Mandolinist
James Key got his musical start in high school, developing his guitar chops
in various rock bands. From there he quickly moved into acoustic
music, often teaming up with other like-minded musicians to explore the
possibilities of playing in duos. Then it was a short jump to bluegrass
mandolin, and he soon found himself playing with local bluegrass groups
such as New Mountain.
More recently James has been
in demand as a freelance mandolinist. The stellar list of local acts
he has played and recorded with includes Kevin
Johnson and the Linemen, Last
Train Home, Scott McKnight,
Owen
Davis, and The Fleastompers.
With Martini Red, James has been able to take new leaps into the world
of acoustic jazz.
Photo by Jim Stanley
early jazz great and Django Reinhardt partner Stephane Grappelli; the often-imitated
but inimitable cornet of Louis Armstrong; the much underappreciated jazz
mandolin innovations of Jethro Burns; and the guitar work of Wes Montgomery.
With all this, James's unique improvisational style is at the heart of
Martini Red's acoustic sound.
To contact James, click here .