5017 Fairview Ave, Garage Band U – Rock School, Downers Grove IL, 60515
Instruments:Ear Training, Electric Bass, Guitar, Other, Stand Up Bass, Theory
Styles:Classical, Jazz, Folk – Country – Bluegrass, Rock – Alternative, Blues, Kids, Electronic, Other
Levels:Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
Experience:28 years
Rate:$52 / hr
Personal Statement
James has performed professionally for 28 years, with extensive experience in upright and electric bass and guitar. He studied at DePaul University’s School of Jazz Music and privately with Larry Gray, who plays bass with Ramsey Lewis.
Education / Training
As a jobbing musician, James has done radio and television jingles, studio session work, a great deal of pit work and many orchestral performances, including Chicago’s Orchestra Hall, the Chicago Children’s Choir and several seasons with The Paducah Symphony Orchestra.
James’ long-term band experience includes swing with The Riff Rockets, The Rhythm Rockets and The Rockafellers; blues with the Convulsions, Phil Baron, Barrelhouse Chuck, Pinetop Perkins and The Willie Hayes Band; pop-rock with Burnt Toast, Selective Recall, JP and the Cats and The Jennifer Jennings Band; and jazz with countless groups including Bob Mintzer, The Tom Sorich Trio and The Tom Costanzo Trio. James has also played country, zydeco and rock-a-billy with bands such as The Big Guitars from Memphis, The Delta Rhythm Kings, Guy Lawerence and Chydeco Zydeco, Peaches and Will Crosby.
James was nominated for a WC Handy Award with Nick Moss and the Flip Tops, a touring blues band that plays regularly at Buddy Guy’s Legends and The House of Blues. He has professional endorsement deals with Lakland, Gallien-Krueger, Bag End and Rotosound.