Melissa James stands out as a multi-faceted artist - a singer, songwriter, actor, and performer - her work is a harmonious blend of creativity, advocacy, and community involvement. Guided by her belief that “Music is my pathway into other people’s hearts,” Melissa’s career showcases her ability to connect deeply with audiences through her art and activism.

Melissa’s journey began in North West London, where the vibrant sounds of soul and calypso from her West Indian upbringing filled her childhood. During her university years at Sussex, she discovered the blues and was captivated by the work of artists like Bessie Smith. A move to Paris marked a turning point in her artistic growth, where she performed in local venues alongside guitarist James Wilson and bassist Marten Ingle, further refining her craft.

After returning to London, Melissa embraced songwriting with the encouragement of her vocal coach. Teaming up with composer Ross Lorraine, she began crafting original songs that reflected her personal experiences. Her debut album, Day Dawns (2012), combined soulful storytelling with heartfelt interpretations of classic tracks, cementing her place as a compelling voice in contemporary music.

In 2016, Melissa released her second album, Stripped Back, a project that stripped her sound down to its essence. Featuring only her voice accompanied by piano or guitar, the album revealed her raw emotional depth. Tracks like “Live Again” and “Troubled” delved into themes of self-reflection, resilience, and personal growth. “These songs are deeply personal and reveal so much of who I am,” Melissa shares. The album’s authenticity struck a chord with listeners, resonating as both intimate and profound.

Melissa’s song “Live Again” became the catalyst for her mental health initiative, Sing for Sane (formerly SING4SANE), in 2016. Beginning with a pop-up Big Sing event at Heathrow Airport, the initiative grew into a full-scale project, culminating in a recording at RAK Studios. Proceeds from the charity single support SANE, underscoring Melissa’s commitment to raising awareness and reducing stigma around mental health. Her workshops and Big Sing events bring people together through music, fostering connection and healing.

In 2013, Melissa launched Gig in a Gallery, a series of fundraising concerts held in art spaces. These events, featuring performances from renowned artists and auctions of unique memorabilia, supported various charitable causes. Melissa’s creativity extended further in 2020 with the creation of Stronger on Sundays, an online platform for discussing racism and social justice. This initiative combined heartfelt conversations with live music, offering a safe and supportive space for reflection and dialogue.

In September 2023, Melissa stepped into the world of professional acting, debuting in Agatha Christie’s Witness for the Prosecution at London’s Old County Hall. Playing the role of Stenographer (and understudying Janet Mackenzie), Melissa’s theatrical debut highlighted her versatility as an artist.

Melissa’s work is driven by her desire to inspire and connect. Whether she’s performing on stage, organising charity events, or leading workshops, she uses her platform to bring people together and address meaningful issues. Through her music and initiatives, Melissa James continues to leave a lasting impact, touching lives and building communities wherever her journey takes her.

Melissa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissajamesuk/
Melissa's website: http://melissa-james.com/

Mark Walmsley FRSA FCIM AGSM
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Arts & Culture Network
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"Cultivating creative connections"
mark.walmsley@ArtsAndCultureNetwork.com

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Melissa James -  Performer of heartfelt harmony

David Bixler has spent his life in jazz, making significant contributions as a saxophonist, composer, and teacher. His career is a testament to his passion, perseverance, and unwavering commitment to the art of music.

David began his formal music education at Indiana University Bloomington, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Jazz Studies between 1982 and 1987. This period was crucial in developing his technical skills and deepening his love for jazz.

Nearly twenty years later, David obtained a Master’s degree in Music Theory and Composition from Montclair State University from 2005 to 2007. These academic achievements highlight his dedication to continually improving his craft and expanding his musical knowledge.

After moving to New York City, David established himself in the jazz scene. He toured internationally with renowned big bands led by Lionel Hampton and Toshiko Akiyoshi, gaining valuable experience and recognition globally.

David later joined the Chico O’Farrill Afro-Cuban Big Band, where he became a regular performer at the famous Birdland Jazz Club. His work with this band contributed to their Latin GRAMMY-winning album, Final Night at Birdland. These experiences not only enhanced his skills but also helped him develop a unique sound that stands out in the jazz community.

David’s compositions are deeply personal, often inspired by his own life experiences. A particularly challenging time when his son faced health issues had a profound impact on his music, leading him to create pieces that convey deep emotion and resilience.

Some of his notable works include In the Face of Chaos (2019), Blended Lineage (2020), and Inside the Grief (2020). His latest project, The Langston Hughes Project vol. 1, draws inspiration from the poetry of Langston Hughes, blending literary art with musical innovation and receiving praise for its heartfelt expression.

