Billy James

Like gunslingers, the speed with which a jazz drummer moves could make, break, or even end his reputation. One aspect of Billy James' fame as the "favorite drummer" of hard bop saxophonist Sonny Stitt and the so-called "dean of acid jazz" would have to do with unflagging commitment to accuracy during the execution of rapid versions of songs -- Stitt, after all, is responsible for what experts insist is the fastest version of "Cherokee" known to mankind. Unlike denizens of the Wild West, however, jazz drummers have other options at their disposal besides the rapid draw. In actuality, the most distinctive aspect of James' drumming is an extremely well-disposed shuffle that he seems able to reinvent endlessly, chorus after chorus. The drummer plays particularly well with funky jazz guitarists and has been featured on recordings with some of the best, including Grant Green and Pat Martino.



Read More