A R R A N G I N G
James is in-demand as an arranger of classical, jazz and crossover repertoire. His arrangements have been published, recorded and performed internationally.
In recent years, he has been commissioned by composer-saxophonist Andy Scott to arrange, for flute and guitar, a number of Scott's popularly performed works which were originally composed for settings including saxophone and vibraphone, flute and harp, tuba with brass band, and clarinet ensemble. These include sonata 'Nemesis', 'And Everything Is Still...', 'Paquito' and 'Fujiko', which were published by Astute Music during 2021-22.
Recorded in 2017, James was commissioned by jazz singer Jacqui Dankworth and Craig Ogden to write arrangements of jazz standards and popular songs, which they have toured widely.
"Exquisite.”
- Jacqui Dankworth
If you are interested in James' arranging services, please get in contact.
Most recently, he has arranged for the Hallé Orchestra, and for the Aquarelle Guitar Quartet with pianist/vocalist Clarice Assad ahead of their forthcoming album on Chandos Records.
For guitar and voice, James has arranged a collection of classical songs by Federico García Lorca, Fernando Obradors and Carlos Guastavino, whose original piano parts' hispanic character lends itself to the Spanish guitar. Additionally, for guitar and flute, he has arranged Messaien's '5 Leçons de Solfege', pieces by William Grant Still, a selection of the late Chick Corea's 'Children's Songs', and Quarteto Novo recordings, as performed extensively by the Meraki Duo.
Other settings for which James has arranged include chamber orchestra for The Untold Orchestra's collaborations with Artephis, and the RNCM Jazz Octet.