Simon James
Professional
Biography
Simon James - musical education 2 years Leeds College Of Music, 4 years Trinity College Of Music (London).
Successful performer, recording artist, arranger, composer, producer. Co-founded band 'Acoustic Alchemy' 1980, left 1985, made one album with them as performer and composer (Early Alchemy). The band is still going and has made more than a dozen albums. Co-founded 'Kymaera' 1998 with Shane Hill which has at present made six albums; acted as producer and financial controller for all of them, performer on all of them, composer on four of them. All still available. Founded 'Almaraya' 2006 which opened the Croydon Jazz Festival that year. Has also made three solo guitar albums, latest one Azahar, released 28 September 2007 (features as composer, arranger and performer on this).
Music written for TV includes The Complete Skier (series), Channel 4; Serial Killers (series), Sky TV; many one-offs either commissioned or through library usage. Video - History Of Bullfighting, Planeta Agostini (Spain only), co-composer. Other works include corporate video and adverts. Founded own publishing company Designer Music Ltd. 1987.
Has toured most of Europe and appeared in many UK concert halls including Wigmore Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall and Purcell Room as well as Ronnie Scotts. Live broadcasts for BBC Radio, BBC TV and ITV (Granada); also Dutch TV and Radio, Spanish TV and Radio.
Extensive teaching practice concurrent with performing career has included tutor at Trinity College Of Music and Purcell School Of Music.
At present working on Almaraya’s first album with Lynieve Austin, whom he met through running together a very successful songwriting, arranging and performance course designed for school leavers and graduates. Simon and Lynieve now form the creative partnership behind all the band’s material.
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