Search - Derrick James :: Think Positive

Being born as the son of a gospel singer, Derrick James was already confronted with Soul, Gospel, Blues and Jazz music in his early years. At the age of 8, he began his first experiment on the alto saxophone. He discovered his predilection for Jazz and Blues soon and at age 17, he became a student at the famous Berklee College of Music. Also during the time when Derrick was a GI in the U.S. Army, he had the possibilities to prove his experiences, which he collected at Berklee. This, of course also helped his professional career as a saxophonist. "Think Positive" is the debut album from the 26 year old New Yorker and at this young age, his music career so far is extraordinary. He has performed with Chaka Khan, Frankie Beverly & Maze, Klaus Doldinger, Billy Cobham, Bireli Lagrene, Gino Vannelli and Acoustic Alchemy. His roots lie deeply in Jazz, Blues and Gospel. This album was produced by his friend, the piano player and keyboarder Christoph Spendel, who discovered Derrick in New York. Derrick James belongs to one of the most wanted studio musicians and sideman of the European Jazz, Funk and Pop Scene. "Think Positive" is a personal attitude of the artist regarding his career; this is also reflected in his songs. Derrick's light, jazzy feeling is in many compositions the carrying element of this technically brilliant production.