A member of the creative team behind Showtune since it was first presented as Tune the Grand Up in San Francisco in 1985. For that production, in which he was also featured pianist and vocalist, James received a Drama-Logue Award for Best Musical Direction. He took on an expanded performing role in Jerry Herman's The Best of Times, the retitled review's 1998 London West End incarnation, and most recently served as the musical director and arranger for the New York Off-Broadway production at the York Theatre. James's other musical directing credits include Forever Plaid (Off-Broadway and national tour), Oil City Symphony (Phoenix) and Little Shop of Horrors (European tour). He is currently musical director and pianist for The Mickey and Judy Show with Jeff Harnar and Shauna Hicks. James has worked as musical director, accompanist and vocal arranger for numerous Broadway and cabaret luminaries including: K.T. Sullivan, Sharon McKnight, Kristin Chenoweth and the legendary Hildegarde, performing in venues such as Carnegie Hall, Rainbow and Stars, the Algonquin's Oak Room, Los Angeles' Cinegrill, and the Kravis Centre in West Palm Beach.