Born in Sherwood Park – pianist James Clarke is one of Alberta’s most exciting jazz artists. A graduate of MacEwan University’s Jazz Performance program and now in his second year at McGill University in Montréal, Clarke combines a deep classical foundation with a growing reputation on Canada’s jazz scene.
Introduced to the piano at age four through a family friend, Clarke studied classical repertoire under Shelagh Scott and later broadened his training with Dr. William Richards and Torben Holm-Pederson at MacEwan. Today he continues his classical studies while focusing on jazz with acclaimed pianist John Roney.
Mentored by CBC Galaxie Rising Star Chris Andrew, Clarke has already performed alongside some of Edmonton’s most respected musicians, including Dave Babcock, Anna Beaumont and Sheri Hart. Most recently, he entered the studio with Juno-nominated drummer Sandro Dominelli and veteran bassist John Taylor to record Kingsley Crossing, an all-original EP that marks his first major release. Work on his debut full-length album is already under way.
Clarke’s talent has been recognized with numerous awards, among them the Rawlco Radio Music Scholarship at MacEwan, the Rose Bowl scholarship at the Sherwood Park Music Festival and the prestigious Clarence “Big” Miller Award from the National Black Coalition of Canada (Edmonton) for his contributions to the local music scene.
Active in the Edmonton jazz community, he performs regularly at the Haven and Yardbird jam sessions, is a featured artist with U22 (an organization that promotes outstanding young talent) and was highlighted in a CBC television documentary. 2010 marked his second appearance at the Edmonton International Jazz Festival with the James Clarke Trio.
Whether playing classical works or improvising on stage with seasoned jazz artists, James Clarke brings passion, discipline and an unmistakable energy to his music — qualities that are quickly establishing him as a bright new voice in Canadian jazz.
Original Story by Roger Levesque, The Edmonton Journal
