James Brown (Guitarist, Composer, Educator) is one of Canada’s most talented and versatile musicians.
He has preformed and recorded with many leading artists and ensembles and has recorded four critically acclaimed CD’s of original music. His recent full scale composition “The Mosley Street Suite” was premiered at Koerner Hall in August 2021 and his fourth studio album “Song Within the Story”, (featuring Clark Johnston, Anthony Michelli and Mike Murley) was released on NGP records in March of 2022.
Other recordings have featured Don Thompson, Quinsin Nachoff, Jim Vivian, Andrew Downing, Ernie Tollar, John Obercian, Mike Milligan and Christopher Lee. James has also performed with The Toronto Symphony Orchestra (with Eric Idol), Toronto Philharmonia, Sound Streams Canada (with The Hilliard Ensemble), Art of Time Ensemble and CanStage. He also performed in the Canadian premiere of 2X5: a new work by New York composer Steve Reich.
James’ compositions range from solo guitar to symphony orchestra and have been performed and recorded by numerous ensembles and soloists including: Orchestra Toronto, Trinity Chamber Ensemble, Jeffrey McFadden, William Beauvais and The Montreal Guitar Trio. James has a Master of Arts Degree in Composition from York University and is currently on Faculty at The Oscar Peterson School of Music (formerly: The Royal Conservatory School). His article “The Grundgestalt Concept” was published in the July 2023 issue of Downbeat Magazine.