James McLean

House band drummer James McLean is from Melbourne, Australia and works at the intersections of movement, rhythm, and improvisation. James’ practice sees him working as a solo artist, a bandleader, and an ensemble member in numerous ensembles and styles, spanning from modern jazz to experimental improvisation. In 2016 James was awarded the Freedman Jazz Fellowship, becoming the first and only drummer to receive the award. He is featured on recordings by artists such as Spirograph Studies, Andrea Keller’s Five Below, The Marc Hannaford Trio, The Eugene Ball 4tet, and the Nick Haywood Quintet with Petra Haden, and has been a finalist for the National Jazz Awards (2018) and the Young Australian Jazz Artist of the Year (2016). James has also released three solo drum set recordings: Counter Clockwork (2015), Oscillator (2018), and Interstitial (2021).