Information About James - Leeds teacher -

(3 reviews)

Personal Description:

‘James is a great, inspirational teacher, who has vast experience in many styles of music. With a specialism in improvisation he passes his knowledge on in a way that’s easy to understand and which encourages creativity.’ Joe Williamson (Royal Conservatoire of Scotland graduate and winner of Peter Whittingham Jazz Award 2015)

Since exploding onto the forefront in 2012, Mercury prize, MOBO and Jazz FM nominated saxophonist and composer James has and continues to be an ever growing international presence on the jazz scene, recognised both individually and for his work with the highly successful group Roller Trio. Described by Giles Peterson as “Dark, menacing, bass heavy – the new sound of UK jazz,” Roller Trio have also won the Peter Whittingham Award; were chosen for BBC introducing; released three albums, two live albums, a film soundtrack and have toured extensively since 2011. Touring highlights include headlining the Arena Stage at Love Supreme Festival, playing at Cheltenham Jazz Fest, across Europe, Sudan, South Korea as well as London’s famous venue Ronnie Scotts.

This initial recognition has since seen James propel his talents to new heights, with 2013 awarding James the Emerging Excellence Award, leading to further funding from Jazz North and Jazz Services for his next project: Tipping Point. Featuring critically acclaimed pianist Matthew Bourne, Drummer Joost Hendrickx and Bassist Michael Bardon, Tipping Point toured and released The Earthworm’s Eye View in 2015 and is commended by John Fordham in the Guardian as “playful, dark, skilful and spontaneous… a surefooted trip across many persuasions in contemporary music’. A focus on his solo work has also seen James in high demand, earning him a spot premiering at London Jazz Festival. Merging his unique sound on saxophone with electronics, his show was described as an ‘intense, uncompromising performance that was utterly compelling’ (Jazzmann).

Away from his own projects, He has also featured as a guest with John Law, Dave Kane, Morten Schantz, Django Django, Sean Foran, Nduduzo Makathini, Space Fight and many more; appearing internationally at major venues, festivals and radio and TV broadcasts. James is currently signed to Edition Records and alongside this prestigious performance career, is a Daddario Woodwind artist, lecturer at Leeds College of Music and PhD student at the University of York – (recipient of the Sir Jack Lyons Scholarship) where he is also an instrumental tutor.

Tutoring Experience:

- Privately for 10 years
- Leeds College of Music
- University of York
- Artforms Leeds
- workshop leader at Richmond Jam

Tutoring Approach:

- Available to teach from home or at your house.
- All levels and ages welcome
- Classical, Jazz, improvisation