James Davis, a Chicago trumpeter and music maker, enjoys exploring a wide array of musical environments. As a composer, improviser, and educator he is involved in a diverse blend of musical communities in the Chicago area. In addition to leading his own groups, James has also recently collaborated and/or recorded with Matt Ulery, The Metropolitan Jazz Octet, The Heritage Jazz Orchestra, and The New Standard Jazz Orchestra. James’ playing has been heard at venues around the world including The Kennedy Center, The Montreux, North Sea, and Montreal Jazz Festivals.
James has earned recognition as a finalist both in the 2004 ITG Jazz Improvisation Competition and the 2007 Carmine Caruso International Jazz Trumpet Competition and has completed degrees at the University of Texas at Arlington, and at the University of North Texas. At UNT, James had the opportunity to tour and record with the Grammy nominated One O’clock Lab Band and the UNT Wind Symphony. James’ playing and compositions are featured on his group Beveled’s newest release Arc and Edge, as well as his previous releases Remain Calm (2022), Disappearing Roads (2018), Beveled (2014), and Angles of Refraction (2009), among others. He is currently on faculty at Triton College, Wheaton College, and Harold Washington College.
James Davis, a Chicago trumpeter and music maker, enjoys exploring a wide array of musical environments. As a composer, improviser, and educator he is involved in a diverse blend of musical communities in the Chicago area. In addition to leading his own groups, James has also recently collaborated and/or recorded with Matt Ulery, The Metropolitan Jazz Octet, The Heritage Jazz Orchestra, and The New Standard Jazz Orchestra. James’ playing has been heard at venues around the world including The Kennedy Center, The Montreux, North Sea, and Montreal Jazz Festivals.
James has earned recognition as a finalist both in the 2004 ITG Jazz Improvisation Competition and the 2007 Carmine Caruso International Jazz Trumpet Competition and has completed degrees at the University of Texas at Arlington, and at the University of North Texas. At UNT, James had the opportunity to tour and record with the Grammy nominated One O’clock Lab Band and the UNT Wind Symphony. James’ playing and compositions are featured on his group Beveled’s newest release Arc and Edge, as well as his previous releases Remain Calm (2022), Disappearing Roads (2018), Beveled (2014), and Angles of Refraction (2009), among others. He is currently on faculty at Triton College, Wheaton College, and Harold Washington College.
