José James was born in The Canal Zone, Panama where he studied music theory and classical flute at the Conservatory. He decided later to move to the United States to continue his music education attending the University of Minnesota, where he performed with the Jazz Ensemble touring with Clark Terry finishing with a performance at Carnegie Hall in New York City. During this time he also played with other guest artist like Eddie Daniels, Bob Brookmeyer and Art Pepper. In 1980, José formed his first Jazz Fusion band called Top Secret where he appeared on shows like The Dennis Green Show (ex-Minnesota Vikings Football Coach), Night Stage, and Almost Live! / KITN TV, KTWN Live! In 1987, he joined Ipso Facto and in 1989 entered the Yamaha Soundcheck Band competition, winning the Best Band award in the United States. This created the opportunity to represent the U.S. at Band Explosion in Tokyo, Japan, where they competed against 22 bands from 23 countries around the world. They took First Place in Tokyo, winning the Platinum Prize and subsequently signed a recording contract with Sony/Epic Records. Ipso Facto went on to record four CDs and toured with UB40, Tracy Chapman, Third World, Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers, Shabba Ranks, The Kinks, The Clash, Richard Marx, Steel Pulse and many others. In 1992 he served as opening act for artists such as Jimmy Walker, Nipsey Russell, George Wallace, Larry Miller and performed with Paul Williams, Doc Severinsen, Rubén Blades, Alexander O’Neal and Bonnie Raitt to name a few. In 1994 he was voted Best Brass/Reed Artist at the Minnesota Music Awards an in 2006 and 2007, he toured Europe, Turkey and Russia with Syl Johnson. His current Jazz group plays music from Weather Report, Coltrane, Steps Ahead to name a few, and his own compositions. José has released a CD of electro/acoustic percussion music called “Jungle to Jungle”, a pro football single entitled “Sixx P’s, and “With Faith/Con Fe” his latest release of Latin Pop/Jazz music on his label, JNJ Records. For more information please visit: www.myspace.com/josenjames and www.josejames.com.