Herblues
An original inspired by James' guitar teacher Herb Ellis

Welcome to James McCreavy's web site

Cocoanut Row
An original by James, available on Night Vision CD

MM

MOTTO: SUCCESS WITHOUT FAME

James McCreavy is a proud member of The American Federation of Musicians, South Florida, Local 655 who specializes in music from the American Songbook. He plays music that is subdued, yet cool and entertaining...Bossa Novas, soft rock, smooth jazz, nothing too loud . He has performed with Perry Como, Steve Lawrence, Vic Damone, Trini Lopez, saxophonists: Richie Cole, Boots Randolph (Yakety Sax) and with fellow composer Alex Harvey, who had a mega hit with the song, Delta Dawn. He has established himself as a composer and performer with such luminaries as the late jazz organist, Dr. Lonnie Smith (who spent his early years recording with George Benson) and multi - instrumentalist, Ira Sullivan, with whom he has recorded. Additionally, he has performed with Juno Award Winner, Bria Skonberg (trumpet, vocalist, composer). James has performed with many fine singers, including Elaine Paige, Christine Andreas, Eddie Fisher, Nicky Yarling, Giada Valenti and Eddie Mekka (from the Laverne and Shirley show). He recorded several CD'S and was part of a BBC Production with Dame Celia Lipton Farris. In 2024, James worked in Palm Beach with Flugelhorn specialist, Ron Helman.

He worked as musical director and guitarist for saxophonist Clarence Clemons from Grammy award winning Bruce Springsteen's E-Street Band and he has three CDs to his credit: Night Vision, containing many original works,Elegance, a solo CD on nylon string guitar and Caribbean Connection his most recent CD, which features original compositions combined with island favorites. He is a versatile player who is comfortable performing and recording in many styles.

James has played with American society orchestras under the leaderships of Neal Smith, Lester Lanin, Mike Carney and Alex Donner. He has performed at the prestigious Red Cross Ball and Heart Ball at the Breakers Hotel, Palm Beach with the Neal Smith Orchestra. Other regular venues include: The Colony Hotel, Royal Room, Palm Beach with impressionist, Rich Little, the Everglades club, the Bath and Tennis Club, the Sailfish Club, Jupiter Hills Golf Club, Jupiter Island Club, TD Center, Via Viscaya, Miami, Rideau Hall, Ottawa , Canada for former Governor General, David Lloyd Johnston, Prince Charles, Prince Edward, the Shaw Center, the National Arts Center, Ottawa, the Chateau Laurier, Ottawa, the Eden Roc, Miami, at the Kravis Center of Performing Arts, the Meyer Amphitheater, West Palm Beach, The Japanese Embassy, Washington, D.C. He has played with South Florida groups including Sunnyside Swing, Streettalk and Hot Brass Monkey. James continues to play with his good friends Dave Ward (alto sax), Don Bestor (piano), Bob Merrill (trumpet), Steve Ahern (trumpet/flugelhorn) Mark Marineau (piano) and Bill Mays (piano).

In 2023 he participated in a jazz guitar workshop in Kelso, Scotland.