Biography
Born on April 12th, 1978 to Roque "Rocky" (Father) and Rolee' (Mother) [having proud heritage and origins within the Sioux Nation, and Ooglala Tribe], James Azrael was destined to enter the music industry. At the age of six, "The Rev," as he's often referred to now, began his musical prowess with the piano, but promptly moved on to become the solo upright bass-player for his school's orchestra at the age of nine. By the time junior high rolled around, much to the chagrin of his parents, James was drawn to the electric guitar, and began his new journey, his calling, in 1991. In 1992, James wrote his first song, "Welcome To Hell," which was recorded for the first time, in a professional studio, in 1996. It took another 7-years to become James' vision he had 11-years prior. It was released in 2003 on Court Jester's debut album, "GINA" [Cellar Records]. For the last thirteen years, James has composed (music & lyrics) and arranged nearly 95% of Court Jester's published library of songs; and lest we not forget...Court Jester's rhythm/lead guitarist. And in 2003, they released their debut album (encompassing a decade of songs James had written), "Gina," drew critical acclaim for their efforts and had put the band on the map. Their sophomore album, "Stangeland" was released in January 2006 and featured Dizzy Reed of Guns N' Roses on piano and Hammond C2 Organ. The album quickly gained popularity, with the help of the notorious Howie Rosen, and landed the group two hit singles -"Hollywood Girl" and "Needless to Say" respectively - which ranked highly among two separate formats & audience demographics (Rock & Adult Contemporary). In addition to his successful musical career, James has also dabbled into the Film/TV Industry. James appeared in the a 2003 major network & cable commercial campaign for WAHL, Inc. alongside UFC Heavyweight Champion, Andrei Arlovski; James currently endorses WAHL, Inc.'s line of Beard Trimmers. He was producer for the award-winning 2007 feature film "Farewell Darkness (winner of such prestigious awards as: 'Best Feature Film' at the Drake International (Italy) and Del Ray Beach Film Festivals, respectively. James is no stranger to the lens' eye either. You may spot him in such titles: "The Birthday Card," "Common Senses," "The Break-Up," "Roscoe Village," and more. Additionally, James is making a name for himself as a composer since his debut for the highly respected, revered and award-winning 2006 short-film "Soldier;" Film Threat Magazine wrote, "...['Soldier'] is the second best unseen movie of 2006!" Some may still remember James from his days as a Chicagoland radio (1992-2001); working alongside such great talents as Erich "Mancow" Muller, Danny Bonaduce, Lou Brutus and more. He continues to do work as a voice-over artist, most recently hired to do a "book-on-CD" of the children's book, "The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs!," (Jon Scieszka) for the Illinois School Library Media Association. James provided all the character voices and narration, a score, spfx, even that infamous "turn-the-page" chime! James does all his own production, from concept to mastering. James has a Bachelor's of Fine Arts Degree in Radio Broadcast Communications and a Masters of Teaching Degree in Education/K-9 with an endorsement for Public Speaking. Currently, with Court Jester on hiatus, James is pursuing new avenues, experimenting, and taking on projects of all kinds. James' solo work is available via Digital Distribution on over 40 locations, including: Amazon, iTunes, Rhapsody, Napster, LimeWire, and many more; and an "iPhone Exclusive" ring-tone.
