Artist description James Walker is part of a new generation of jazz vibraphonists, infusing his compositions and improvisations with classical techniques and electronic signal processing. The result can be heard on James' debut CD, "Rhyme Or Reason," recorded with some of the top jazz and session players from Chicago, and marking James' debut as a band leader and composer. James' music owes as much to guitarists such as Pat Metheny and Mike Stern, as it does to great vibraphonists such as Gary Burton and Mike Mainieri. James' work reflects his myriad musical influences, ranging from classical marimba to Caribbean steel drum music. His playing covers the gamut of jazz styles, making use of the traditional acoustic sound of the vibraphone and marimba, along with a more electronic approach, creating new sounds and timbres not commonly used by mallet instrument players. Recently, James relocated to his native New England, where he continues to lead the James Walker Group, working in a variety of musical contexts. He has also taught at the University level, works around the country as a clinician, and his articles on jazz and mallet performance have been published in Jazz Player Magazine and Percussive Notes (the official magazine of the Percussive Arts Society.

Music Style Electric and acoustic jazz

Musical Influences Mike Stern, Pat Metheny, Mike Mainieri

Similar Artists Steps Ahead, Mike Stern, Gary Burton, Pat Metheny, Spyro Gyra

Instruments vibraphone, marimba, mallet synthesizer, steel pans, percussion

Albums Rhyme Or Reason

Location New Milford, CT - USA

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