Home » Jazz Musicians » James Hall
James Hall
Hall’s sophomore release, Lattice (Outside In 2018), described as “a masterpiece of chamber music” (JazzLife Magazine), is built around the harmonious combination of Hall’s dexterous trombone and the virtuosic flute playing of Jamie Baum, a pliable and expressive study in contrasts. Kirk Silsbee praised the work’s “graceful instrumental combinations and linear development” (Downbeat Magazine), and Bob Morello called the work “a tasty treat” and “a potpourri of great tunes” (Boston Post-Gazette).
Previously, Hall blurred the line between classical chamber music and free jazz with Soon We Will Not Be Here (2015), creating original settings of poetry by contemporary New York City-based poets Tina Chang, Paolo Javier, Malena Mörling, and Emily Ruth Hazel for quartet. Premiering at Fridman Gallery in downtown Manhattan, this project found an enthusiastic underground listenership in France, the UK, Belgium, and the US on Taran’s Free Jazz Hour.
When not leading his own projects, Hall is often to be found touring and recording internationally with viral sensation Postmodern Jukebox, with whom he has recorded videos tallying over 80 million YouTube views; or with Williamsburg Salsa Orchestra, whose salsa dura interpretations of indie rock have been featured in Rolling Stone Magazine’s Latin Hot List. Speaking on his aesthetic choices, Hall says “I really believe in the non-musical aspects of music, so I believe in a fun concert experience. I believe in humor. I believe in accessibility even when the music itself is not accessible.”
As a composer and bandleader, James was named a finalist in the ASCAP Morton Gould Young Composer Competition, won three ASCAPlus Awards for composition, and was a featured performer/composer at the Chelsea Music Festival. James' trombone playing earned third place, runner-up, and honorable mention in the Antti Rissanen, J.J. Johnson, and Carl Fontana International Jazz Trombone Competitions, respectively.
James holds degrees from the Lawrence Conservatory of Music in Wisconsin and Aaron Copland School of Music in New York. His teachers have included Luis Bonilla, Hal Crook, Michael Dease, Nick Keelan, Ed Neumeister, and Fred Sturm.
Awards
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
Gear
Olds Recording Bach 36b Getzen Custom 3047AF
Tags
James Hall More: Than Just a Trombone
by Nick Davies
This show features an interview with trombonist James Hall where we discuss his new album Lattice which is out on Outside in Music as well as other hot topics. We also follow the theme of good music so expect to hear all types of jazz featuring the likes of Miles Davis and Chick Corea Playlist Chick Corea & Steve Gadd Chick's Chums" from Chinese Butterfly (Decca) 0:00 Danny Green Trio Snowy Day In Boston" fromOne Day It Will ...
read moreJames Hall: Lattice
by Jerome Wilson
James Hall uses an interesting combination of instruments you rarely hear in a jazz quintet on this CD, with his trombone and Jamie Baum's flute sharing the front line. The result, full of cool high-low harmonies, is an intriguing sound that goes in many different directions. The lilting weave of Shoy" showcases how well Baum's low-pitched flute and Hall's gliding trombone can work together as they move through Hall's attractive theme. Lattice" and Joe Henderson's tune Black Narcissus" ...
read more-JazzLife Magazine
"James Hall's composing and arranging on this CD combines lightness and calm with grace and understated power. . . . This is one of those CDs that gives you more to appreciate with each listen."
-Jerome Wilson, All About Jazz
". . . a close listen here indicates graceful instrumental combinations and linear development. . . . with an engaging group of performances. Hall is a warm-toned lyrical player. . . "
-Kirk Silsbee, Downbeat Magazine
Primary Instrument
Trombone
Location
Dallas
Willing to teach
Intermediate to advanced
Photos
Music
Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson
Shoy
From: LatticeBy James Hall