Hailing from the northern California town of Paradise, Brockton James grew up in a show-business oriented family. His grandmother acted in early silent films, and his mother was a vocalist and actress in musicals and operas. His father, also a vocalist, directed many musicals, and was the first to bring professional theatre to the Paradise area in the 1960s.
A multi-instrumentalist since early childhood, James became involved with many musical activities throughout his school years, including marching band and jazz singing. During high school, he played the electric bass with the school jazz band, which appeared at many events, including opening for jazz greats Maynard Ferguson and Buddy Rich. They also performed at the Disneyland 25th anniversary celebration in June of 1980.
James recorded his first record, a three-song E.P. in Sacramento, California, in 1983. Since then, he has been involved with numerous recording projects, and has released four CDs, including the highly-acclaimed 2009 Holiday album, “A Vision of the Season.”
But James also has the gift of comedy! Along with musical partner, David Kling (James & Kling), he composed, produced and performed on songs featured on the nationally-syndicated radio program, “The Dr. Demento Show,” one of which, a Christmas novelty tune, appeared on the CD, “Holidays in Dementia,” released by Rhino Records in 1995. It continues to be a popular comedy CD to this day!
James is well versed in “behind-the-scenes” activities as well. Possessing a thorough knowledge of audio equipment, he co-owned a concert sound reinforcement company while still in High School, and received a degree in Electronic Technology in 1984. Since then, he has worked at (and set up) recording studios, engineered live events and has worked in radio-broadcasting, advertising and theatrical sound-design. He has also produced and engineered projects for other artists, and has assisted them in their promotional efforts. Presently, James operates a private recording studio, concentrating on his own compositions and sound effects for use in film, TV, advertising, multimedia projects, etc.
As a literary writer, he was a contributor to the (now defunct) magazine, “Mixdown,” and is the former theatre reviewer for his hometown newspaper, The Paradise Post. He has also written music-related magazine and book reviews for The Small Press Review (by DustBooks), and is currently authoring a non-fiction self-help book.
In his “non-musical” life, James owns a website design and hosting company, and personally manages several websites. In his spare time, he enjoys practicing Tai Chi and Chi Gong, meditation, kite flying, bike riding, walking in the park, reading, writing and learning.
James is a writer affiliate of Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI).