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)

Hello! I’m a saxophonist based in Leeds teaching from home and at Leeds Conservatoire and University of York. I also perform and compose.

Saxophonist and composer James is a band leader and collaborator best known for his work with Roller Trio. Described by Giles Peterson as “Dark, menacing, bass-heavy – the new sound of UK jazz,” Roller Trio’s debut (2012) was nominated for the Mercury prize, MOBO Best Jazz Act and Jazz FM best newcomer. They were also awarded the Peter Whittingham Jazz Award, were chosen for BBC introducing, and have since released three albums, two live albums, a film soundtrack and have toured extensively. 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 Ronnie Scotts, Kings Place and Canary Wharf Jazz Festival.

James' most recent release is Mycorrhiza (2021), out on Discus Music and has been described as ‘A rich, rewarding, and thoughtful recording, redolent of our chaotic times, joyously cathartic and all the more vital for it’ by Darren Bergstein in Downtown Music Gallery. In 2013 James received the Emerging Excellence Award, and support from Jazz North and Jazz Services for his new project: Tipping Point. Featuring acclaimed pianist Matthew Bourne, drummer Joost Hendrickx and double bassist Michael Bardon, Tipping Point toured and released The Earthworm’s Eye View in 2015, commended by John Fordham in the Guardian as “playful, dark, skilful and spontaneous… a surefooted trip across many persuasions in contemporary music’. Additionally, James explores performing solo with saxophone and electronics, including performances at Jazz in the Round and Kings Place as part of London Jazz Festival, described as an ‘intense, uncompromising performance that was utterly compelling’ (Jazzmann).
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As well as a bandleader, he has featured as a guest with Nduduzo Makathini, (Ikhambi), Django Django (Born Under Saturn, Marble Skies), John Law, (Configuration), Dave Kane, Morten Schantz, Sean Foran, Space Fight and many more; appearing internationally at major venues, festivals, on the radio and TV broadcasts. James is currently signed to Edition Records and alongside his performance career, holds a PhD from the University of York. He is now a principal lecturer at Leeds Conservatoire, as well as an associate at the University of York.

Tutoring Experience:

- One-to-one tutor at Leeds Conservatoire (LCoN) and University of York
- Composition, aural, ensemble studies and performance with electronics lecturer at LCoM
- Privately for 15 years
- Artforms Leeds
- NYMAZ

Tutoring Approach:

Friendly, fun, all styles, interests, ages and abilities welcome. I also specialise in ear training. Grades are optional.