ABOUT JAMES CURGENVEN
Born in Leeds and growing up in Huddersfield, James started his musical journey with his passion for the clarinet.
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His passion for the Clarinet still continues joined by additional passions for any other wind instrument James has collected. This includes an array of Clarinets as well as Saxophones and Flutes.
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James graduated from the University of Hull with and BMus at first class honours and an MMus at distinction level. James continues to study for his PhD in Music Performance at the University of Hull.
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It was at the University of Hull where James found his passion for not only Jazz but more specifically avant-garde and contemporary Jazz. His recent compositions have been heavily influenced by John Coltrane and Jan Garbarek.
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Composing for himself has been a regular activity in James' musical life, however he has composed for various groups around the UK, including most notably the Wisteria Quartet.
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James has done many studio and live recordings resulting in many EPs released under his name. Tracks from these EPs have been played on national radio shows such as, BBC Radio 3's Jazz Now as well as more local shows. During the recent pandemic James has been recording for musicians across the UK, resulting in parts of online videos and performances.
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James teaches for Musica Kirklees as well as Bradford Music and Arts Service where he teaches whole class instruments as well as individual and group lessons. James is also self-employed as a instrumental teacher, focusing on online lessons. He is committed to bringing musical education of all genres to everyone.
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James founded the band Karmic Script within the first year of his PhD. They continue to develop their improvised and groove based music around cultural contexts, belief systems and personal belief systems. Within their short history they have performed as part of the Hull Jazz Festival events series - WildSide@HOME as well as Marsden Jazz Fringe Festival.
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He is also a member of the Independent Society of Musicians.
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an exciting young performer and composer stretching the boundaries between genres and styles.
Jessica Taylor (Woodwind Performer)
Hymns for a Crossing Soul is a boundary pushing work that drives the genre in a new direction.
Dan Johns (Producer and Sound Engineer)
I like that, that is great! [In reference to 'With the Sunlight in Her Hair']