James Sherlock: Mentors, Growth and the Craft of Jazz Guitar

In this episode, I’m joined by James Sherlock, one of Australia’s most respected jazz guitarists.We talk about his New Zealand roots, the transition from classical to jazz guitar, his early studies and mentors, and how those lessons continue to influence his approach today. James shares stories from his various collaborations, reflects on improvisation and artistic identity, and talks about performing with Paul Grabowsky and Emma Donovan for The Old Rugged Cross and regular gigs at Uptown Jazz Cafe with Ben Hanlon. Sherlock even shares one of his most memorable (and disastrous) gigs performing a live movie soundtrack with legendary film composer Howard Shore.As a bandleader, James has released six albums and worked with artists including Sheila Jordan, Cyrille Aimée, Jeff “Tain” Watts, John Riley, Leroy Jones, Rick Margitza, Martin Taylor, Paul Grabowsky, Megan Washington, Joe Camilleri, the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, and the Australian Chamber Orchestra. His recordings feature collaborations with Ben Hanlon, Kristin Berardi, Sam Anning, Emma Gilmartin, and Jake Mason, and he recently recorded for François Tétaz’s film The Surfer, starring Nicolas Cage.James has toured extensively across more than twelve countries, performing at venues such as the Montreux Jazz Festival (opening for George Benson and Al Jarreau), Melbourne Recital Centre, A Trane in Berlin, and Jazz Dock in Prague. In 2021, he was featured soloist in the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra’s performance of Blood on the Floor, and his trio appeared in the ABC TV Jazz Series “The Pulse.”A thoughtful and grounded conversation with a mainstay of the Melbourne music scene — one whose work continues to shape the sound of Australian jazz.Checkout more from these links:https://www.instagram.com/james.marcus.sherlock/https://www.youtube.com/@jamessherlock1557/videoshttps://jamessherlock.bandcamp.com/album/the-verb-not-the-nounhttps://www.qpac.com.au/whats-on/2024/the-art-of-the-possible-conciertohttps://www.qpac.com.au/whats-on/2024/the-art-of-the-possible-the-old-rugged-crosshttps://sherlockhanlonduo.bandcamp.com/album/sherlock-hanlon-duohttps://www.abc.net.au/listen/jazz/featured-music/feature-albums/duo-james-sherlock-ben-hanlon/10007746