Jazz Organ Combos
James performs in duo (organ/drums), trio (duo + sax or guitar), and quartet (duo + two horns or one horn and guitar) settings, with a repertoire which includes his original compositions, classic standards and jazz interpretations of more recent popular tunes.
In Delaware and greater Philadelphia, James and drummer Jonathan Whitney appear as jw2; while in Maryland, James and drummer Shaun Chesley have re-joined forces to present dynamic, hard-hitting performances.
James' Philadelphia-based trio frequently performs at Warmdaddy's in south Philadelphia as part of Michael Tozzi's long-standing Thursday Night Groove Series.
Pop, Rock, R&B, etc.
While primarily a jazz organist, James hasn't let his piano and vocal chops down!
Solo performances can stay true to a jazz piano idiom or can depart into more of a "piano bar" vibe, with James playing and singing the music of Billy Joel, Elton John, Chicago, Hall and Oates, and more.
James also appears occasionally as a 'hired gun' with some of the best classic rock, dance and funk bands in the Philadelphia area on keys, vocals and brass. He has shared the stage with the likes of contemporary jazz bassist Gerald Veasley, drummer Danny Seraphine (Chicago, California Transit Authority), Van Fields (Stylistics), and countless other 'heavy hitters' in popular music.