James’ mother enrolled James for piano lessons at the age of five. He passed his first two exams and went on to win several local talent shows. On his twelfth birthday, he was invited to play in a pub near Camberley in Surrey. This was James’ first paid gig; the landlord give him half-a-crown (12½ pence today) and the audience made it up to fifteen shillings (75p). From then, James’ only ambition was to be a musician.

In 1963, James was invited to audition for a summer season on the Isle of Sheppy. He gave up his father’s business and duly signed up to play at a holiday camp, becoming a Pontins Bluecoat. He also played in many clubs up and down the country accompanying many of the big name cabaret acts. In 1964 James took a band on the P&O Liner “Oriana” and the following year sailed the world on the SS “Orcades”. In 1968 James and his band joined Mecca International and became the resident band at many of their top nightspots including seven years at Stoke Tiffanys and spells in Shrewsbury, Tottenham Royal, Ilford Palais and the Norwood Rooms in Norwich.

James became Musical Director of the Vandyke Big Band in 1991. The name was changed and James has brought the band to its present high standard.

 In 1968 James married Val and they have a son, Timothy.

 James’ website