James Hammel

James has had a passion for singing and playing guitar that spans decades. It was in Connecticut that James met Sal Salvador, (a former jazz great), who introduced him to jazz guitar. Sal ultimately challenged James that he belonged in the world of music, and that one day he would be compelled to embrace it completely. For the better part of his adult life, he considered those words to be wishful thinking and his music remained on the sidelines. Instead he took a 20-year detour building and leading large companies. Along the way he wrote pop songs about his life experiences that are part of his repertoire today. He also continued his focus on jazz songs creating his own fresh and eclectic arrangements of standards from the Great American Songbook. In 2001, he found himself positioned at the top of the corporate ladder looking off the edge. Never having forgotten Sal's words, he took a dramatic and courageous leap back into songwriting, arranging and performing. At first, this bewildered his family and friends, but ultimately lifted James, and them, to an unprecedented new joy and affirmation that he was fulfilling his destiny. Over the past twenty years James has transitioned from New York City to Asheville, NC writing and arranging music and performing at clubs and private events. He released his second album, Epiphany, comprised of original songs in August of 2021. He will release a jazz album shortly that celebrates jazz standards as only James can. He has performed at venues such as The Metropolitan Room, the US Open Tennis Championships, Biltmore Estate, Omni Grove Park Inn. He performs solo or with his band.

Awards

Billboard awarded James a "Top 500 Songwriters Award" for his original "Anything, Any Day, Anytime" on his debut CD, Do It All Over Again. James' song "Come Together" was a finalist in the Great American Song Contest.

Gear

Guitars: Gibson L5 CES, Taylor 814CE, Manuel Rodriguez Classical Guitar, Carlo Grecco 12 String Acoustic. Amp: 1964 Fender Deluxe Reverb, AER 60.

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