James Shipp is a vibraphonist, a percussionist, a synthesist, and a songwriter. For the last decade-and-a-half he has performed, recorded, toured the world with some of New York City's best musicians. Trained as a jazz vibraphone soloist and accompanist, James's post-conservatory interests have led him to become a sought-after Brazilian percussionist, a multi-instrumentalist in bands both mostly-improvised and tightly arranged, a composer of music for experimental theater, and a versatile producer of recordings, bringing to bear his knowledge of both acoustic and analog electronic instruments on a wide range of projects.
For the last decade, James has been a bandleader, composer, producer, and workshop facilitator for Carnegie Hall’s social impact programs, working with thousands of people of all ages in prisons, jails, hospitals, shelters, and schools throughout New York City.
James currently tours with the Anat Cohen Tentet, Jean Rohe and the End of the World Show, Banda Magda, the Nadje Noordhuis Quintet, and Christina Courtin (Pilot Violet). He has recorded and performed with Paquito d’Rivera, Kurt Elling, Snarky Puppy, Bokante, Kate McGarry, Becca Stevens, Bob Lanzetti, The Kronos Quartet, and Sting.
