James Copus

James Copus on ubuntu music

Ubuntu Music is delighted to announce the signing of trumpet ace James Copus, for the worldwide release of his debut album, ‘Dusk’, on 17th July 2020.

 James is an award-winning musician who is rapidly establishing himself as one of the most exciting trumpet players anywhere on the jazz scene. Having grown up in a musical household, James took to music at an early age and started playing trumpet at the age of eight years old. He attended the junior Jazz course at the prestigious Royal Academy of Music before going on to study there full-time and graduated with first class honours. During his time at the Academy, he became a proud recipient of the distinguished Derek Watkins award.

James studied with the likes of Till Bronner, Gerard Presencer, Alex Sipiagin and Steve Fishwick and cites all four as major influences on his playing. James has had the privilege of recording and playing with some of the world’s most established musicians including Dave Holland, Joe Locke, Tim Garland, Stan Sulzmann, Gareth Lockrane, Laurence Cottle, Jim Hart, Clark Tracey, Curtis Stigers and many more.

“Think of all the qualities that make a great trumpeter: a full brassy tone, dazzling runs and immaculate articulation, a range that sends the high notes soaring into the stratosphere, imagination and sensitivity … James has all these and more.”

--The Jazzmann

As a session musician and commercial trumpet player, James has played and recorded with the likes of Joss Stone, Olly Murs, Pixie Lott, Louisa Johnson, Gregory Porter, James Bay, Basement Jaxx, The Riverdance Company, The London Concert Orchestra (LCO), English Session Orchestra (ESO), Manchester Cameratta, The BBC Big Band, The Guy Barker Big Band and the John Wilson Orchestra. James most recently was a special guest on Jacob Collier’s latest album, ‘Djesse Vol. 3’. With these various outfits, James has played at venues such as Wembley Stadium, The Royal Albert Hall, The Barbican and Abbey Road studios. He can also be frequently found playing in London’s West End.

For his debut album, ‘Dusk’, James pulled together some of his favourite musicians for his Quartet, for which he composed and arranged original music. Tom Cawley is featured on piano and keys, with the forever in-demand Conor Chaplin on bass. NYC drum powerhouse Jason Brown rounds off the extraordinary ensemble.

 As James explains it, “I am really excited to release the music I’ve been working on for the past few years. It was after hanging with Jason (Brown) in New York, when he said he’d love to play on my album, that I knew I was finally ready to go into the studio and record. Jason plays and has played with many of the people my music is inspired by (Kurt Rosenwinkel, Cedar Walton, Wynton Marsalis, Seamus Blake) so it was truly a dream come true to have him on the album. The music was written with Tom (Cawley), Conor (Chaplin) and Jason in mind, combining my predilection for the music of the Blue Note era with my love of more contemporary sounds.”

Concerning his new relationship with Ubuntu Music, James elaborates: “I met Martin (Hummel) a few years ago now and am very excited to finally be working with him as he’s shown a passion for my music from the very beginning that I haven’t found anywhere else. Ubuntu has a roster of artists--from Chet Baker and Harold Mabern, to Seamus Blake, Paul Booth and Tom Cawley--which made me feel right at home. I’m really happy to join the Label and to be a part of something very exciting in jazz today.”

 Martin Hummel, Director of Ubuntu Music, describes the Label’s latest signing: “I have been following James for some time. I know just how amazing this guy really is and wanted James to be on our thriving Label. James did the right thing…he took his time to determine where he would get the focus and attention he wanted and deserved, and where he would feel the most comfortable. Thankfully, James chose our Ubuntu Music Family and we have welcomed him with open arms. This is a major signing for us and we expect great things from this new relationship.”