Expanding the definition of "jazz mallets" through the use of electronics and classical techniques, while still connecting with the music's roots.

Details

Contents

#		Title	Length	Sample
1		The Natural	8:28
2		Blues For Don	5:45
3		Mirage	8:47
4		Passport	5:39
5		East Shore	6:55
6		Rhyme or Reason	7:56
7		Don't Go	3:43
8		Second Thoughts	8:26
9		Get On The Train	5:18

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CD Baby Artist Royalty	USD $5.97
CD Baby 9% Digital Distribution Cost	USD $0.54
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Total	USD $8.10

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Description

James Walker is a percussionist and composer whose energies are focused on jazz vibraphone and marimba. His music ranges from acoustic, straight-ahead jazz, to more electronic contemporary styles. James is one of the minority of jazz mallet players who have embraced electronics in creating his sound, using effects processing to create new timbres rooted in the beautiful natural sound of the vibraphone. James' personal sound is influenced not only by vibraphone masters such as Gary Burton and Bobby Hutcherson, but also by guitarists like Mike Stern and Pat Metheny.

RHYME OR REASON has achieved radio air play in the US and abroad, and James' writings on percussion and jazz performance have been featured in Percussive Notes and Jazz Player magazines.

Check out the sound files listed at left to hear the variety of sounds found in James' mallet work, ranging from the warm electronic vibes sound (using signal processing) on "Mirage," the marimba background figure on "Passport," and the variety of percussion instruments used on "East Shore," ranging from vibraphone to steel pan to orchestra bells. The CD also reflects a variety of musical styles, including the Brazilian-influenced "Mirage" and "Passport," the straight-ahead jazz of "The Natural," the Pat Metheny-inspired "East Shore," and the ballad, "Don't Go."

A native New Englander, James recently returned to his home state of Connecticut after spending several years in the greater Chicago area. He currently resides in western Connecticut with his wife, Sara (sharing their home with their cats, Murphy and Sammy). In addition to leading his own group, James freelances throughout the northeast corner of the U.S., and he has recorded as a sideman with jazz saxophonist Ken Gioffre, singer/songwriter Michael Branden, and Chicago steel pan artist Paul G. Ross.