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James Gilyard is featured on Outbound Radio |
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 The name James Gilyard means many things-jazz bassist, jazz composer, jazz producer and jazz lecturer. Voted "Sammons Jazz Artist of the Year in 1998" and a nominee for The Dallas Observer Jazz Musician of the Year Award in 1996, Gilyard has four recordings under his belt. He has performed with Kenny Burrell, James Clay, Red Garland, Barney Kessell, David "Fathead" Newman, Billy Hart, Roy Hargrove, Roseanne Vitro and Red Holloway to name a few. He was born in Stillwater, Oklahoma in 1945 and graduated from Langston University with a B.A. in Education in 1967. He undertook postgraduate studies in Human Relations at the University of Oklahoma. His early music career included three years during the Viet Nam era in the 97th United States Army Field Artillery Band. He also served a staff bassist for Benson sound Studios in Oklahoma City during the early 70's. During this time he recorded numerous independent country and gospel albums by various arts including well-know evangelist, Jimmy Swaggart. Gilyard, who is sought out for his solid and sensitive accompaniment, is a favorite rhythm section member in the bands of many Dallas area jazz notables. Matt Weitz of the Dallas Morning News has said of Gilyard: "Double bassist, James Gilyard, delivers notes that have that lifting, almost bowed enunciation-breathy exterior cushioning and a solid core that so exemplifies acoustic jazz bass". San Antonio Express News critic Jim Beal, Jr. said of Gilyard in a review of a San Antonio Jazz Festival concert: "Marchel Ivery band bassist, James Gilyard was a festival highlight, playing complex, yet completely rhythmic solos using the entire neck of his upright bass." The Dallas Chapter of the National Association of Negro Musicians recognized Gilyard in 1998 for his compositional skills. The Sambuca restaurant group with jazz clubs in Dallas and Atlanta selected Gilyard's composition, "Sambuca By Night", as the theme music for their Internet Homepage. James Stapleton, KNON Jazz disc jockey has said of Gilyard: "James Gilyard keeps the casual listener in mind with his composing, playing and recording. His music is grounded in the jazz mainstream and is basic, to the point, and simple enough to be appreciated by the casual and serious listener alike." The Dallas Morning News, The Dallas Observer, The San Antonio Express-News, The Daily Oklahoman, and Buddy Magazine have featured Gilyard in articles. Recording Credits: (Producer & Recording artist) "I Tell My Heart" James Gilyard, Generativity 1995 "Speak To My Heart" James Gilyard, Generativity 1994 "The Art Of Conversation" The Don Ambrose Trio, James Gilyard, Bassist & Producer "Inspiration" The Gregory Slavin Trio, James Gilyard Bassist & Producer "Degrees Of Freedom" The Robert Aberg Trio, James Gilyard Bassist "Gently Dancing on the Edge Of The World" James Gilyard, Generativity 1999 "Silent Voices" The Jim Shannon Group, James Gilyard Bassist, 2000 "The Gift" The Don Ambrose Trio, James Gilyard Bassist & Producer,2000 "What Will I Tell My Heart?" Sandra Kaye-James Gilyard Bassist & Producer, 2000 "Sammons Jazz" Co-Producer and composer/performer 2001 "Following The Dream" The Gregory Slavin Trio, James Gilyard bassist & Producer 2001 The Ensemble Kelly Durbin holds a Master of Music Degree from the University of North Texas. Durbin also taught at the prestigious jazz studies school for two years on a fellowship. During his time at North Texas University, he performed with various artists, including: David "Fathead" Newman, Chuck Rainey, Louis Hayes, Cornell Dupree, Hank Crawford and Roy Hargrove. Kelly Durbin was also music consultant and pianist for the Hollywood film, "Daddy's dying, whose got the will?" In this capacity he worked with Judge Reinhold, Beau Bridges, Beverly D'Angelo and Tess Harper. Durbin was also the house pianist at the Melrose Hotel from 1982 through 1988. Karl Lampman holds a Master Of Music Degree from the University of North Texas. During his time at UNT, Lampman was a member of the "One O'Clock Lab Band" and has performed with numerous artists, including: Ronnie Ball, Rosemary Clooney, Johnny Mathis, Billy Daniels and Buddy Greco. Lampman also toured with Barnum & Bailey- Ringling Brother's Circus as well as the Ice Capades band. Andrew Griffith is the youngest member of the ensemble and is a recent graduate of The University of North Texas. He is a graduate of the Dallas Arts Magnate High School that has a rich history of turning out talented young players whose musical maturity is well beyond their chronological age. Andrew's professional credits include work with Roy Hargrove, Marchel Ivery, Joey DeFrancesco, Jack McDuff, James Gilyard and roseanne Vitro. |
