Catch The Holiday Spirit With James & Frei at Rockwood Music Hall

James & Frei come to Rockwood Music Hall on Monday December 17th at 8PM.

Celebrate the holiday season with this Jazz/Soul collab group, James & Frei. Members Marcus Paul James and Addison Frei invite you to grab a whiskey n' sit back and enjoy as they bring you some smooth holiday vibes at Rockwood Music Hall stage 1.

Brooklyn native Marcus Paul James (MPJ) was born into a Baptist family with a Panamanian DJ father. He was raised in the church and singing in the choir loft as soon as he could stand. At home, MPJ was surrounded by the timeless voices of Luther Vandross, Stevie Wonder, Teddy P, and other R&B greats. The influence of these artists etched love for R&B, soul, gospel and tender ballads into his soul. Growing as a singer/songwriter and with a love for new music and experiences in his blood, using nothing but his soulful voice and eclectic flair he landed a role in on Broadway, TV, and Film. Award-winning projects like "RENT", "In The Heights", NBC's "The Wiz, and "The Greatest Showman". In 2010 he released his first full-length album "Meant To Be" under Silver Towers Productions, in which the title track went on to chart on the UK soul charts. From that album "Wonderful Love" and "Right Now" would go to hold 1st and 3rd on those charts for 5 consecutive weeks. MPJ's music shines as the perfect balance of Soul, R&B, and popular music. A true Singer/Songwriter whose lyrics and music take your heart and ears to places few artists do. MPJ's recent EP releases "Paper Hearts" is a true testament to his vocal versatility and writing prowess. www.MarcusPaulJames.com

New York-based pianist Addison Frei ("Fry") has won first prize in several competitions including the 2017 Parmigiani Montreux Jazz Piano Solo Competition, the 2016 UNISA International Jazz Piano Competition in Pretoria, South Africa, and the 2015 American Jazz Pianist Competition in Melbourne, Florida. He has released two albums on Armored Records, Intentions (2014) and Transit (2016), featuring frequent collaborator and Manhattan Transfer cofounder Janis Siegel. Frei signed with TCB Records-The Montreux Jazz Label and will release a new trio album featuring bassist Tamir Shmerling and drummer Mario Gonzi in 2018. Frei also co-leads AMP Trio, contributing compositions to Three (2017), m(y)our world (2015), which rose to #24 on the Jazz Week charts, and Flow (2013). AMP Trio recently completed a Japanese tour and alongside vocalist Tahira Clayton, was selected as the winner of the DC Jazz Prix, earning a DC Jazz Festival performance in 2018. With his 2016 single and music video "Postcard", Frei again teamed up with Clayton, this time expanding into a broader production palette. Following in this sonic path, Frei explored political themes in a digital EP, Future Speak (2017). In New York, Frei has active residencies at the Kitano and the Cell Theatre. He currently holds the piano chair in the Juilliard Artist Diploma Ensemble, consistently performing and touring with the conservatory's flagship jazz ensemble. Frei is presently a member of the Orlando-based Dr. Phillips Center Jazz Orchestra, in their inaugural season under the direction of Rodney Whitaker. Addison Frei is a Yamaha Artist.

www.addisonfrei.com