From jazz-hop beats to free-form improvisation, and dappled melodicism to breezy funk – these are just some of the areas traversed by drummer James Bashford during his still relatively short career.



James Bashford studied at the nearby Conservatoire of Birmingham, where he was tutored by fellow sticksmen Tony Levin, Gene Calderazzo and Jeff Williams, an impressive drum trinity indeed.



This subsequently led to him being directly employed by Birmingham Conservatoire, specialising in running workshops with leading American and European jazz masters.



James Bashford toured as a member of US drummer Jim Black’s AlasNoAxis, and has played with soul singers Carmel and Omar, plus saxophonists Soweto Kinch and Paul Dunmall.



The drummer's plans for 2014 include gigging with fast-rising Scottish saxophonist Rachael Cohen, whose debut album on the increasingly important Whirlwind label has been making a favourable impression.



There are also plans to record with Dave Sinclair’s Caravan and James Bashford is hoping to tour as part of a trio with Icelandic guitarist Hilmar Jensson towards the end of the year.