Biography

James Hall is a trombonist, composer, and writer based in New York City. A versatile musician, he regularly performs with such diverse groups asThe Williamsburg Salsa Orchestra, Wendell Kimbrough, The West Side Band at Redeemer Presbyterian Church, and his own contemporary jazz quintet, James Hall Group. His trombone playing has earned recognition in the Antti Rissanen International Jazz Trombone Competition, and in the J.J. Johnson International Jazz Trombone Competition.

As a composer, James writes contemporary jazz with a heavy focus on instrumental counterpoint. Drawing inspiration from his two years in Vienna, Austria, as well as his aesthetic and theological studies at The Trinity Forum Academy, James blends jazz and classical sensibilities, and humor with narrative. He is a two-time winner of the ASCAPlus Award for composition, and receives regular commissions to transcribe and arrange salsa and jazz music for various instrumentations.

As a writer, James contributes monthly reviews and interviews to About.com. See "Writing" above for samples.

Awards

• 2010 - ASCAPlus Award for composition
• 2009 - ASCAPlus Award for composition
• 2009 - 2nd Runner Up - J.J. Johnson International Jazz Trombone Competition
• 2008 - 3rd Prize - Antti Rissannen International Jazz Trombone Competition
• 2007 - Downbeat Award as member of LUJE
• 2006 - Honorable Mention - Carl Fontana International Jazz Trombone Competition
• 2002 - John Philip Sousa Award for Musical Excellence