NEWS
April 25, 2008

Welcome To The New Web Site

JamesBazen.net has always been a good place to find out about public performances and check out recordings. But over the past year I have been doing a lot more producing, engineering and writing so it was time for a change. Here are some highlights:

• The Arrangements/Compositions page now includes sound bites and sample pdf files of the scores.
• The Producing/Engineering page is new. There you will find a few samples of my studio work. You can compare the rough mixes with the final mixes.
• The Recordings page has been updated to include sound bites for every tune on the CD's. There are links to the Music Unlimited online store as well as cdbaby and iTunes.
• A cool juke box for your listening pleasure while you browse. You operate it just like your CD player (does anyone have those anymore?) or your iPod: fast forward, rewind, go to the next or previous track. Or, if you get no pleasure listening to the tunes while you browse you can just turn the damn thing off with a click.

I hope you find the new look and feel cool and entertaining. Thanks for visiting!

 Arranging/Composing

Film Your Issue (FYI) produced a video short for the Canaan Children's Home in Africa and needed it to be scored. Of course I couldn't resist and submitted a piece. I went out and bought some neat instruments that included a kalimba, a finger drum and a singing bowl. Then learned to play them (sort of) and proceeded to compose a piece. Watch the video and tell me what you think.

I have also been writing and transcribing charts for my friend David Bach. He is an amazing contemporary jazz keyboard player and he has some great tunes. It is much fun working with him on these charts.

Producing/Engineering 

Since I became a Certified (some would say "certifiable"!) Pro Tools Operator I have been getting busier and busier in the studio. It has been great working with all the wonderful musicians in this area. Hot off the press is Larry Brown's latest called "Peace". And not too long in the future a classical CD of Jonathan Newmark's chamber works will be released. Check back here for updates.

If you are considering a recording project and need an engineer or producer please shoot me an email. If you include your mailing address I'll be glad to send you a demo CD.

I Create Music Expo Report

I was off to L. A. April 9 - 13 for the I Create Music Expo. It featured leading professionals from all segments of the music industry including creative, technical and business.

On Wednesday l attended the ASCAP Pop Music Awards. This is where ASCAP recognizes the artists, song writers, publishers and producers whose music has been played the most over the last year. The Golden Note Award was presented to Lionel Richie and Steve Miller by Quincey Jones (my personal hero!). It also featured performances by Sara Bareilles ("Love Song") and a burnin' set by The Steve Miller Band.

On Thursday night I was jamming on my flute with a group of singer/songwriters. Based on that we were invited to play for closing night on Saturday at the famed club The Highlands. From that point on I became "The Flute Guy" to most. Hey, I've been called worse!

I also got to meet one of my big jazz arranger influences, Bill Holman. What a treat!

On the links page I have listed the web sites of some of my new found musical collaborators. Please check them out. They are all fabulous.

Oh yeah. And there were lots of informative panels, lectures and workshops.

A full report and pics can be found at ascap.com.

Bethesda Fine Arts Festival

I'll be teaming up with the lovely and talented vocalist Jessica Lynn for a gig at the Bethesda Fine Arts Fest on Sunday 5/11/08 12:30 - 2:30 PM. It's free so come on out. For other public gigs go to Performances.