James Armstrong has explored concurrent paths in improvisation and modern classical music since his 1979 graduation from the University of California, Santa Barbara. Past projects include trios, quartets, and inventions for small ensembles -- volatile, labor-intensive music with a marked pantonal focus. Now working on original repertoire for solo performance.
“...He has a firm grasp of the sheer power of Monk, often slamming the keys to create a shattering dissonance...he understands the rhythmic complexities of Cecil Taylor and the intellectualism of Andrew Hill. He has used these strong influences to create a personal style, always saving room for the purity of his own fingers on the keys. It is through his touch, his feel for the instrument that he achieves his individual power...” [ Stefan Zeniuk, Jazz Now Interactive, July 2002 ].
Update, January 11, 2009: Belated Happy New Year to all of my AAJ subscribers. Thank you for your continued support, with nearly 1,500 downloads. I can't believe my eyes.
I've just retained Cookie Marenco's OTR Studios for a solo piano recording session, which will take place on the afternoon of March 14, 2009. Last summer's extended, near-liturgical concert program is back online, and there are new pieces as well, including “Portrait of Yoko”. The music is of episodic structure, and continues to reflect its modern classical influences, with some jazz leanings. The studio's 1885 Steinway has been beautifully maintained and voiced; it's a wonderful environment.
Wishing you all continued health and inspiration.
Update, March 14, 2009: Today's solo piano session at OTR Studios went beautifully! Commercial release of the performance is pending. Please stay tuned.
Update, March 16, 2009: Three tracks from the new session have been uploaded to MySpace.
Update, March 24, 2009: Rhapsody and Dedication will be available for purchase through JamesArmstrongMusic.com, which is currently under construction. More updates to follow.
Update, March 31, 2009: JamesArmstrongMusic.com is online. Pre-release advance downloads are now available for purchase in CD quality WAV format.
Update, April 11, 2009: Preparations for solo recording session #2 are underway.
Update, May 29, 2009: CD production is in progress; release date to be announced. Sheet music will be released under new, BMI-affiliated publishing company.
Update, August 27, 2009: Ongoing rehearsals for solo session at OTR Studios, Belmont on October 24, 2009. Program includes new composition, “Through the Eyes of a Child”.
Update, September 20, 2009: Thanks to AAJ subscribers -- 1,914 downloads of “Beijing Girl” as of today. Rehearsals for upcoming session continue.
Update, October 6, 2009: Rhapsody and Dedication, the new CD, will be available for purchase through my website. Please stay tuned for updates.
Update, October 10, 2009: The CD inventory is here! Upgrades to the website are complete. CDs are available for purchase through the website -- $15 plus shipping, by PayPal.
Update, October 25, 2009: A very productive session at OTR Studios yesterday. Release TBA.
Update, November 17, 2009: Welcome new distributor CD Baby in Portland, Oregon. U.S. East Coast radio broadcasts of “Rhapsody and Dedication” session pending.
Update, November 19, 2009: “Rhapsody” CDs are now available through CD Baby http://cdbaby.com/cd/JamesArmstrong. Amazon.com distribution begins in approximately 4-6 weeks.
Update, December 11, 2009: “Through the Eyes of a Child”, the new solo session, is in post-production. Release of downloads and CDs TBA. Merry Christmas !
Update, January 6, 2010: Happy New Year ! “Rhapsody” is now available through Amazon. Preparations for the next solo recording session are underway. And as of today, there's been 2,023 downloads of “Beijing Girl” through the All About Jazz website.
Update, January 22, 2010: “Rhapsody” CDs are now available in Japan; amazon.co.jp. Naruhodo!
Update, February 10, 2010: U.S. jazz radio broadcasters, I'd like to hear from you! More music coming soon.
“Beijing Girl” from “Out of the Underground” session � 2004 by James David Armstrong, Jr. (BMI). All rights reserved. James Edmiston, bass; Andrew Wilshusen, drums.
Digital image / album cover “Anniversary” by Hiroko Sakai, used with permission.
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