James Addis is a dynamic up-and-coming jazz pianist who regularly appears solo, with his own trio, and as a sideman in various projects. Since first becoming interested in jazz at the age of 9 after seeing the Esbjörn Svensson Trio perform live, James’ love for the music has only intensified – he has developed a strong personal voice, inventiveness and sophistication which makes his performances, arrangements and original compositions uniquely identifiable. What truly sets James apart is his “big sound”, engaging and exciting the audience in the bluesy tradition of Oscar Peterson, Monty Alexander, and Gene Harris.
An audience favourite, James has played at numerous major venues in Toronto and across Ontario, including Koerner Hall, Toronto Centre for the Arts, the Mod Club, Hugh's Room, and the Home Smith Bar. During the summer, he is regularly featured – both as a solo pianist and with his trio – in the Saugeen Shores area, where he has performed at ROSINA, the Walker House, Duffy’s, and the Woodpecker. James was thrilled to be featured at the 2017 Canadian Big Band Celebration with his trio and at the 2018 Toronto Duke Ellington Society Gala Concert, where he premiered four original arrangements of Duke Ellington compositions for jazz quartet. He enjoys giving back to the community through performances at fundraisers for worthy causes – such as ICRF Presents, Chords for Chordoma, and benefits for neighbourhood organizations – as well as at seniors’ homes, veterans’ facilities, and hospitals.
James has performed with many notable instrumentalists, including Chris Potter, Barry Elmes, Jack McFadden, Ted Warren, and Charlie Cooley. He is also an experienced accompanist, having worked with vocalists such as Aura Rully, Wendy Lands, Tyler Yarema, and Sonja Gustafson. In addition, James has extensive big band experience – he has held the piano chair of Riffintime, a Toronto-based big band featuring many established musicians, for five years, and he played in the York University Jazz Orchestra for two years.
James has had the privilege of studying with Frank Falco, Mark Eisenman, Barry Elmes, Kelly Jefferson, and Mike Cadó during his time in the York University jazz program. Prior to university, he studied extensively with Louis Simão, Michael Occhipinti, Chris Donnelly, and John MacLeod. In 2016 and 2017, James was honoured to be selected – out of over 30 pianists from around the world – to work with the legendary drummer Jeff Hamilton at the Centrum Jazz Workshop. James continues to be recognised as a rising star: he was showcased on JazzFM91’s Jazzology program with Heather Bambrick and selected to participate in the inaugural TD Toronto Jazz Festival Jazz Musician Intensive, led by bassist Mike Downes. James is humbled to have been awarded numerous academic and music scholarships, including the York University Oscar Peterson Scholarship MTCU, the Douglas Menzie Phillips Scholarship in Jazz, the YUFA Undergraduate Scholarship, a Talent Entrance Scholarship, and the Olive Lower Prize in Jazz Piano (twice).
About the James Addis Trio
The James Addis Trio excites audiences with its new brand of jazz. Swinging, appealing, sophisticated and inventive, they draw from many stylistic influences, including bop, blues, post-bop, funk, and more. With wide-ranging audience appeal, the trio is regularly asked back. To hear recordings of the trio, please visit the 'Listen' page, go to https://soundcloud.com/james-addis-149366727/sets/listen-to-james, or go to the trio's EPK here.
