James Brown's Art Of Anthem Ensemble
November 1 & 2 @ 8:00 PM

James Brown-guitar,
Hannah Barstow-vocals/piano,
Clark Johnston -bass,
Ethan Ardelli-drums

James Brown is one of Canada’s most talented and versatile musicians. As a  guitarist, composer and educator, he has produced five acclaimed recordings of  original music. Marrying his extensive background in classical performing and  composing with jazz, he has created a unique musical space for himself. He has  performed with many leading artists and ensembles including The Toronto  Symphony Orchestra, Sound Streams Canada and Can Stage. His full scale  composition “The Mosley Street Suite” was premiered at Koerner Hall in August  2021 and his fifth studio album “Anthem For Everyone” (featuring Aline Homzy,  Hannah Barstow and Clark Johnston, was released on NGP records in July of  2025. This recording marks the composers debut as a lyricist. Other recordings  have featured Don Thompson, Quinsin Nachoff, Jim Vivian, Anthony Michelli,  Andrew Downing, John Obercian and Ernie Tollar. James’ composition article  “The Grundgestalt Concept” was published in the July 2023 issue of Downbeat  Magazine. James also appears on two recent recordings with bassist Mike  Milligan. (“Six Plus Four” and “This” on Millimuse Records) These collaborative  duo albums include originals and arrangements by James as well as free jazz.  James’ 2022 release “Song Within the Story” (NGP Records) and features guest  tenor sax giant Mike Murley and has received world wide radio play and has  been critically acclaimed.