James is an accomplished pianist/keyboardist, vocalist, musical director, songwriter, arranger, producer, educator, businessman and philanthropist who has been playing piano and performing music since he was 3 years old. Since moving to Washington, DC in 1988, James has performed for 3 U.S. Presidents, and performed with the likes of Stevie Wonder, Rachell Ferrell, Kenny Lattimore, Raheem Devaugn, Kenny Burrell, James Moody, and up-and-comers Eric Roberson, Wayna, NDambi, Sy Smith, , Kev.O, Maimouna Youssef, Yoko K., Jenna Andrews and Carolyn Malachi. During James’ tenure as a keyboardist, vocalist and musical director, James has traveled extensively throughout the U.S. and to Europe, Japan and Africa while performing. While improving his skills as a performer, James has also been honing his skills as a producer, concurrently performing and producing on several albums including, Will E. Smith’s “Listen,” Jali D’s “Rappercussion,” Julie Dexter’s “Dexterity,” Ayanna Gregory’s “Beautiful Flower” and “Ballad For My Father,” David Hinds’ “Mantra Cascade,”,” Black Notes’ “Insights,” David J. White’s “Where I Left Off,” Julia Edwords’ “Deep,” Mariah Carey’s “Touch My Body Remix,” and Wayna’s “Moments of Clarity, Vol.1,” “Moonlight Rendevous” and “Higher Ground.” His co-writing and production contributed to a 2009 Grammy Nomination for Wayna & Kokayi, and a 2011 Grammy Nomination for Carolyn Malachi in the Urban Alternative Performance Category. James has also penned several international commercial scores and industrial scores, as well as scores for short films, documentaries, digital media and corporate IDs for companies like The Discovery Channel and Johnson & Johnson. He is currently writing, co-writing and producing for several projects due to be released in 2011 and 2012 for film, and both independent and major labels.
In addition to James’ music career, he has also built a solid career as a business executive working 10 years in Telecommunications/IT and Aviation Transportation. Now, James has combined his executive skills with his love for music to take on the music industry as co-owner/executive of independent label New Moon Recordings, LLC which administers and distributes Ayanna Gregory’s “Beautiful Flower” album, the “Ballad For My Father” single and as well distributes albums for Wayna, Black Notes and David J. White, also putting on and promoting live shows. Additionally, James owns and operates Infinite Icon Enterprises, LLC which primarily provides production services but also provides educational services for music and music business, business consulting as well as music & entertainment consulting services. His goal with both of these businesses is to build them into companies that will partner with and compete with major labels and entertainment companies. He is well on his way to reaching these goals, as he has business dealings and discussions with companies such as Real Branding NY, U.Dig The Digital Branding Group, Disney Companies, The Discovery Channel, Johnson and Johnson, Spike TV, AML/Warner Brothers, Riptide Music Company, Hollywood Records, Verity/Jive/Zomba Recording Group, Virgin Records, Atlantic Records, Def Jam and J Records.
In his latest venture, James has joined Eusonia Records as the Senior Vice President and COO. Eusonia Records is a fully functioning label with offices and studios in New York City, and is currently expanding it’s roster of artists and it’s publishing catalogue.
James is also using his skills to enhance the human condition through philanthropy and education. He currently serves on the Board of the DC Chapter National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences’ Board of Governors, (NARAS also know as The Grammy Association), as well as a National Trustee of this chapter. Additionally, he serves as a Co-Chairman of the Producers and Engineers Wing’s National Advisory Committee for NARAS. Furthermore, he performs educational workshops nationally, and seeks out opportunities to help the global community at large through his musical abilities and other talents.
James counts his musical talents and business savvy and experience as a blessing, and looks forward to continuing to use these gifts for the betterment and empowerment of people needing and seeking positive inspiration around the world, as he continues to share his and other’s music globally through live performance and recorded music.
Wayna's new video "My Love"
