Modern Percussionist
Parker James is a Nashville-based musician comfortable in diverse styles and modes of expression, from jazz improvisation to established concert repertoire. You can hear him speak freely and fluently on vibraphone, drum set, timpani, and any number of percussive implements.
Listen to Parker’s new single now
fractal-landscape.gif is a song I released with Paul DeFiglia and Caleb Breaux in May 2024. Check it out on all major streaming services.
Upcoming Shows
April 2024
4/11 - Vinyl Tap - w/ Paul DeFiglia and Anson Hohne - 7-9:30PM
4/14 - Reunion - w/ Paul DeFiglia and Anson Hohne - 7:30-10PM
4/20 - The Groove - w/ Volunteer Department - 2PM
4/25 - Vinyl Tap - w/ Paul DeFiglia and Anson Hohne - 7-9:30PM
May 2024
5/9 - Frist Auditorium - Discorporation presented by Curtis Godino - 7PM
5/16 - Vinyl Tap - w/ Paul DeFiglia and Anson Hohne - 7-9:30PM
5/22 - Frist Cafe - w/ Paul DeFiglia and Anson Hohne
5/30 - Vinyl Tap - w/ Paul DeFiglia and Anson Hohne - 7-9:30PM
An alumnus of the University of Colorado, Boulder (M.M.) and Ball State University (B.S. Music Media Production), Parker studied with Douglas Walter, Braham Dembar, Erwin Mueller, Jeff Jenkins, Scott Routenberg, and others. He undertook additional studies at the Aspen Music Festival and School in 2017, where he studied with Jonathan Haas and played side-by-side with some of the world’s foremost orchestral percussionists, such as Cynthia Yeh, Javon Gilliam, Ed Stephan, and Tom Stubbs.
Parker is an experienced teacher. In 2019 he was hired as an adjunct instructor of applied percussion at Indiana University-Purdue University, Indianapolis (IUPUI). He has taught at many school districts around Indiana, teaching ensembles, classes and private lessons. His students range from elementary-age beginners to adults. Parker currently lives in Nashville, TN with his partner, three cats, and Pomeranian, and goes hiking as much as he can.
Armando’s Rhumba
Recorded in Nashville, TN on 2/20/2022 as an audition video.
It Is What It Is
I recorded this beautiful Thundercat tune on 2/23/2024.