James is a world class percussionist and soloist. His main instrument is the Riqq, a small hand-held tambourine, traditionally with skin covering and five pairs of cymbals. An autodidactic child prodigy, James’ unique innovative style and mastery of this ancient instrument has brought him great acclaim worldwide, and he made his Australian Chamber Orchestra debut at just 15 years of age.
His dexterity, rhythmic variety and virtuosity continue to amaze audiences. He has performed internationally with many celebrated artists and regularly accompanies his brother Joseph in concert.
Some of his career highlights as soloist include orchestral tours with the Australian Chamber Orchestra and Camerata Salzburg,
as well as a duet recording collaboration with legend jazz drummer Jack DeJohnette (of Miles Davis fame) for the album The Hour of Separation. He has performed with greats such as Béla Fleck, John Abercrombie, John Patitucci, Howard Johnson, Richard Bona, Joey DeFrancesco, Roy Ayers, Christian McBride and Mike Stern to name a few.
Alongside his brother Joseph, he has picked up 5 ARIA Awards for Best World Music Album in 2012, 2013, 2014, 2020 and 2022.
In 2017, James made his premiere with the BBC Symphony Orchestra at the BBC Proms and most recently performed with the Morphing Chamber Orchestra at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
James holds a Masters degree in Biomedical Engineering from University of Technology in Sydney.
