Photos
(Click to enlarge)
Upcoming Appearances
- Sunday, May 27, 2012
- 5:30PM - Wedding Ceremony
- Springfield, VA
- Sunday, September 02, 2012
- 5:30PM - Wedding Ceremony
- Pasadena, MD
- Saturday, September 22, 2012
- 1:30PM - Wedding Ceremony
- Leesburg, VA
= Booked through GigMasters
Past Appearances
- Saturday, May 12, 2012
- 9:00PM - Sully's with Too Many Daves
- Chantilly , VA
- Saturday, May 05, 2012
- 8:00PM - Georgetown Diabetes Research Gala
- Washington, DC
- Friday, May 04, 2012
- 7:00PM - Fountainhead Country Club with the Jim Bowie Band
- Hagerstown, MD
- Saturday, April 28, 2012
- 1:00PM - Jazz Duo at Nordstrom
- Towson, MD
- Saturday, April 21, 2012
- 6:30PM - Worship Jazz Band-McLean Bible Church
- Tyson's Corner, VA
- Tuesday, April 17, 2012
- 5:30PM - Corporate Function
- Mclean, VA
- Saturday, April 14, 2012
- 8:00PM - Pediatric Research gala with Too Many Daves
- Washington, DC
- Saturday, February 25, 2012
- 7:30PM - Cocktail Party
- Rockville, MD
- Saturday, December 31, 2011
- 9:00PM - Knights of Columbus NYE party with Jim Bowie band
- Saturday, December 10, 2011
- 8:00PM - Christmas Party
- Centreville, VA
Click here for more past appearances= Booked through GigMasters
- Location:
- Washington, Maryland
- Travel Radius:
- Will travel up to 70 miles from Washington.
- Pay Range:
-
$150-$1500 per job
- Member Since:
- 2009
- Primary Category:
- Jazz Saxophone
- Additional Categories:
- Blues Saxophone, Jazz One Man Band, Saxophone
- Influences:
- Michael Brecker, Kirk Whalum, David Sanborn, Hank Mobley, Lenny Pickett, Pete Christlieb, Tower of Power, Earth, Wind & Fire, Chicago, Blood, Sweat & Tears.
Description
James Bjork is a versatile, formally-trained saxophonist in the Washington DC metropolitan area. James holds a B.A Cum Laude in Music from St. Olaf College (MN), where he was student director of its jazz ensemble. Since moving to the DC area a decade ago, James has performed Smooth Jazz, Traditional Jazz, Rhythm and Blues, Contemporary Worship, and Pop idioms all around the the DC-Baltimore metro corridor. In addition to performing in countless private events, James has also performed at the East Coast Jazz Festival and at the Kennedy Center. Finally, James has performed in several large churches in the DC metro area that feature world-class music production. The sound clip of "Takin' it to the Streets" at upper right is an example of James in a worship performance.
If you're working with a modest budget, James can provide classy ambience for your event by performing jazz sax by himself along with backing rhythm tracks. The tracks are played from a CD or ipod at a balanced volume through a loudspeaker PA system that James will furnish at no additional cost. James also brings a complete back-up sound setup to ensure a smooth event. The "Love for Sale" and "Star Eyes" audio tracks at right are examples of how this sounds. Imagine how this could spice up your reception!
In addition, James is well-connected with numerous other fantastic instrumentalists and vocalists in the extended DC Metro area. James can line up one of his many skilled pianist associates to form a duet for an elegant, seamless wedding ceremony.
For an even fuller live sound, please consider hiring James' versatile trio with piano and upright string bass (sound clips at upper right). His trio can perform both classical favorites including wedding marches for a ceremony, then shift gears to groove with jazz and R&B standards for the cocktail hour! Why hire two ensembles when one can cover both portions of your special day?
Finally if you like the kick of jazz drums, James can also assemble and lead a jazz quartet as well as an entire 19-piece jazz orchestra (big band) with vocalists.
Please take a moment to check out James' music clips. James looks forward to performing for your event. Contact him today!
Song List
Available For:
Anniversaries, Awards Nights, Banquets, Birthday Parties, Celebrations, Christenings, Christmas Parties, Church Services, Clubs, Cocktail Parties, Community Events, Conventions, Corporate Functions, Country Clubs, Dinner Dances, Festivals, Fund Raisers, Funerals, Graduation Parties, Grand Openings, Halloween Parties, New Year's Eve Parties, Picnic, Private Parties, Restaurants, Reunions, Weddings, Wedding Ceremonies, Wedding Cocktail Hours, Wedding Receptions...and more.
