Instrumentation

James Ward, Bass; Angie Ward, Keyboards; Gerald Dunn, Alto and Tenor Sax; Markel Clayton, Percussion; Andrew Ward, Drums; and Travis Johnson, Guitar

Biography

The James Ward Band was formed January of 1997 at The Blue Room located on 18th and Vine in Kansas City, MO. 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, Oleta Adams, John Cushon, Patti Austin, Jonathan Dubose, Claude "Fiddler" Williams, Lisa Henry, Chris Burnett, 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 has just returned to the United States from South Africa where he was on tour with Oleta Adams.

The James Ward Band 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, James released his debut album entitled "In Perspective", featuring members of the Band: Gerald Dunn on Saxophone who plays various styles also ranging from Contemporary and Traditional Jazz, Funk, and more; Andrew Ward on Drums who masters styles of music ranging from Gospel to Contemporary Jazz, and Fusion; Angie Ward on Keyboards who arranges, composes, and plays styles ranging from Jazz, Funk, Classical, and Gospel; Markel Clayton on Percussion who writes and plays styles of music ranging from Latin, R&B, Gospel, and Contemporary Jazz; and Travis Johnson on Guitar who plays anything ranging from screaming Rock Lead Guitar, Blues, Jazz, R&B, and Gospel. The combination of these various styles from each musician is what makes the James Ward Band unique.

Discography

On May 12, JWB released their first CD entitled "In Perspective". It has received stunning reviews and is selling remarkably. "In Perspective" also features guest Jazz Luminaries John Cushon on Drums and Jonathan DuBose on Guitar. In August, James Ward signed with 'ASR Records.