James Hammel & Friends

James Hammel (and James Hammel & Friends) are true professionals and excel at meeting the needs of each of our clients. Our song list includes a very diverse music list including jazz standards from the Great American Song book, Latin standards, pop, blues, and rock (see our Song List). With over 200 songs, we can easily customize our song list for the client and give them exactly what they need, regardless of genre). Each performance hour includes about 15 songs so we have enough music for many hours. The priority is always laying out a song list and customize it to the needs of the client.

We can perform as background music, or have us choreograph our performance to engage the audience thought the event. We even do thematic shows such as a Sinatra focused song list, jazz only, pop only, or a Latin-focused show. We have a Holiday Xmas book as well.

While James usually performs with a beautifully sounding electric guitar, he can add/mix in acoustic steel-string guitar and/or even nylon string guitar. Again, we strive to meet the clients needs and choreograph the gig accordingly.

The performance can range from 1 song for a ceremony to hours for songs for en extended event. We do customize events and learn specific songs requested by the client. Generally, there is an extra charge for creating arrangements ($150 to $200 per song).

We supply a backline that includes all amps, PA (if needed), microphones, music and mic stands, cabling, song books and more. We require AC power for our equipment. The space we occupy is based on the size of the group (solo, duo, trio, quartet, etc.). We do not have lighting systems or other equipment that is designed to make shows unique (fog machines, etc.). We can supply a sound man and board if needed (for larger events) for a fee. Threatening weather conditions like lightning, thunder storms, rain, snow always have an impact on our show setup and we cannot allow instruments or electric equipment to get wet.

We do not allow members of the client's audience to use any instruments. We are completely fine if the client wants to use our microphone(s) during the event for announcements. We are also fine if a client has a vocalist who might sing a song or two. If they have a musician that wants to perform they must bring their own instruments and gear. We can't allow people who have consumed alcohol to be on the stage at any time.

We arrive for solo gig setup is at least 1/2 hour before the gig commences. For duo, trio quartet, or other band formats, we require at least 1 hour and prefer 1 1/2 hours, especially when a drummer needs to setup.

We take breaks on the hour and will take 10-15 minutes for each break. We appreciate, if the client is serving food, that the musicians can have a meal.

About James Hammel Singer Songwriter and Guitarist
Some musicians are born with stories to tell. James Hammel has performed his songs at The Metropolitan Room, a renowned NYC jazz and cabaret club, and The Bitter End, one of the top pop songwriter venues worldwide, and even the US Open Tennis Championships. A student of the jazz guitar great, Sal Salvador, Hammel has spent decades honing his voice and guitar work.
James’ music is a soulful, jazz-inspired mix of singing and guitar filled with great energy and expression! His music is a mix of jazz, pop, blues, rock and originals. Fans of James' vocal sound, style, and interpretation say his voice captures Sting's sensitivity, the class and touch of Michael Buble, the cleverness of Michael Franks, the innocence of Chet Baker, and the playfulness of John Pizzarelli.
James performs solo or with a duo, trio or a full band (up to 8 pieces). Much of the feel of his shows include wonderfully arranged jazz standards, pop and blues, and beautiful originals.

As a songwriter, James was a finalist in the Great American Song Contest and has an original song charted on Billboard's Top 500.

James lives in Back Mountain, NC (near Asheville) and performs regularly in the area. He plays at Asheville at venues such as ISIS, The Altamont Theater, Biltmore Estate, Omini Grove Park Inn, The Classic Wineseller, and at select Private Events.

From --Roy Sander, Critic and Columnist (formerly of Back Stage and Citysearch):
"On stage, James Hammel is at once completely natural and artfully focused, a rare combination. He gets to the core of each song with easy grace and understated eloquence."

He is frequently ranked the #1 or #2 jazz musician in the Asheville area by Reverbnation.

Please also visit our website.

Each gig us unique and has its own requirements and we customize our musical performance based ont he clients needs.

We do not supply lighting or other unique performance gear such as fog systems, bubble makers, etc.