About
Bio + Credits
Profoundly talented multi-instrumentalist, singer, producer and composer, James Casey passed away August 28, 2024 from colon cancer.
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Born in Washington DC to a musical family, and raised in Phoenix, AZ, he pursued a Music Business degree at Berklee College of Music. After leaving Boston, James moved to New York to continue to develop his passion for making music. James became one of the most in-demand Saxophonists, touring the world many times over with acts across the spectrum of genres. When not on the road, James found a niche in the studio, producing and performing for many different acts, including his own: Animus Rexx.
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James was diagnosed with colon cancer at the age of 38 after abdominal pain during a performance at Red Rocks led him to seek medical treatment. James persevered through his colon cancer battle for two years, and it was the honor of his career to release solo music and perform during that time. James brought joy to everyone around him and his legacy will live on, both through his music and the advocacy work that's so integral to him.
It was so important to James to help others avoid his fate – to learn the importance of early colon cancer screenings, know your family history, and be an advocate for your own health. When detected early, colon cancer is almost always curable. He shared his diagnosis publicly and illuminated his ongoing battle to raise awareness and help others.
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James was a member of Trey Anastasio Band, Billy and the Kids, and performed regularly with Phil Lesh and Friends. He performed, recorded, produced and wrote with many of the world's leading and most influential artists.
Credits include: The Roots, Phish, Meghan Trainor, Anderson .Paak, The Jonas Brothers, Maceo Parker, Carly Rae Jepsen, J.Cole, Leslie Odom Jr., Dave Matthews Band, Sabrina Claudio, Chaka Khan, Wu-Tang, John Legend, Roy Hargrove, Soulive, Lettuce, Shawn Mendes, 5th Harmony, and many more.
Discography
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Another City - Brooke Parrott - 2008
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2014 Forest Hills Drive - J.Cole - 2014
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In Technicolor - Jesse McCartney - 2014
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White Women - Chromeo - 2014
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P.O.C LIVE! - Talib Kweli - 2014
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Good Medicine - Brady Watt - 2015
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Paper Wheels - Trey Anastasio Band - 2015
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Ladies and Gentlemen, Nigel Hall - Nigel Hall - 2015
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Crush - Lettuce - 2015
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Big Boat - Phish - 2016
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Hot Damn - The Shadowboxers - 2017
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Wait - Sabrina Claudio - 2017
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Live in Europe - Melody Gardot - 2018
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Lux Prima - Danger Mouse/Karen O - 2018
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Kiwanuka - Michael Kiwanuka - 2019
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Final Days - Michael Kiwanuka - 2020