“Think of all the qualities that make a great trumpeter: a full brassy tone, dazzling runs and immaculate articulation, a range that sends the high notes soaring into the stratosphere, imagination and sensitivity … James has all these and more” The Jazzmann
“Copus has chosen his companions ably, their enterprise and his leadership moving this (Dusk) light years away from the conventional trumpet quartet album...this is a rewarding debut album from James Copus” Jazzwise Magazine
“To say James Copus’ debut album as a leader has been eagerly anticipated would be something of an understatement. With ‘Dusk’, Copus has delivered a new benchmark of technical and emotional maturity in both his composing and improvising. The quartet effortlessly navigates Copus’ sophisticated compositions, manipulating a wide-ranging spectrum of emotion. ‘Straight Ahead’ burns with rhythmic poise while providing a boisterous unabated counterpoint with Copus’ virtuosic trumpet. Meanwhile, this is offset with subtle melodic lyricism on ‘Yearning’, and precise ensemble dexterity on ‘The Line’. Listening to ‘Dusk’, it is soon made apparent Copus has exceeded a fine debut. It is a compelling and searching statement of intent" Reuben Fowler
Award-winning trumpeter and composer James Copus has quickly established himself as one of the most exciting young jazz musicians on the London scene. Since graduating from The Royal Academy of Music in 2016, where he was the recipient of the prestigious Derek Watkins award, James has gone on to perform and record with some of the world's most established artists including Jorja Smith, Jacob Collier, Ashley Henry, Joss Stone, Cory Wong, amongst others.
In 2020, Copus released his debut album ‘Dusk’ to critical acclaim. Jason Brown (Cedar Walton, Monty Alexander, Nicholas Payton) said of the album "I've been fortunate enough to be a part of both Nicholas Payton and Ryan Kisor's quintets, and as far as trumpet players go, James Copus is certainly a rising star to be reckoned with. The soul of this young man is laid bare in his compositions for this 'Dusk' recording date, and what a beautiful soul it is"
Copus has collaborated as a featured soloist with countless artists, most notably with Jacob Collier on his album “Djesse Vol.3” where he can be heard on 'Time Alone With You' and the Grammy award-winning ‘He Won’t Hold You’. In 2020, Copus’ distinct sound was featured on Jorja Smith’s single ‘Rose Rouge’ for Blue Note records.
As a session musician and commercial trumpet player, James has toured the world and performed and/or recorded with Joss Stone, Boy George, Olly Murs, James Bay, Basement Jaxx, The Outlook Orchestra, Pixie Lott, Louisa Johnson, Gregory Porter, The Riverdance Company, The London Concert Orchestra (LCO), English Session Orchestra (ESO), Manchester Cameratta, The BBC Big Band, The Guy Barker Big Band and the John Wilson Orchestra. With these various outfits, James has played at venues such as Wembley Stadium, The Royal Albert Hall, The Barbican and Abbey Road studios.
James is a Conn-Selmer artist and proudly endorses Vincent Bach trumpets.