Ron James is a professional touring & studio drummer, percussionist, vocalist, bassist, composer/arranger, producer and teacher.
Ron has been playing and teaching professionally for over 30 years and has toured Europe, Asia, and extensively in the U.S. and Canada playing the New Orleans Jazz Fest., Playboy Jazz Fest., House of Blues and much more. He has appeared on over 45 recording projects of all styles playing drums, percussion, bass and singing, as well as, contributing to writing, song & horn arranging and production. Ron has been a member of many regionally and nationally successful bands including, Limbs Akimbo, The Willis Bros. Band, Two Bass Hit (Joel DiBartolo), Danny Rhodes & the Messengers, Chuck Hall Band, Muskellunge Bluegrass, Birds of a Feather and currently plays and tours with- Brandon Santini, Morningside Drive, his own jazz group-Giant Steps, Nolan McKelvey, Dave Logan Band and more.
Inspired by Buddy Rich, Ron James started playing at age 8 with his father at church and continued throughout school. While in elementary school in Peoria, AZ, he studied briefly with experienced jazz drummer, Joe Gilboy, as well as, becoming first chair in Regional and All-State band. Ron was eventually awarded a full scholarship to Northern AZ University where he majored in classical and jazz percussion. Ron moved to Flagstaff in 1986 where he was able to study and work with Pete Vivona and Joel DiBartolo (Tonight Show Band bassist).
-Ron endorses Soultone cymbals