About James

Drummer / percussionist / vibes player based in London. Classically trained with huge variety of performance and recording experience

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Drummer

London

Verified profile

I’m James Taylor, a drummer / percussionist based in London. I like to work collaboratively and creatively with other musicians, and support songwriters with beats and the percussive backdrop to their songs. As a classically trained musician I also enjoy reading music in any context from a jazz trio to an orchestral setting. I studied drums and percussion with some of the countries top musicians, am a former member of the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain and have performed in venues such as the Royal Albert Hall and at festivals and Rock and Jazz clubs throughout the UK and Europe. I also sing backing vocals and play keyboard and guitar instruments to a good standard I have loads of live, studio and theoretical experience and am not afraid to get stuck into any kind of project or situation - I am an open minded and individual musician, honest and enthusiastic about what I do. Nice to meet you! ______________________________________ Recent playing includes: Live percussionist for Phillip Henry and Hannah Martin Session percussionist for the BBC Concert Band Studio sessions for platinum selling producer Andy Whitmore Drum kit for ‘Alice in Wonderland’ at the Royal Opera House Djembe for ‘Macbeth’ at the Barbican

James' Reviews

You are a very talented young musician and we have very much enjoyed working with you.

So if anyone needs a brilliant percussion player for some session work, recording, etc, then i woud highly recommend asking James. And he's a lovely bloke too....

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Encore badges

Lightning fast responses

Average response time under 2 hours

Saved the day!

Booked for an Encore gig with less than 24 hours’ notice

8th Anniversary

This act has been working with Encore for over 8 years

James' Prices

Note: prices may vary based on travel distance. For an exact quote, click “Check availability”.

Musicianship

Genres:

Christmas, Contemporary Christian, Military, Traditional church music, Classical, Baroque, Classical crossover, Contemporary classical, Early music, Fanfare, Film / TV music, Medieval music, Musical theatre, Opera, Renaissance, Electronic, Ambient, Breakbeat, Deep house, Drum 'n' Bass, Dubstep, EDM, Electro-Swing, Electronica, Garage, House, IDM, Industrial, Jungle, Techno, Triphop, 1920s era music, 1930s era music, 1940s era music, 1950s era music, 1960s era music, 1970s era music, 1980s era music, 1990s era music, Folk, Bluegrass, Ceillidh, Country, Folk rock, Irish rock, Rockabilly, Traditional English folk, Traditional Irish folk, Traditional Scottish folk, Jazz, Blues, Cabaret, Dixieland, Gypsy jazz, Jazz fusion, Latin jazz, Modern jazz, Postmodern jukebox jazz, Ragtime, Swing, Barbershop, Gospel, Avant garde, Easy listening, Experimental, Light music, Marching, Noise music, Originals, Pop, Acoustic, Ambient pop, Americana, Covers, Disco, Funk, Funk rock, Hip Hop, Karaoke, Motown, R&B, Soul, Top 40, Tribute, Vintage, Rock, Alternative rock, Britpop, Classic rock, Glam rock, Hard rock, Hardcore, Heavy metal, Indie, Pop rock, Post rock, Power rock, Progressive rock, Punk rock, Rock 'n' Roll, Synth rock, World music, Afrobeat, Brazilian music, Polka, Reggae, Samba, Salsa, Ska, Skiffle

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Instruments:

Drums, Percussion, Vibraphone

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Event types:

Bar / Club / Venue event, Wedding, Wedding proposal, Funeral / Memorial service, Church service, Hotel / Restaurant event, Private event, Corporate event, Charity event, Concert, Recording session, Theatre / Show, Cruise, Burns night, Birthday party, Christmas party, New Year's Eve

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Other skills:

Fluent improviser, Fluent sight-reader, Instrumental teaching, Theory teaching, Music therapy, Examiner, Community music worker, Accompanist

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