What's it all about?
Jazz consumes me! Before I knew anything at all about Jazz I knew that I wanted
to play and improvise.
Almost as soon as I could play a scale on my first alto saxophone (a rented Vito)
I started playing with a swing. It drove most of my teachers nuts! But I heard the
musical possiblities inside my head and just went with it.
I've been studying music and Jazz since 2000. My first Jazz Band intstructor, Peter
Piacquadio, is a local legend. Since then, I've had the opportunity to play in some
great ensembles
and workshops.
I've also had the pleasure of studying and playing with some renowned musicians
and teachers.
What about gear?
Behind every player stands alot of other people that make it all possible. Having
good gear helps but having a good repair technician is essential. Here's a summary
of my instruments and set-up;
and, here's some information for one of the best repair technicians on the planet,
Chuck Pomeroy.
More about James
James is currently continuing his studies at the NYU Steinhardt School. Formerly, James was a member
of the New York State – All State Jazz Band and has been playing saxophone since
he was in the 3rd grade. James performed regularly at Ossining High School where
he was a member of the elite Woodwind Ensemble and played 1st alto sax and flute
in the Jazz Big Band and Jazz Workshop ensembles. James also performs periodically
in Westchester County and New York City with groups from the Lagond Music School where
he has studied privately since 2003.
At an early age, James was inspired by the playing of Phil Woods to take up the
alto saxophone and pursue the study and playing of Jazz. James studied saxophone,
flute and clarinet privately with Jon Irabagon (winner of the 2008 Thelonious Monk International
Jazz Saxophone Competition) and with Charlie Lagond at the Lagond Music School in
Elmsford, New York.
During High School James was a regular attendee at the SUNY Summer Jazz Institute
in Purchase, New York where he had the privilege of attending Master Classes led
by Ralph Lalama and played alto sax in workshop ensembles led by Ralph as well as
Doug Munro, Jon Gordon and Charles Blenzig.
In 2008 James attended the Summer Jazz Workshop at the Conservatorium Van Amsterdam
where he had the opportunity to study with Dick Oatts, perform in Garry Dial’s workshop
ensemble and play in the Workshop Big Band under the direction of Justin DiCioccio.
James counts many saxophone legends as his influences and in his studies has produced
transcriptions from the works of Sonny Stitt, Charlie Parker, Cannonball Adderley
and Freddie Hubbard. James says, “Transcribing is the best way to advance musically;
You train your ear, your sound, your technique, your musical ideas, your knowledge
of the history and language, your theory, your writing and your overall musicality,
all in one singular task.”