James, a native of Kansas City, attended Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, Florida, where he studied Tuba, and played Acoustic and Electric Bass in numerous bands while attending college. James' experience, skill, and reputation as a Bass Player led him to opportunities to perform with greats throughout the years such as Marcus Roberts, Wycliffe Gordon, Nat Adderly, Mark Whitfield, Bobby Watson, John Cushon, Patti Austin, Jonathan Dubose, Claude "Fiddler" Williams, Lisa Henry, Chris Barnett, Jackie Mills, Russell Malone, Marcus Printup, Peter Martin, Scotty Barnhart and Will Matthews of the Count Basie Orchestra, Gospel Artists Dorinda Clark-Cole and Donald Lawrence, and a host of other artists. James also toured South Africa with Oleta Adams.
The James Ward Band (The JWB) is a Contemporary Jazz/Smooth Jazz Band, whose show consists of a combination of Latin, R&B, Fusion, Funk, Jazz, and Gospel. On May 12, 2007, they released their debut album entitled "In Perspective", which debuted on the Smooth Jazz Indie Charts at #42 and quickly soared to the top 20 and stayed for a number of weeks.
In Perspective was followed by "Groove Axis" released July 2010, now available on CD Baby, itunes, emusic, and amazon.com. Groove Axis features band members James Ward on Bass, Angela Ward on Keyboards and Arranging, Ray Stewart on Percussion, Matt Hopper on Guitar, Gerald Dunn on Soprano and Tenor Sax, and Ryan Lee on Drums.
Guest artists appearing are Aaron Simcox on Alto Saxophone on Echoes written by song writer, Valerie Gregory; Clint Ashlock on Trumpet, Jason Guedeou on Trombone, and Karetta Carter on Trombone, the featured horn section on Got to Get You Into My Life, which also features Jonathan DuBose on Lead Guitar; Vibraphonist Greg Carroll, Guitarist Matt Hopper, and Ashley Wenberg featured on Flute on Waves; the writing of Eric Grover on 2 Minute Chase featuring Ryan Lee on Drums; the Drum Programming of Kevin Johnson on the title cut, Groove Axis; and Aaron Mayfield on synth bass on the Bet That Up Reprise. The combination of these various styles from each musician is what makes the James Ward Band unique.
Instrumentation
James Ward, Bass
Angie Ward, Keyboards
Gerald Dunn, Alto and Tenor Sax
Ray Stewart, Percussion
Ryan Lee, Drums
Matt Hopper, Guitar
Website :- www.thejwb.com
