JAMES DANDERFER, clarinet

Originally from Vancouver, Canada, jazz clarinetist/composer James Danderfer has been traveling, studying and performing around the world since the age of 16. His travels first began when he was accepted into the prestigious Interlochen World Center For The Arts high school (USA), and he went on to earn his degree in jazz performance from Western Michigan University.

For the next five years James gained experience as both a band leader and sideman performing in Canadian jazz clubs, festivals and CBC radio programs, on cruise ships internationally, and in New York City. After his celebrated debut recording “Run With It” (Cellar Live, 2005), James’ curiosity for traveling and learning about other cultures led him to Shanghai, China where he worked as a freelance jazz musician and music instructor at international schools. After his first year of living in China, James proposed a project to the Canada Council For The Arts. This year long project resulted in a concert tour of China and a subsequent CD recording in Canada entitled “Accelerated Development” (Cellar Live, 2008). James continues to perform with his jazz colleagues and develop his career as a composer of jazz.