“When you start an exclusive members only social club for some of Portland’s best creatives and entrepreneurs, you gotta bring the heat. So, we did that. We brought James and his trio out for our launch party - needless to say we’re doing well now. These guys will put you on the map.”
James Garrison is a saxophonist based out of Portland, Oregon.
He began his intense study of jazz at the University of California Irvine under the tutelage of jazz greats such as Key Akagi (Miles Davis), Gerald Pinter (Woody Herman), and Charles Owens (Clayton Hamilton Orchestra) earning several scholarships along the way including the “Alice Lowell Memorial Scholarship” and the “Rawlins Jazz Music Scholarship”.
James Garritson has been playing the saxophone professionally since 2009 and has accumulated a wealth of experiences with big bands, touring bands, and and smaller instrumental and vocal ensembles. Most notably, he spent 6 years playing
with Carnival Cruise Lines traveling from the Caribbean and Canada all the way to New Zealand and Australia. During his career with Carnival he performed in up to 10 broadway style shows a week as well as performing in smaller jazz and pop groups. The rigors of that schedule prepared him well for life on land and he has adapted fruitfully in Portland, Oregon where he now lovingly calls home.
Since settling down in Portland, James has performed at many of Portland’s music venues including: Clyde’s Prime Rib, Solae’s, Living Room Theaters, and the Star Theatre and can be frequently seen at many local bars and restaurants as well as larger events and festivals. For a list of upcoming shows near you please check out the Calendar page.
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