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit." ~ Albert Schweitzer
