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James Maxwell Newhouse |
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J ames Maxwell Newhouse born in Nanaimo, BC, in 1970. From a young age an aptitude for rhythm and melody was apparent when at the age of four his parents Lillian and Maxwell Newhouse were informed by neighbors that James was playing nursery rhymes and folk songs without piano lessons! As a result music, music was encouraged from a young age. At that time the creative process began and the journey continues .
Listen to James - track 1
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James comments: At the age of ten I had decided I was going to play music professionally at the same time I had decided to change my birth name from Zake to James as a result of a feeling of less worthy than the power that name has. I decided that James would be my training name and Zake would be my stage name I feel it necessary to attribute direction of my musical development to my uncle Gordon Perry, who was a professional jazz drummer. Gordy was instrumental in introducing the sounds of Jazz to my ears. For the next stage of growth I studied with an excellent teacher: Gwen Greenway at the age of thirteen. Gwen helped me to develop the ability to play over changes. I went to high school in North Vancouver at Handsworth High School and played drums and percussion. I was fortunate to have Bob Rebagliatti as my band instructor, although he and I did not always see eye to eye he has been a direct influence with staying focused on music. The Handsworth bands were always well known form award winning performances all over BC. After going to high school James studied Jazz piano at Capilano College where he was commissioned for his first professional show: A tribute to Hank Williams "The show he never gave". Currently, James has a solo piano CD called Elements and a pro solo piano demo for film work. Having access to a studio has also allowed for the composition of original world beat, chill- like dance electronica and new age music with cinema applications in mind. The Elements CD is for sale at The Magic Flute (2203 W. 4th). and Skoras music (West Hastings) in Vancouver. (order CDs directly from the artist - email here - Elements) J ames says: The piano music I write involves personal self-expression through emotional waves. When I am playing I find feeling the intention of the music works best, rather than how I want it to go, I enjoy the act of letting go and feel this can more accurately convey my emotions though the music.In the year 2000 James went to Columbia Academy (click to visit their website) and would prepare for the next two years to learn how to use the tools of the studio and the marketing and promotion of the music business. After a two-year course with a degree in Music Marketing and Mastering and with a 90% grade average James was recommended to apply for a position as a contract producer for Jan Cooper.. Going though the interview process was successful and in 2001 James was hired by Jan Cooper to work as his producer at Cooper Studios. (click to visit their website) Jan Cooper is said to be BCs top pop vocal coach. (click to visit his website)Marine Grey and the Music with Marine band was a project James was invited into in 2001 and he continues to play gigs. Recent venues include two performances at the Kits community days and a show at the 2003 Childrens Festival. James came in as a session musician to play the keyboard and piano tracks for Marnie on her latest CD called Peace and Puddles produced by Eduardo Ottoni. Currently James works part time as a piano sales representative for Howard Alexanders Pianos in West Vancouver, Ambleside Village. James comments "I wanted to have a job I could be passionate about. I can really believe in acoustics piano even though a real piano is becoming a dying breed. In 1988 I started working at this store, By 2001 I had worked for two other piano stores and I came back to work here What I love about pianos is the apparent timelessness of the sound and the attention to detail that piano makers used to put into their instruments, both, musically and cosmetically. Having this job has also bestowed a lot of time for practicing. Practice makes perfect, yet perfection is unattainable."
In summary, James concludes: Currently I have big plans for pushing the current boundaries of my musical adventure. I am a motivated, creative person with a clear vision for my future. I plan to live in Montreal by the beginning of 2004 and, in comparison to where I currently am, the opportunities in Montreal seem limitless I love world beat sounds and I compose and appreciate all music from the soul. The new horizon of Rhythm, Harmony and Melodies is approaching the non-linear and I believe the sounds of the piano music I am part of are a precursor. We are now in the New Millennium and I believe that I should write music that expresses it (click here for song clip).I am also developing a revolutionary aid package that builds stages in existing establishment and stimulates economic growth in the private sector called The Musicians Cool-ective. I believe this will breathe new life back into the live music scene in Canada and help us realize Canadian music is a valued resource to be cherished. This new future we are all part of is becoming more radical and shock value does not have the same impact. I hope to change that,. not by being more shocking but more inspiring What was, is no longer. The best we can do as humans is to learn from our mistakes and adapt as well as we can to current situations James Maxwell Newhouse
Stay Positive J.Proctor
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