Feedback
- He was awesome. He looked great and sounded great. He really set a nice mood and performed so well :) our guests loved him! -- Diana H, Baltimore, MD, 9/24/2011
- James Bjork did a wonderful Solo Saxophonist (with back up rhythm tracks) performance for our Surprise Birthday Party. He is thorough each step of the way. A bonus to us was in a review of the music for the night, he offered to bring his Clarinet for a portion of the performance. It was absolutely fantastic and a complete hit with the Guest of Honor! James Bjork's write up on gigmasters ~ the professional image, information and music samples online ~ all match who his is when he arrives! This is extremely important when you don't have an opportunity to just drop in on a performance to see for yourself. YES! We would book James Bjork again~without hesitation! -- Jeanne S, Fredericksburg, VA, 10/8/2011
- Our medical practice engaged James Bjork for our Fall Open House. This is our signature event held bi-annually. We were looking to enhance the evening for our guests and thought a jazz saxophonist would be ideal to provide the background sound to the planned activities. We could not have been happier with our choice. James was professional, easy to work with, arrived early and wrapped up on time. He provided us with a song list in advance in case we wanted to make sure that certain favorites were played, and indeed they were that evening. He also brought with him a sound system, at no additional charge, to compliment his playing. In a word, he's "fantastic!" -- Barbara L, Mc Lean, VA, 10/12/2011
- He played happy birthday with his saxophone which made the celebration super special! Everyone seems very pleased with his performance. I would recommend him to any event. -- Maggie D, Annapolis, MD, 11/19/2011
- To Anyone out there that's searching for a performer whom will dazzle a crowd of people from a large setting to a small intimate dinner please do yourself a favor, hire Mr. Bjork. This is my second year having him perform in my home for Thirty guest. They say a third time is a charm but I must say I have been charmed and dazzled on two joyous occasions. He is very accommodating, patient and simply a joy to make your dream occasion worth every penny. Myself and guest still highly request Mr. Bjork, so do yourself a favor, don't let your mind wonder and slip on one of the number one performers in the local area. Enjoy because he will dazzle you. Thanks Mr. Bjork -- Tangela R, Woodbridge, VA, 12/3/2011
- I invited James Bjoke to perform in front of disabled people and their families. I am glad that everyone of various age from 6 through 60's pay attention to his performance and is satisfied with his music. -- Bom Hoe H, Centreville, VA, 12/10/2011
- James was very professional and performed well at the event. His talent added a touch of "class" to our event. -- Shezan Z, Bethesda, MD, 5/29/2011
- This is the 2nd time our business has used James Bjork. His sax playing provided the perfect background music for our open house. He is a very versatile performer...offering a variety of musical choices. We love his soft jazz selections. He arrived early to our event, setup quickly and began playing prior to our first guests arriving. He was fabulous. I would highly recommend James and give him a 5 star rating in all categories...professionalism, accommodating, talent and satisfaction.
-- Barbara L, Mclean, VA, 4/17/2012
- Totally Flawless, Mr. Bjork is so professional and so accommodating. My guest was literally blown away with his performance of the sax. He played wonderful melodic melodies of Christmas and religious songs. Oh what a beautiful time. James is on the top of my list for any occasion. I feel like I hit the lottery when Mr. James Bjork came into my home and performed for 30 of my closest friends for a sit down meal, amazing. Don't even hesitate to select James for an event you will truly do yourself a favor just to have him. It was my honor and pleasure Mr. Bjork, Thank you -- Tangela R, Woodbridge, VA, 12/4/2010
- I could not ask for a better performer for our special day. Mr. Bjork was professional from our first conversation to the last. He was able to perform all of the songs that I requested and also gave incredible feedback on some of the music decisions.
Our guests were very impressed with Mr. Bjork's performance and he made my wedding day unforgettable. I would not hesitate to recommend Mr. Bjork to anyone. -- Marie M, Baltimore, MD, 8/7/2010
- James, conducted himself in a professional manner all through the evening. The funniest moment of the evening was that the guest of honor didn't realize that James was performing live since she was seated with her back turn to him. She thought it was prerecorded music. Just shows high level at which James performs his craft. I wouldn't want anyone else to play at my events. James is humble, honests and always does a great job.
To all of you out there, if you don't hire James for your next event, you're missing out on something really special.
Thanks again James for raising the level of our evening. -- Glen G, Washington, DC, 8/8/2010
- I could not have asked for a better musician than James Bjork. His professionalism and talent are top notch! He was the best and most accomodating vendor involved with our wedding. -- Deandra P, Leesburg, VA, 8/14/2010
- Fantastic performer, crowd pleaser! -- Sam D, Washington, DC, 5/20/2010
- James Bjork was wonderful. His talent and passion for music really shined through his performance. Our guests were very complimentary of Mr. Bjork. We want Thank him for being a part of our successful Grand Opening. -- Yolanda S, Falls Church, VA, 1/28/2010
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