James Fernando

James Fernando has been hailed by World Music Report as a “prodigiously gifted composer and virtuoso pianist,” by Jazz Sensibilities as “limitless in his ability to articulate his ideas,” and by Contemporary Fusion Reviews as “creating one of the most amazing musical experiences you’ve ever had.”

Having served as a Strathmore Artist in Residence, James’ many accolades include awards from Downbeat Magazine, the National Young Arts Foundation, and first prize at the 9th West Virginia International Piano Competition. In 2017, he participated in the historic Banff International Workshop in Jazz & Creative Music. James studied at Berklee College of Music, where he graduated summa cum laude after three years.

James has performed at leading venues and festivals internationally. A few of the notable artists he has performed and recorded with are GRAMMY Lifetime Achievement Award winner Tom Paxton, two time GRAMMY award winners Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer, steelpan virtuoso Victor Provost, and jazz luminary Chris Cheek. In 2018, James collaborated with Mingjia to release his debut album, Extended Layover. In 2019, James released his first album as a solo artist, The Lonely Sailor, to widespread critical acclaim. After releasing Blackbird/Fly in 2021, he teamed up with Matt Lagan to release his fourth album, The Grind, in 2022. His latest creation, Piano Poetry, was released in early 2023.

In addition to being a highly sought after pianist and composer, James is a talented educator with an active private studio and he frequently leads masterclasses and workshops. He is currently a jazz piano faculty member at Levine Music in Washington, D.C.

Awards

• Strathmore Artist In Residence (2021/2022)
• First Prize, West Virginia International Piano Competition (2019)

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