James Davis

James Davis, a Chicago trumpeter and music maker, is comfortable in and always enjoys exploring a wide array of musical environments.  As a composer and improviser, Davis is involved in a diverse blend of musical communities in Chicago.  His diverse background and ranging interests can be heard in his own Chamber-Jazz group Beveled, the improvising effects-laden LORIS, and various Jazz projects.

In addition to leading different formations of his own groups, Davis has also recently collaborated and/or recorded with Matt Ulery’s Pollinator, Chris Dammann, The Heritage Jazz Orchestra, The Metropolitan Jazz Octet, and The New Standard Jazz Orchestra. James has earned recognition as a finalist both in the 2004 International Trumpet Guild Jazz Improvisation Competition and the 2007 Carmine Caruso International Jazz Trumpet Competition and has completed degrees at the University of Texas at Arlington, and at the University of North Texas. At UNT, James had the opportunity to tour and record with the Grammy nominated One O’clock Lab Band and the UNT Wind Symphony. 

James’ playing and compositions are featured on his group Beveled’s newest release Arc and Edge, as well as his previous releases Remain Calm (2022), Disappearing Roads (2018), Beveled (2014), and Angles of Refraction (2009), among others. He is currently on faculty at Triton College, Wheaton College, and Harold Washington College.