ABOUT JAMES ROSOCHA
Known throughout New Jersey and the Upper Northeast region as an exemplary, electric jazz bassist, James Rosocha releases his first debut album “Avalon,” which is earning him impressive nods as a leader. His combination of technical and artistic skills are featured in nine (9) songs, characterized as funky-Latin jazz, and jazz fusion to modern jazz with eight (8) original compositions.
During 20 years as a sideman with jazz fusion guitarist B.D. Lenz, with whom James has toured the U.S. and Europe, James collaborated on nine (9) albums [Apria / Jade Buddha] with Lenz. Commercial success can be heard on MTV, VH1, USA, A&E, Nickelodeon, Travel Network, Food Network, Spike TV, Comedy Central and many more. Persevering as an artist, while moving forward and expressing himself musically on tour, has been a great, personal accomplishment for Rosocha.
A Berklee College of Music graduate in Boston, James Rosocha studied with the Jersey jazz guitar icon Harry Leahey. “He had a very structured, sequential, no nonsense teaching style. The man is literally a part of jazz history and I was very lucky to study with him,” James remembers. That is what sparked Rosocha’s interest in jazz, fusion and instrumental music. Fortunately, it also eventually led him to study with Dave LaRue [Steve Morse Band + Dixie Dregs].
Rosocha studied with the famous jazz educator Charlie Banacos, too, after initially being placed on a two year waiting list. “His lessons on jazz improvisation were intense,” requiring great discipline and time to complete them. James encourages the next generations of musicians to enroll in music business courses in conjunction with their core music program. That is a critical component, vital to each musician’s career.
As luck would have it, Rosocha’s shared the stage with the legendary Randy Brecker (t), Hiram Bullock (g), Joel Rosenblatt (d), Jay Beckenstein (s), Jeremy Wall (p) [Spyro Gyra] and leader Trey Anastasio (g) [Phish], with whom James appears alongside in the new Phish Companion book, which documents the band’s history and music.
James Rosocha endorses: Spector Basses, Bartolini pickups, Eden Electronics, and Hipshot Detuners.
Rosocha now writes a monthly column for Bass Musician Magazine, Harmony Central, and Guitar 9 — online guitar magazines. When he is not glued to his bass or computer screen composing, he spends time writing articles for these new publications filled with advice, insights, and instructional exercises.
A premier, private bass and guitar educator in the tri-state area for more than 30 years, James first began teaching at a very young age at a local music store. When his high school friends needed a bass player, he simply purchased a bass and joined their group the next day! His first musical influences were rock bands Led Zeppelin, Cream, Rush, and Yes.
‘Don’t give up the ship,’ is an aphorism bassist James Rosocha lives by. He admits it’s easy to get discouraged. “Push forward at all costs. Take a day off it you need it. Go to the movies, beach, or park. Then, roll up your sleeves and get back to work.”
Primarily spending most of his life as a Jersey boy — aside from four (4) years in Boston — James is the only musician in his family. In his free time, he enjoys bike riding, jogging, exercise, and going to the beach.
“Every great contemporary musician stands on the shoulders of giants. Among the royalty of electric bass, before there was Richard Bona, there was Jaco Pastorius, and before there was Marcus Miller there was Larry Graham. Although James Rosocha has his own voice, I hear the voices of those elders of the tribe in his voice. You will find the funk of Larry and Marcus in ‘Turbulence Ahead’ and ‘Dysfunction Junction,’ and the melodic flight of Jaco and Richard in ‘Avalon.’ Jazz fusion needs some love these days and James definitely brings it.” – Paul Wickliffe, Recording Engineer/Producer/Grammy Nominee, Skyline Studios
“Note worthy too is Rosocha’s extended solo on “Quite Desperation,” proving again that the electric bass in such hands claims an encompassing piece of musical turf.” – John W. Patterson, All About Jazz
“Bassist Mark Egan plays beautifully but don’t miss Rosocha on “Cut and Paste”-smoking! – John W. Patterson, All About Jazz
For Resume and References Please Contact James Directly Here.