James Lakey

James Lakey has been trying to explicate the higher qualities of trombone performance for many years now. He attended the University of Texas, where he studied with the legendary master trombonist, Donald Knaub.

He has also been a trombone clinician for Clark Terry's Jazz Institute in LeMars, Iowa where he worked very closely with one of the legends of jazz music. Of that experience he comments, "Clark Terry's swing and sophistication is even more startling in person. A true teacher."

His performances have allowed him savor work with such luminaries as the late Mel Torme, Ms. Bernadette Peters, Maurice Hines, The Four Tops, The Temptations, Kenny Wheeler, Carla Bley, Steve Swallow, Billy Hart, as well as Marcus 'J-Master' Roberts, Wynton 'Skain' Marsalis and the late great Dan Del Santo.

He is one of the founding members of the Creators - drummer Sebastian "Charlie" Whittaker's (aka Bash) Houston-based band ala Blakey's Messengers where he has taken on the role of musical director/trombonist. He describes this band as "comin' up from out of the depths of the backwoods wilderness to present some serious hard bop implications."

As a 20-year member of ASCAP, he is one of the composer / arrangers for the late Tina Marsh's Austin-based big band, The Creative Opportunity Orchestra and has written several critically acclaimed extended compositions commissioned by the Texas Composer's Forum, Meet the Composer as well as the National Endowment for the Arts. His compositions can also be heard on such network television shows as Models, Inc., Melrose Place and Homicide: Life on the Streets.

Check out some samples of his work:

Also some video of his earlier band, Up 'Gainst the Wall

James Lakey and his band are available for concerts, festivals, clubs engagements as well as educational activites including master classes, and clinics.

For booking information:
(404) 406-5736
E-mail: lake42@gmail.com