James Emery and his latest release "Inner Drive"

James Emery, a virtuoso guitarist and composer, is now leading his own trio, performing across New Mexico, and has recently released his latest recording, Inner Drive.

"The album presents a compelling blend of technical mastery and expressive improvisation. Emery's distinctive and harmonious compositions leave a lasting impact amid the trio's remarkable unified force (AllAboutJazz.com). The James Emery Neo Trio features Alex Murzyn (saxophones) and John Funkhouser (bass). Earlier in 2024, Emery recorded Inside Outlier, which acclaimed jazz critic Glenn Astarita described as "a bold declaration from a musician who’s spent a lifetime honing his craft—not just a celebration of the guitar's possibilities but a showcase of Emery’s sheer musical genius" (All About Jazz). This album was selected as the #1 jazz record for 2024 in All About Jazz.

Inner Drive unequivocally demonstrates that jazz innovation need not compromise musicality. This album rewards repeated listening, revealing new layers with each immersion. It stands as a testament to the power of collaborative creation. Emery's name may be associated with the group, but it is the trio's shared dedication to innovation that elevates this album into a truly captivating and unforgettable experience. Think of it as a conversation between musical giants, where each phrase is a carefully crafted thought, and the listener is privileged to eavesdrop on their brilliant discourse.

This album Inner Drive presents a compelling blend of technical mastery and expressive improvisation. Emery's distinctive and harmonious compositions leave a lasting impact amid the trio's remarkable unified force.

more about James Emery

In the spring of 2022, Emery relocated to Santa Fe, NM, after nearly 50 in the New York area, marking a new chapter in his illustrious 45-year career of touring and recording worldwide. A Guggenheim Fellow, Emery has performed at some of the world's most prestigious concert venues, including Great Performers at Lincoln Center (NYC), The Menil Collection (Houston), Philharmonic Hall (Berlin), Royal Festival Hall (London), Espace Cardin (Paris), Bunkamura Hall (Tokyo), City Hall (Hong Kong), the Roman amphitheater at Carthage (Tunisia), and Chowdiah Memorial Hall (Bangalore, India).

As the co-founder of the pioneering chamber jazz ensemble The String Trio of New York, Emery has earned international acclaim for his innovative and highly original approach to both improvisation and composition. Since 1975, he has been an active performer and a frequently commissioned composer in the international jazz and contemporary music scene. With more than two dozen albums as a leader or co-leader and live performances spanning over 25 countries, Emery’s artistry has been described as "innovative and imaginative" and "utterly distinctive" by the Penguin Guide to Jazz. His orchestral recording, Transformations, was selected for The History of Jazz in the 1001 Best Albums by the same guide.

Emery’s ensembles and collaborations have earned him critical praise, especially for his work with The String Trio of New York, which celebrates its 47th anniversary in 2024. Throughout his career, he has performed and recorded with an array of contemporary music masters, including Anthony Braxton, Steve Reich, Wadada Leo Smith, Henry Threadgill, The Human Arts Ensemble, Joe Lovano, Muhal Richard Abrams, Leroy Jenkins, and many others.

To date, Emery has composed over 170 works, including a recent double concerto commissioned by the Skidmore College Orchestra. One of his proudest moments was performing the piece alongside his daughter, clarinetist Hannah Emery.

In addition to his performance career, Emery has contributed to music education through master classes and residencies at institutions such as Stanford, Columbia, Skidmore, Dartmouth, UCLA, and USC. He also taught jazz ensemble and private guitar lessons for eight years at SUNY/Orange in New York state.

On August 21, James will be premiering a new version of his Neo Trio with Alex Murzyn on woodwinds and John Funkhouser on bass. Entropy Gallery is at 1220 Parkway Drive, Santa Fe, NM 87507. Tickets are $20 at the door with advance tickets available at Hold My Ticket: https://tickets.holdmyticket.com/tickets/451390