Members
- James Barela - EVI, Trumpet, composer, arranger, producer
Additional Details
For booking information please contact:
BLu7music, management
(702) 813-4766
semajbare@aol.com
About James Barela
James Barela | Trumpeter • EVI Player • Composer
BLu7music is the home of trumpeter, Electronic Valve Instrument (EVI) player, and jazz musician James Barela. Based in Denver, Colorado, James has performed with many of the biggest names in jazz, pop, and beyond. He leads his own ensembles—ranging from duos to full big bands—and freelances with top-tier groups across the U.S. and internationally.
About the EVI
The Electronic Valve Instrument (EVI) is a breath-controlled wind synthesizer designed for brass players. While difficult to master, it offers a limitless sonic palette and expressive power, making it an exceptional tool for both live performance and studio work. James is one of the few accomplished EVI players in the world today.
Early Years & Education
James Barela was born and raised in Cheyenne, Wyoming, and began playing trumpet at age 10. He attended Northwest College, studying under Neil Hansen, Mike Masterson, and Ronnie Bedford, whose group James regularly performed with. He later transferred to the Lamont School of Music at the University of Denver, earning both a Bachelor of Music in Trumpet Performance and a Master of Music in Composition, graduating with honors.
At Lamont, James studied with a prestigious list of educators and performers, including:
Joe Docksey, Dan Kuehn, Bob Montgomery, Dave Hanson, Malcolm Lynn Baker, Vincent Laguardia, Donald Keats, and Art Bouton.
While in Denver, James quickly became a first-call trumpeter, collaborating with some of the region's top talent:
Bob Montgomery, Willie Hill, Joe Bonner, Eric Gunnison, Ronnell Bright, Freddie Rodriguez, Mitchell Long & Hi-Fi-Mo-Fo, Drew Morell, Paul Musso, Rich Chiaraluce, Tony Klatka, Art Lande, Paul Romaine, Ron Miles, and many others.
He also gained national recognition through a co-led quintet with tenor saxophonist Pete Peterson, featuring Shamie Royston, Artie Moore, and Rudy Royston. The group was runner-up in the 1993 Cognac-Hennessy Jazz Search.
Las Vegas & Touring Career
In 1998, James relocated to Las Vegas, where he became a sought-after lead and jazz trumpeter. His work included high-profile gigs with:
Jump, Jive, and Wail, Dian Diaz, Patty Janura, Tropical Splash, Backstreet, Sin City Daddies, Storm, David Poe, and many more.
National and international credits include performances with:
Woody Herman Orchestra, Cyrus Chestnut, David Amram, Carl Fontana, Mike Stern, Frank Wess, Sheila Jordan, Bill Watrous, Byron Stripling, Bobby Shew, Nick Brignola, Jamey Aebersold, Ray Price, Phil Wilson, and many others across jazz, pop, and R&B—including legends like:
Whitney Houston, Bono, Gladys Knight, The Temptations, Frankie Valli, Joe Williams, Sam Butera, and Keely Smith.
Discography & Media
James has recorded with a diverse array of artists including:
Nick Brignola, Unit Five, Neophonic Jazz Orchestra, Mark Massamino, Jump Jive and Wail, Josephine, Simon Relph, Lionhorse, and more.
His original ensemble, BLu7, has become internationally recognized for its eclectic fusion of styles and innovative arrangements. Their debut album, Cultural Instigator, is played worldwide—including NPR, BBC, and Taiwan National Radio—and received critical acclaim. The group was also nominated for a BMA Award in the Best Jazz Groupcategory.
James has been featured in publications such as DownBeat, The Gift of Jazz, Las Vegas Weekly, Las Vegas Sun, Westword, and appeared in the TV mini-series Stephen King’s The Shining.
Current Projects
James continues to perform and record extensively. Current projects include:
James Barela Trio/Quartet/Quintet
The Peter Queal Quartet
Straphangin’ (Brecker Brothers tribute)
Mojomama (bluesy rock and funk with horns)
The Wild 1's (jump swing/R&B)
Swing Shift, The Jazztet, and various studio sessions
Comeback & Advocacy
A serious upper-lip injury sidelined James for three years. With the help of renowned surgeon Dr. Simon McGrail in Toronto and trumpet legend Bobby Shew, he made a remarkable comeback. This journey inspired James to support others with embouchure injuries and begin writing a study on injury recognition, recovery, and the psychological effects of this and other injuries that impacts a musicians ability to play their instruments.
During his recovery, James fully embraced electronic music and the EVI, developing an expressive and personal voice on the instrument.
Gear
NuEVI by Berglund Instruments
Steiner MIDI-EVI
Xpresso by Dynasample
Roland Integra-7 and XV-2020 sound modules
Adams A4 Custom Trumpet
Austin Custom Brass mouthpieces (exclusive)
Contact & Booking
For performance inquiries, recording projects, or collaborations, please contact:
semajbare@aol.com
(702) 813-4766
BLu7music.com