Justin James is a classical and contemporary pianist with a deep affinity for the music of the 19th and 20th century periods, especially that of Chopin, Debussy, Scriabin and Rachmaninoff. Aged four, Justin began playing his first notes and has never lost touch with the instrument. Growing up in a musical household with heaps of classical and jazz influences didn't hurt either. A former student of Perth Modern School as part of the music scholarship program, he also trained in classical piano at the WA Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA).
During this time, Justin was able to grasp large scale piano works with a musical sensitivity beyond his years, however the plaudits did not impact on him. "I remember Walter Haas telling me after a performance that he had seen many pianists and that I would "make it" but it was just about the music for me.
Record producer Martin Clarke was a huge influence on Justin. His knowledge whether good or bad of the music industry, the media, the recording process and artist management was a guiding influence in making many of his life choices. A former Music Managers Forum member, Justin James is also a full writer member of the Australian Performing Rights Association and a friend of the Sydney International Piano Competition.
Introducing Justin James - Piano V.1
This debut recording from Justin James is a collection of "timeless" composition for the piano. The album begins with the expressive and ornamental Nocturne of Chopin as we are taken on a poetic musical journey featuring the delicate Minute Waltz and two Preludes which include the elegant Raindrop, culminating in two of Chopin's most cherished and technically difficult Etudes.
From there, we melt into the sonorous tranquillity of Debussy's first Arabesque and second Image from Book Two, showcasing the natural acoustics of both instrument and venue.
Two "Chopinesque" Etudes from the lyrical Scriabin transport us to a climactic finale with several scintillating Preludes and the fourth Moment Musical of Rachmaninoff, highlighting the incredible depth and power of the grand piano.
*Piano V.1 #1 on Piano Charts & #10 on Classical Charts ( MP3.com.au)
Coming Soon, Justin James - Piano V.2
Piano V.2, further explores the beauty and artistry of composers Chopin, Debussy, Scriabin and Rachmaninoff. Justin James performs a "timeless" selection of the most cherished piano music ever written in his sublime signature style.
"It's about balance, whether performing or recording, be it shaping of the melody, finding a tempo that resonates or establishing a dynamic range suitable for the composition. It's incredibly personal, subjective and heartfelt."
Reviews:
"On this his first CD, Justin James reveals himself to be an artist of considerable depth. One is left with the strong impression that technique is always at the service of the music. The moments of high drama are always crafted within a convincing overall understanding of structure and there is never a sense of "selling out" to bravura for bravura's sake. Conversely, Justin James seems at pains to explore the intimate nature of the works and he does so with great sincerity and feeling. His voicing in the left hand is often extremely delicate, almost to a fault at times. My overall impression of this CD is one of admiration. Justin James is a serious artist and is deserving of recognition and wide exposure" - Paul Wright (UWA)
"I am most impressed with Justin James Piano V.1. His playing is excellent and it is truly amazing that he managed to record everything in one short session. His excellent technique goes without saying. I also like being able to hear exactly where left and right hand fitted together in the Chopin, rather than hearing a flurry of notes blurred by the pedal as often one hears. I also liked his use of rubato there. The C Sharp Prelude from Rachmaninoff came as a surprise, but the extra time allowed all the overtones from the introductory octaves.
This is certainly one of my favourite CD's and I will play it often. So many of these pieces are well known to me but he brings something fresh to each of them. Perhaps it is better to be introspective rather than outwardly showy as so many pianists are these days" - Jean Collen (BA Hons /LTCL Trinity College London)
