Northern Ireland born composer/trumpet player/educator based in Leeds. Leads the James Hamilton Jazz Orchestra and a member of Leeds based indie rock band Hope and Social. Winner of the 2008 Dankworth prize for big band composition, 2010 British Composers Award for Contemporary Jazz Composition, Jazz Yorkshires Composer/Arranger of the Year and Big Band of the year 2010.

“A lovely album that captures mood and character terrifically, a really wonderful album.”

-BBC Radio 3, Performance on 3

“A young creative genius”

-BBC Radio Ulster, After Midnight

“…an energetic and talented leader, precisely the kind of qualities we need to be encouraging for a healthy future for live music!”

-Tim Garland

“an exciting new writing talent- intriguing grooves and gorgeous textures”

-John Warren