By Cindy Majane
Growing up outside of Boston, James Fernando started playing piano when he was five years old. His parents never had to ask him to practice: “It brought so much joy to me… I loved the way that music is constructed, I always enjoyed understanding how those puzzle pieces fit together.” In 6th grade, he joined the middle school jazz band, where an older student was a phenomenal piano player. “He was a huge help, and also an inspiration to me; that was the first time I got to sit next to someone playing music and think, ‘Wow, that’s really cool. I wish I could interact with the music in that way.’” James began to pursue music more intensely; it was around the age of 13 that he knew he wanted to become a professional musician.
In high school, James got the chance to study at the New England Conservatory of Music’s prep program, studying music theory and ear training. He attended Berklee College of Music’s fiveweek summer jazz workshop and auditioned for (and received) a full scholarship to the College, graduating in just three years.
James moved to the DC area and built an impressive career of international performances, collaborations with GRAMMY award-winning artists, and five album releases. He participated in the Strathmore Artist in Residence program, which he describes as a supportive community that helps musicians collaborate with each other, giving them interesting and unique performance opportunities. In August of 2023, he was asked to perform at the Kennedy Center’s Millenium Stage; he seized the opportunity to put together his trio. “It’s tough to bring people together (for a trio) when you don’t already have performances booked; and it’s tough to book performances when you don’t already have a certain amount of clout with a project. I took the opportunity to say, okay, let’s do it. This is going to be the trio.” He already knew his bassist, who recommended drummer, Kyon Williams. “The show went great, and I loved working with them!” Now based out of Philadelphia, the James Fernando Trio has already developed into one of the finest jazz ensembles active today, performing nationwide at venues such as The Philadelphia Museum of Art and The Ravenscroft.
When asked about the trio’s music, and specifically the February 1st concert at the Arts Barn, James said, “We’re playing jazz, but we’re also pushing some boundaries… We’re trying to bring
new elements to the language. How have we historically interacted as musicians on the bandstand, and how can I put a little twist on that, so that it still feels great, everyone’s still having a good time; it’s not an academic exercise, but it’s this little twist that’s going to keep the audience on their toes and make it that much more interesting.” His influences range from Mozart to electronic, experimenting with rhythm and finding new opportunities to connect to the lineage of the genre. “We’re playing with the fabric that is jazz music.”
Join the James Fernando Trio February 1st at the Arts Barn as they share the magic that is music together!
Arts Barn, February 1, 7:30pm
James Fernando, piano
Eliot Seppa, bass
Kyon Williams, drums
Opening for the Trio, is James’ former student and promising young jazz pianist, Kian Linam.
James says, “I’m really excited for the audience to hear him play!”
