Bio
Gordon James
Based out of New Jersey, USA, Gordon James, is a sought after performer, composer, arranger, producer & recording artist preparing to make a huge splash in the International music markets. Smoothjazz.com has referred to him as one of the “smooth Jazz elites on trumpet & flugelhorn.” Gordon James has been categorized with other Jazz heavyweights such as: Chris Botti, Rick Braun & Greg Adams. Stylistically, he has been compared to: Chet Baker, Miles Davis & Chuck Mangione.
Although these comparisons are quite impressive, Gordon James remains true to his craft & unique persona by weaving his own tapestry of Jazz, Latin, R&B, Hip Hop, Soul & Pop music. “My music is both funky & lyrical; the arrangements are hip & polished & the flugelhorn & muted trumpet are perfect for conveying the passion of my compositions” says James. That passion is evident in his new 2011 release ‘A New Kind of Love’ which he produced & features the vocals of Jose Loo, Lujaun Carter & the Amazing Ty Stephens. James’ is also singing for the first time on one of his CD’s which now makes him even more versatile in honing his craft. His latest offering is a unique collection of songs that has been described as Motown meets Jazz & modern R&B. James’ music is upbeat feel good music that guarantees to uplift and inspire the listener. He is poised for International success. Stay tuned for more on this incredible talent.
On Stage
Gordon has appeared with or opened for such artists as Roy Aryes, Angela Bofill, Bobby Caldwell, Alex Bugnon, Pieces of a Dream, Chuck Loeb, Cassandra Wilson and others – His band has worked such venues as The Newark Jazz Festival, Asbury Park Jazz Fest, New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Bethlehem Musikfest, Red Bank Jazz In The Park, Red Bank Jazz & Blues Festival, The Original Cool Cruise around Manhattan and has also appeared on the NJ Network and done shows for Suburban, Monmouth and Comcast Cablevisions.
More recently James and his group performed at the Jazz Masters on the Bay festival in Norfolk, VA with Pieces of a Dream, Marcus Johnson, Bob Baldwin, Chuck Loeb and vocalist Phil Perry. Gordon was not only a huge hit with his own group but also performed with Bob Baldwin and Chuck Loeb on their set.
Accomplishments
A graduate of The Interlochen Arts Academy and The Hartt College of Music, Gordon has studied and performed with such artists as trumpeter Ted Curson, saxophonist Eric Kloss, Stax recording artist Blue Aquarius, The Soul Survivors, Johnny Guitar Watson, Cellist David Darling and saxophonist Paul Winter. James released his first CD Candlelight Love in the mid-nineties. It features world renowned guitarist Vic Juris in a rare contemporary jazz setting and percussionist Manolo Badrena of Weather Report and Spyro Gyra. Candlelight Love received much attention here in the US and in England. Jonathan Widran of Jazziz Magazine said of the album, “James knows how to whip his band into exotic colors and stirs up some highly amiable cool craziness”.
Gordon’s second CD Gordon James received rave reviews in the US, Europe, South America and Australia. His original track “Shades of Brown” was included on the 2000 compilation CD for Jazz FM, London’s premiere smooth jazz station. The CD features keyboardist James Lloyd from the acclaimed jazz group Pieces of a Dream and offers a colorful set that crosses many musical boundaries and should appeal to a wide audience. In 2003 James went on to release his third album, the beautiful and mellow “After Hours” which featured such notables as Chuck Loeb and trombone legend Slide Hampton on a unique arrangement of Compared to What.
His next release was In Joy, which was produced by Bob Baldwin, James Lloyd from Pieces of a Dream and features Chuck Loeb. In Joy received rave reviews and reached #15 on the smooth jazz charts in 2008.
Recent Live Performances
- WFSU Jazz on the River – Fayetteville, NC
- Grand Masters on the Bay Jazz Festival, Norfolk, VA.
- Liberty State Park with Ray Goodman and Brown formerly the Moments
- WEIB Second Sundays Summer Concert Series – Springfield, MA
- Sunset Cruise around Manhattan with Phil Perry -NYC
- Organix Soul – Boston, Springfield & Hartford
- Long Branch Jazz & Blues Festival – Long Branch, NJ
- New Brunswick Jazz Festival
- The Downtown Westfield Jazz Festival NJ
- Celebrate Summer in Midtown Manhattan
- South Brunswick Arts Council Jazz Cafe.
- Concert at Somerset County Library, Bridgewater, NJ
- Lunch time concert series in Journal Square -Jersey City, NJ
- Salt Creek Grille – Princeton, NJ
- Chico’s House of Jazz – Asbury Park, NJ