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Press Release
April 29, 2003
Pianist Chris James
Monday June 2, 2003, 8pm, $5 cover
Pianist Chris James is set for a first jazz appearence in Little Rock with Roy Murdock on bass, and Dave Rogers at the drums Monday Jazz Project at the Afterthought Monday, June 2, 2003, 8 p.m., $5 cover, The Afterthought, Little Rock. Chris James (Gootherts) will be performing at the Afterthought on June 2nd , 8pm with Dave Rogers on drums and Roy Murdock on bass.
Also known as Gootherts, Chris James is a new face in Little Rock, having moved here recently from the San Francisco bay area as Worship/Music Director for St. Andrews Church (Anglican Mission in America) which meets at the Lutheran High School, corner of Markham and Hughes. But Chris also brings an eclectic background to benefit Little Rock's jazz community.
Professional Jazz Highlights:
The Chris James Quartet was popular during the 1980's and early 90's. The group featured Vibraphonist Tommy Kesecker, Drummer Paul Van Wageningen (Stan Getz, Andy Narrell & Pete Escovido), and Bassist Scoop McGuire (Shana Morrison, Bob Crosby). The group released its first album in 1986, "Dessert" a jazz/contemporary album that was released nationally through Catero Records (Fred Catero, of CBS Records fame). "Dessert" received national airplay and excellent recognition.
Through album recognition the Chris James Quartet was co-billed and played with Stan Getz, Richie Cole, Mark Murphy and many other top jazz talent at such venues as Monterey, Russian River, San Francisco Jazz Festivals as well as Jazz cruises and college campuses in California, Washington, Oregon, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Arkansas, Nevada, Utah and Oklahoma.
In 1984 Chris James set up a talent agency that specialized in jazz festivals and ship board jazz theme cruises. It was through this connection that Chris built relationships with and opened for Dave Brubeck, Sarah Vaughn, Ramsey Lewis, George Shearing, Billy Eckstein, Freddie Hubbard, Tania Maria, MJQ, Richie Cole, Carmen McRae and a score of other top jazz talent.
In 1998 Chris released a solo album "Piano Christmas" on the Naturequest label. The CD has received excellent reviews and distribution nationally in Target and Wal Mart stores. This project was recorded at Laughing Coyote Studios with Spencer Brewer as producer. The project fulfilled his goal of marrying his expertise as a musician, producer, and as a Christian, recording music that glorifies God.
Professional Christian Music Highlights:
When Chris left the secular music business in 1993 he was able to put more effort into Christian music. Even while he was touring in the music business he was leading contemporary and traditional worship in numerous churches, including Episcopal, Baptist, Roman Catholic, Evangelical Free, Non-denominational, Assemblies of God. He has led city-wide crusades and Christian music seminars throughout the country teaching about music and worship leadership within the church.
In 1998 Chris was picked to musically direct the Power of God Band; a 17 piece worship band of Christian music all-stars. This group has released three live CD's in 1999, 2000 and 2001. In his capacity as music director he had had the privilege of working with Phil Driscol, Ron Kenoly, Paul Baloche, Bob Kilpatrick, Terry Clark, Go Fish, Steve Camp and many others.
All dates at the Afterthought 2721 Kavanaugh, Little Rock. (501) 663-1196. The Monday Jazz Project is sponsored by The Arkansas Jazz Heritage Foundation (www.arjazz.org), with special assistance from the Afterthought Seating is General Admission. For more information on the Monday Jazz Project contact Cecil Rich at (501) 228-9999.
The Beechwood Grill is now open next to the Afterthought, its No-Smoking, 11 AM to 9 PM, Monday thru Saturday, same menu in the Afterthought 5:30 to 9 PM.
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