James is a multi-disciplined percussionist, composer and educator with a Bachelor of Music (Jazz Vibraphone) and Masters in Music studies (Performance and Conducting) from the Queensland Conservatorium of Music, a Graduate Diploma in Education from the Queensland University of Technology, and is currently completing his Doctor of Musical Arts at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
As a Jazz Vibraphonist, James has provided many national and international performances, and workshops, as leader or sideman; notable performances include artists: James Morrison (AUS), Geoffrey Keezer (USA), Jonathan Kreisberg (USA), David Jonesand James Muller (AUS) to name a few. As a leader, James has composed, produced and performed on two albums recorded in New York City; BURBANK (2011) and HARD MINCE (2015). Both albums have received international acclaim for their musicality, originality and creativity. Hard Mince received Best Jazz Album in the 2015 Akademia Music Awards, whilst Burbank received Best Jazz Album Finalist, and honourable mention. “Through the Looking Glass,” from the Hard Mince album reached #1 in the jazz charts for Radio XR (West Coast based radio station) in the month of January, 2017.
James also works extensively as percussionist, drummer and musical director in Australia and USA, and is currently working on several productions in Las Vegas. James backed several internationally acclaimed theatre performers such as; Anthony Warlow, Faith Prince, and Marina Prior as percussionist and/or drummer on Australian seasons of INTO THE WOODS, CATS, GUYS AND DOLLS, OKLAHOMA, THE PRODUCERS, JEKYLL AND HYDE, MISS SAIGON, PIRATES OF PENZANCE and DIRECT FROM BROADWAY featuring Anthony Warlow and Faith Prince to name a few. As a Music Director, James has worked with several Australian Theatre companies, and has recently been appointed the position of Music Director for the Nevada Conservatory Theatre.
As an educator, James has spent many years as a sought after faculty member and freelance clinical of percussion and drum set, performance practice, Big Band, Percussion ensemble and Wind Band. James served as the Jazz Vibraphone Specialist for the Percussive Arts Society Australia Chapter at the Queensland Days of Percussion (2013 - 2015).
