On stage with Oscar nominee Mr. Kenny Ascher, co-writer of "Rainbow Connection" and The Muppet movie.
Pre-concert hangin' with George Benson
A bit of playing with the great Dr. Lonnie Smith (B3 organ) and Dave Hubbard, saxophonist with George Benson, Ray Charles and Roberta Flack...
With Lee Ritenour
With Nicki Parrott, bassist, at Bob Merrill's CD release party in Palm Beach.
Rehearsing before the show - singer, actor, Mr. Trini Lopez
The Neal Smith Orchestra,Palm Beach high society, featuring the wonderful Neal Smith (leader), Bill Quigley (drums) and Guy Scott (piano).
Performing with Rich Little, at the Colony Hotel, Palm Beach.
In 2013, James performed with Broadway singer and two time Tony Award nominee, Christine Andreas (La Cage aux Folles).
He also had the privilege of sharing the stage with New York composer-arranger and Golden Globe Award (A Star Is Born) winner, Kenny Ascher, who, with Paul Williams, is recognized for composing the music for The Muppets Movies, including, Rainbow Connection.
In 2018 and 2022, James played with trumpet player, Bob Merrill at The Kravis Center in West Palm Beach, Florida in his concerts. He has played in Miami, Chicago, New York, Birmingham, Newport, Cape Cod, San Francisco, Houston, St. Barths and Nassau, Bahamas.
As a teenager and in his twenties, James was mentored by and worked with Sayyd Abdul Al-Khabyyr and performed with members of the National Arts Center Orchestra in Ottawa. He also did Canadian Broadcasting recordings with some members of the Orchestra and with the late outstanding Canadian jazz pianist, Brian Browne. In Canada, James still works with his friend and talented alto saxophonist, Dave Ward.
Some other American venues have included, Bailey's Beach, Newport, the Onwentsia Club, Lake Forest, Illinois, the San Francisco Golf Course, the Sulgrave Club, and Japanese Embassy in Washington, D.C, Elaine's in Manhattan, N.Y and various jazz venues in South Florida.
As well as playing on recording sessions for other performers, James is constantly composing and recording original music for group and solo performance. In 2020, he performed in concert with his good friend and outstanding trumpet player, Steve Ahern and on occasion with pianist/composer/arranger, Don Bestor.
He also worked as guitarist for the renowned impressionist, Rich Little.