Meet James Blackburn | Band Leader and Performer

We had the good fortune of connecting with James Blackburn and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi James, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
Music is a very powerful influence. Too often, we get lost in the sounds of the music and lose site of the stories behind the music. As a music storyteller, I try to enhance the music by sharing the origins, emotions, and meaning behind the music.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Jazz music is my real passion. It is America’s art form. It has a story to tell. I would like to think that the music we perform inn both the Big Peach Swing Band and the Atlanta Concert Band is transformation. What I am most proud of is our work during the pandemic. When forced to shelter-in-place, our band continued to create music through digital platforms. We didn’t let COVID stop us from sharing the music with others. When the pandemic was over, we quickly gathered in an open yard to rehearse. Within 30 days or so, we were again performing live. We haven’t stopped.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Probably, Roswell Cultural Arts Center. In addition to my day job, I am the leader and performer in the Big Peach Swing Band and a performer in the Atlanta Concert Band. Both bands have several concerts a year at the Roswell Cultural Arts Center. In April, the Big Peach presented Fascinating Rhythms: A Jazz Tribute to Gershwin. We have so many talented musicians in the band and the music is some of the best in the city.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I dedicate this Shoutout to all of the wonderful musicians in the Atlanta Concert Band and the Big Peach Swing Band.

Website: www.atlantaconcertband.org

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AtlantaConcertBand

Image Credits
Photo credit: Don Bahr