James Simonson
(Bass)

If you took Flea, Motown's James Jamerson, and sprinkled in some Bootsy Collins you'd begin to get an understanding of what James sounds like.

James started out playing guitar but switched to bass at twelve. He progressed quickly and began playing with pros while still in high school. He studied extensively with DSO bassist Max Janowsky. He played with the Disney World Company Orchestra where he performed with artists such as Joe Williams, Arturo Sandoval, and Carol Channing.

He has also performed or recorded with a host of other artists, both local and national, including Steve Turre, Johnnie Bassett and the Blues Insurgents, Robert Gordon (with Black Beauty), Larry Fratangelo, Blue Dog, Robert Tye (Simonson, Taylor, Tye), Wendell Harrison, Blackman and Arnold, Thornetta Davis, The Reefermen, Gangster Fun, and many others.

At the age of 24 James has already played all of Europe, and the South Pacific from Alaska to Australia. James' amazing technique, musicianship and natural feel has quickly made him one of the most sought after and respected bass players in Detroit.

In March of 2001 James was nominated for "Outstanding Jazz Instrumentalist" in the Detroit Music Awards.

James can be reached at james[at]thebrothersgroove.com