James Davis - Brass

Originally from Waxahachie, TX, James Davis started playing the trumpet at age 11. James completed degrees at the University of Texas at Arlington, and at the University of North Texas. At UNT, James had the opportunity to tour and record with some of the nation’s finest young musicians in the Grammy nominated One O’clock Lab Band and the UNT Wind Symphony.

In 2004 James moved to Chicago, and has continued his musical growth as an active performer, composer and educator in the Chicago area. In addition to leading various formations of his own groups, James has also collaborated and/or recorded with Chicago Goes West, the Karl Schwonik Jazz Ensemble, Matt Ulery, Grazyna Auguscik, Julie Meckler, the Ian Torres Big Band, Bill O’Connell’s Chicago Skyliners, the Jason Steele Quartet, ALDRIC, and Balkano.

In 2005 James was a touring member of the Glenn Miller Orchestra, in which he was frequently featured as a soloist. James earned recognition as a finalist in the 2004 International Trumpet Guild Jazz Improvisation Competition and the 2007 Carmine Caruso International Jazz Trumpet Competition. In 2008 James participated in the Betty Carter Jazz Ahead residency held at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC and the Steans Music Institute Program for Jazz in Chicago, IL.

James’ playing and compositions are featured on his album, Angles of Refraction, the avant-garde rock/jazz/improv band Zing’s, Magnetic Flux and the debut album from Chicago Goes West. He is currently on faculty at Triton College in River Grove, IL, Wheaton College in Wheaton, IL, and Moraine Valley Community College.  Besides trumpet, James teaches trombone, french horn, euphonium (baritone), flugelhorn, and tuba (beginner).

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