Born & raised in San Francisco , James picked up the sax at the age of 15. Inspired by such greats as Charlie Parker, Grover Washington Jr. and David Sanborn, James became particularly motivated to master the horn and pursue his musical career. Furthering his musical education, James attended the Berklee College of Music where he studied Jazz and Classical Music. James returned to the Bay Area where he joined the David Eshelman Big Band and later played as a sideman on the Gospel circuit for Daniebelle Hall, Daryl Coley, and Rickey Grundy to name a few.
After moving to Los Angeles in 1985, James became a popular session player in the competitive studio world and a sideman for R&B artists such as Vesta Williams, Cherelle, Gary Taylor as well as working with Smooth Jazz artists Peter White, Bob Baldwin, Rob Mullins, and Norman Connors.
After the release of “Can We Talk” in 1995 and “Intimacy” in 1997, Dean became a regular on the Los Angeles Club circuit, performing at the Baked Potato, Georgia’s and La Ve’ Lee among others. His festival resume includes the Glenn Ellen Newport Beach Jazz Festival, KSBR Jazz Festival, Koombs Ranch Jazz Festival, San Diego Jazz Festival, the Springfield Jazz Festival in Charlotte , NC , UCLA Jazz Festival, Taste of L.A. & the Rising Star concerts in San Diego . TV appearances include the Stephanie Miller Show, BET’s Jazz Central, Good Morning Atlanta, Talk of the Town ( Nashville ), and the Japanese syndicated program hosted by Keiko and Kazu Matsui featured with smooth jazz guitarist Peter White. Other discography by James includes the L.A. Jazz Syndicate volumes 1, 2 & 3, Strictly Jazz 6th Anniversary Compellation CD and various Gospel recordings. “Brighter Days” is the upcoming third release. It stretches James’ talents to a new level with more original compositions blending energetic R&B tempos highlighted with mid-tempo arrangements pushing rich atmospheric moods and mellow ballads to soothe the soul.
www.deanjames.net
