Jasz
Jasz grew up in the Chicago suburbs where he learned to play the piano, organ, clarinet, drums and electric bass during his early childhood. Wise advise from his father directed James to concentrate on becoming proficient on one of the several instruments at which he tried his hand. Taking his father's advice to heart he focused his attention on the saxophone, and is now proficient on the soprano, alto and tenor saxophones as well as the digital wind synthesizer.
His skillful use of computers, cutting-edge technology, programming and piano skills are important components in composing, arranging and producing his original music.
Tell me about your history? How did you get where you are now?
* Performance with award winning saxophonist "Najee" at the MCI center - Washington, D.C.
* Performance with "Jean Carne" at The Martin Luther King "Salute to Greatness" awards ceremony - Atlanta, GA
* Performance with Northern Virginia Jazz Band, "Destiny" as opening act for "Spyro Gyra" during the annual Red Cross benefit fundraiser - Alexandria, VA
* Performance with WPGC's Heaven 1580, "Children of Promise" as opening act for Grammy award winner "Fred Hammond and Radicals for Christ" - Woodbridge, VA
* Receiving the 5th annual "Gospel Musician of the Year" award - Denver, CO
* Receiving a U. S. Air Force World Wide Talent Contest 1st place "ROGER" award - Ft Walton Beach, FL
* Benefit performances for the opening and closing ceremony fund raisers for the National Headquarters of the "Combined Federal Campaign" - Denver, CO
* Performance at "Emmy Awards" post celebration party, J.W. Marriott - Washington, D.C.
* Performances with a variety of artists at the Legendary Jazz Hotspot - "Blues Alley" - Washington, D.C.
* Numerous "Best of Show" and "1st Place" talent show awards in local, European, and World Wide competitions.
* Performance with "Kristal & Silver" as opening act for the Annual Juneteenth
Celebration as opening act for the "SOS Band" - San Antonio, TX
* Opening Act Performance for the "Martha Munizzi / Ricky Smiley Concert" - Austin, TX
Have you performed live in front of an audience? Any special memories?
I play live every week at Bethel A.M.E. Church in San Antonio.
Your musical influences
Grover Washington, Jr, Jeff Lorber, Branford Marsalis, Gerald Albright, Kenny Garrett, Donald Hays
What equipment do you use?
I use Yamaha Saxophones and Keyboards, Pro-tools, Sonar, Reasons adapted, Nuendo and a host of other equipment. To sum it up I would say I use the latest in Digital DAW technology thanks to Sweetwater.com.
