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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.

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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". For his album launch, he sold out the world famous Jazz Cafe in London.

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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 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 James Bay, Reuben James, Louis Cole, Potter Payper, Dizzee Rascal, Boy George, Olly Murs, , Basement Jaxx, The Outlook Orchestra, Pixie Lott, Louisa Johnson, 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.

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James is a Conn-Selmer artist and proudly endorses Vincent Bach trumpets.