For over sixteen years, David has been a dedicated professor at Bowling Green State University, where he also serves as the Director of Jazz Studies. In this role, he not only manages the department but also mentors young musicians, helping them develop their technical skills and artistic voices.

David’s influence extends beyond the university. As a Selmer and Vandoren Artist, he travels internationally to conduct workshops and performances, sharing his knowledge and passion for jazz with a broader audience.

David leads Bixxlixx Music, where he balances his roles as a performer, composer, and entrepreneur. For nearly forty years, he has directed the David Bixler Quintet and collaborated on innovative projects like the Auction Project, continually exploring new musical horizons and pushing creative boundaries.

In addition to his musical endeavors, David hosts a podcast called Liner Notes. Through this platform, he interviews fellow jazz musicians, delving into their creative processes and personal stories. These conversations provide listeners with an inside look at the lives of jazz artists and the vibrant community they belong to.

David and his family reside in New York City, a place that mirrors the energy and dynamism of his music. From his early dreams as a sixth-grader to his achievements as a performer, composer, and educator, David’s journey is marked by creativity, resilience, and a deep love for jazz.

Whether performing at Birdland, teaching at Bowling Green, or sharing stories on his podcast, David Bixler exemplifies the true spirit of jazz. His ongoing dedication and passion continue to inspire both his peers and the next generation of musicians.

David on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-bixler-b645156/
David's website: https://www.davidbixler.com/

Mark Walmsley FRSA FCIM AGSM
www.ArtsAndCultureNetwork.com
mark.walmsley@ArtsAndCultureNetwork.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/markbwalmsley/
 
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David Bixler - Saxophonist, Composer and Teacher of Jazz

Andreas van Zoelen is many things—a saxophonist, conductor, professor, collector, and researcher—but above all, he’s someone who follows his curiosity wherever it leads. As a professor of classical saxophone at Fontys Academy of the Arts, he shares his knowledge with students from all over the world. But his passion for the saxophone extends far beyond the classroom.

His journey into the world of rare and historic saxophones started unexpectedly when, as a young student, he laid eyes on a dusty baritone saxophone hanging in his teacher’s music room. That moment sparked a lifelong obsession, leading him to acquire his first antique saxophones—an early 1900s alto with two octave keys and a Conn straight-neck C melody. His collection grew steadily, one instrument at a time, evolving into something he never quite anticipated: a full-fledged saxophone museum. Not one to keep knowledge to himself, he built an online home for his collection, saxophonemuseum.online, where enthusiasts and researchers can explore the history of the instrument in depth.

Beyond collecting, Andreas is an active performer and collaborator. He joined the world-renowned Raschèr Saxophone Quartet in 2014, taking over the tenor saxophone role from founding member Bruce Weinberger. With the quartet, he has traveled the globe, performing and leading masterclasses. He has also worked with major orchestras such as the Berlin Philharmonic and the Beethoven Orchestra Bonn, and has collaborated with artists like Stewart Copeland and Markus Stockhausen. As a soloist, he’s recorded over 40 albums and championed new music—more than 140 pieces have been composed specifically for him.

His academic pursuits are just as impressive. In 2021, he earned his PhD from Vrije Universiteit Brussel, focusing on the Raschèr saxophone tradition and its connection to Adolphe Sax’s legacy. His research has also led to a well-regarded book on the saxophone’s history in the Netherlands, and he regularly contributes articles to international publications.

As a composer and arranger, Andreas has worked with ensembles and orchestras worldwide. Notably, Arvo Pärt personally approved his saxophone arrangements, and he has collaborated closely with composer Fazil Say. His passion for historical performance extends to Edition Sax, an ensemble dedicated to performing early saxophone repertoire on instruments built by Adolphe Sax himself.

For Andreas, the saxophone isn’t just an instrument—it’s a gateway to history, art, and endless discovery. Through performance, teaching, research, and collecting, he’s dedicated his life to exploring every corner of its rich legacy and sharing it with the world.

Andreas on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreas-van-zoelen-010987b/
Andreas's website: https://vanzoelen.eu/
Fonty's website: https://www.fontys.nl/Over-Fontys/Wie-we-zijn.htm
Saxophone museum online: https://saxophonemuseum.online/about/


Mark Walmsley FRSA FCIM AGSM
Arts and Culture Network
www.ArtsAndCultureNetwork.com
"Cultivating creative connections"
mark.walmsley@ArtsAndCultureNetwork.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/markbwalmsley/


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