Artist description James Whiton (double bass) learned to play music from his mother, a professional symphonic double bassist. He studied classical music under his Mom's direction, but listened to his Dad play drums in a traditional jazz Big Band. Dad also introduced him to the music of Miles Davis, Thelonius Monk, Charles Mingus and Duke Ellington. True to both sides of his musical family, he plays drums on the bass. By slapping the strings and sides of his instrument, he produces a cascade of percussive rhythms and melodies that give new character to the traditional instrument. He is a fiery soloist, experimenting with harmonic development and rhythmic intricacies that defy the concept of the traditional bass solo. Classical music plays a substantial role in his composition and arrangement, as well as providing a rhythmic and harmonic framework which is evident in his ensemble playing. After playing professionally in many regional symphonies in and around New Mexico, James enrolled in the jazz program at the University of New Mexico, where he performed and studied with such notable artists as James Williams, Eddie Davis, Jiri Stevens and Victor Mendoza. After graduating in 1994, James played with and co-led the successful rock band Apricot Jam, touring constantly for three years throughout the Western US. “Although his instrument has been around for 150 years, bassist James Whiton has given it a new face...he is one of the best musicians, on any instrument, that I have ever heard”--Tyler Hart

Music Style jazz, funk, r&b, groove rock

Musical Influences everyone from Charles Mingus to Les Claypool to Marvin Gaye to James Brown

Similar Artists MMW, Mahavishnu Orchestra, Mingus, Coltrane, Primus

Artist History James moved to the Pacific Northwest in 1997, after visiting several times as a touring musician. He lived in Portland for eight months, enduring an especially wet winter, and moved to Seattle in the summer of 1998. He has played with local and regional musicians in just about every style and genre conceivable, including collaborations with Ben Klein (Trillian Green), Brad Houser, Tim Young, Dara Quinn, Mike Petersen, Dave Carter, PK, Ron Weinstein, Leif Totusek, Jim Page, Maggie Cornell, Brian Kent, Greg Grant, Don Goodwin, Ben Thomas, Tom Armstrong, Libitz Pupo-Walker, Frank Hodely, DA Sebasstian, Rafe Pearlman, John Savage, Matt Messina, Jason Webley, Andrea Wittgens, Ryan Biezack, Reuben Radding, Ev Stern, Bob Rees, Greg Grant, Vincent Gates, Olli Klomp, Emmanuel Lewis, Jason Seed, Mark Burdon, Pete Reilly, Dave Hill, Dexter Grove, Eric McFadden, and many others. James has been the leader or co-leader for many bands, including Blue Glove Club, Way Milky, Millennium Bug Revue, Manteca, and the James Whiton Trio. Currently, James is playing in two original projects: 3 Legged Cat and the Jazz Rednecks He is also playing as a hired gun with Alice Stuart, Dexter Grove, Eric McFadden, Tarka, Brian Kent, Jim Page, and Rai.

Group Members (see individual song listings)

Instruments double bass, trumpet, piano, Rhodes, drum set, guitar

Albums Rhythm & Motion

Press Reviews James Whiton digs into inspired compositions with the sort of joyous abandon only found among checked egos and respectful souls" James Kirchmer, The Stranger Weekly

Additional Info in his spare time, James trains his darling chihuahuas, hangs out with his cats, lives with the love of his life, his wife Emiliana, plays chess, and works on his 1970 Chevy stepside pickup truck.

Location Seattle, WA - USA

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