Welcome to the website of James Sanders, Jazz violinist / improviser, and educator.
.......a distinct voice tempered by fruitful ongoing collaborations with the finest Jazz artists in Chicago and in Jazz today, including.... Dee Alexander, Nicole Mitchell, Alfonso Ponticelli, Larry Harlowe, Orbert Davis, Mwata Bowden, Doug Lofstrom, Steve Eisen, Ernie Adams, Donald Neale, Tomeka Reid, and the late Johny Frigo.
He is the leader of the highly regarded Latin Jazz band Conjúnto and is a a currently a member of The Evolution Ensemble, Swing Gitan and The New Quartet.
Sanders received his masters in Violin performance in 1989 and is currently a member of the Joeffrey Ballet Orchestra and the Chicago Sinfonietta.
He has been active as a teacher since 1993 and has developed a curriculum for the classically-trained violinist seeking to develop alternative styles of playing.
Photo Credit: P.R. Andrea
Sound Samples
Now Playing: C'est Magnifique
Chicago Sessions
Nuage - Chicago Sessions, January 2005 (James Sanders and Conjúnto)
My Baby Just Cares For Me – with Dee Alexander at Millenium Park, July 2007
Nature Boy
One Voice, 2001 (Doug Lofstrom and New Quartet)
Contemplation
Chicago Sessions, January 2005 (James Sanders and Conjúnto)
African Market Place
NQ+X 2005
Bulgarian Rhythm
One Voice, 2001 (Doug Lofstrom and New Quartet)
Invitation
Chicago Sessions, January 2005 (James Sanders and Conjúnto)
Sketches
Dee Alexanders and Evolution Ensemble, live 2007
C’est Magnifique
Gypsy Caravan, 2004 (Alfonso Ponticelli and Swing Gitan)
Consejera
Live in Little Village, 2002 (James Sanders and Conjúnto)
Violin Fantasy Intro
NQ+X 2005 - Lofstrom (New Quartet with orchestra)
Danzon For My Father
Live in Little Village, 2002 (James Sanders & Conjúnto)
You Gave Me Something
Dee Alexanders and Evolution Ensemble, live 2007
Alice Coltrane Tribute
original music by Nikki Mitchell, live 2007
Milestones
Studio recording (James Sanders and Conjúnto)
Rico Vacilon
Chicago Sessions, January 2005 (James Sanders and Conjúnto)
Violin Fantasy (cadenza and ending)
NQ+X 2005 - Lofstrom (New Quartet with orchestra)