Stafford James

Stafford James (born April 24, 1946) is an American double-bassist and composer.

Biography

Stafford James was born in Evanston, Illinois. From ages 6 to 11 he was a left handed violinist in the school orchestra. He also possessed drawing skills, and at 13 he started to work in the atelier of Chicago church architect Barry Byrne as a tracer. By age 16 he started designing desert habitation structures in the Prairie School style with the urging of Mr. Byrne. During the Vietnam War era he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force; after his discharge he studied contrabass at the Chicago Conservatory College with Rudolf Fahsbender of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. In 1969 he moved to New York City and studied under Julius Levine at the Mannes College of Music. There, in New York, he met Pharoah Sanders, Le Gecko (WDR, 2001) A Song for Our Heroes (Staja, 2008) Round About Midnight (Staja, 2012) Stafford James String Ensemble "Live" (Roxxon Records & Tapes, 2019)

As sideman With Albert Ayler Music Is the Healing Force of the Universe (Impulse!, 1970) The Last Album (Impulse!, 1971)

With Gary Bartz Juju Street Songs (Prestige, 1972) I've Known Rivers (Prestige, 1973)

With Louis Hayes Ichi-Ban (Timeless, 1976) with Junior Cook The Real Thing (Muse, 1977)

With Pharoah Sanders Moon Child (Timeless, 1990) Welcome to Love (Timeless, 1991)

With Woody Shaw Little Red's Fantasy (Muse, 1976) The Woody Shaw Concert Ensemble at the Berliner Jazztage (Muse, 1976) For Sure! (Columbia, 1979) United (Columbia, 1981) Lotus Flower (Enja, 1982) Master of the Art (Elektra Music, 1982) Night Music (Elektra, 1982)

With others Rashied Ali, New Directions in Modern Music (Survival, 1973) Andrew Cyrille, Celebration (IPS, 1975) Kenny Gill, What Was What Is What Will Be (Raccoon, 1970) Dexter Gordon, Homecoming (Columbia, 1976) Bill Hardman, Focus (Muse, 1980 ) Jimmy Heath, Peer Pleasure (Landmark, 1987) LaVelle, Tribute to Nat "King" Cole (OMD Records, 1990) Oliver Lake, Heavy Spirits (Arista Freedom, 1975) Ronnie Mathews, Selena's Dance (Timeless, 1988) Cecil Payne, Casbah (Empathy, 1986) Roswell Rudd, Inside Job (Arista/Freedom, 1976)