The Jazz Organ Scene

USA

James Witherite James, a western Pennsylvania native, first found his musical aptitude at age 3, when he began picking out melodies on his grandmother's Wurlitzer organ. He began playing the trumpet in grade 3 and was active in his school's band, choral and theatre departments through graduation from Brookville, PA, Area High School in 2004. While James represented Brookville as a three-time member of the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association All-State Chorus, the majority of his formation as a musician came outside the classroom, largely through his transcription of horn section parts from Chicago records and his self-driven study of music theory, harmony and orchestration.   Following his graduation from high school, James moved to downtown Pittsburgh, where he studied music technology at Duquesne University and graduated magna cum laude in December 2007. James studied jazz trumpet under world renowned artist Sean Jones, and music theory and jazz composition under acclaimed writers Mike Tomaro and David Cutler.   After settling on the East Coast, James spent many of his weekends in 2010 and 2011 playing in club and wedding bands through the region before once again deciding to fully dedicate himself to the music he loves: jazz. He spent 2012 revisiting old compositions and premiering new ones with the Zeropoint Big Band in State College, PA.   James fell in love with jazz organ, owing to his piano chops, his experience covering bass parts with his left hand on those weekend club gigs, and his knack for on-the-spot orchestration. Under the guidance and tutelage of B-3 great Tony Monaco, James blossomed into a capable jazz organist himself.   Currently, James is active as an organist — with his Philadelphia-based trio, at his Catholic parish in Dover, DE.

contact:
homepage:	www.jameswitherite.net
	Click on the logo to see James' tour dates.

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