About
BRANDEN & JAMES, “a powerhouse cello and vocal duo” (The Fight Magazine, Los Angeles), brings the soulful timbre of James on his cello combined with Branden’s emotional and powerful vocals, creating a sound that leaves audiences feeling moved and inspired. “…the always supportive, sometimes haunting power of the cello accompanying Branden’s voice solidifies the classical sound, adds new depth to the popular, and allows the audience to just sit back and take it in…so movingly, that you may forget to breathe!” says Paul Lisnek - Host of Broadway in Chicago Backstage.
The energy and fervor behind their music has a story to tell of their unique pairing. Branden had a successful career on stage and in recording prior to his meeting the Australian cellist, James. Some of Branden’s accolades include finishing as 2013 Finalist on America’s Got Talent, appearances at The Metropolitan Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago and Los Angeles Opera, two world tours with the renowned Twelve Tenors and two solo releases worldwide. James brought to the mix his own share of musical accomplishments, accompanying Olivia Newton John, Idina Menzel and Bernadette Peters in multiple concerts. He initially came on board to music direct one of many charity concerts in which Branden was performing, and their connection was so immense they began to play together regularly. The two started creating arrangements of “familiar tunes that make you listen to them like you’ve never heard them before.” Shortly after playing their first public concert together, they’ve been touring around the world with their original songs and innovative, classically inspired covers.
Since then, they have shared the stage with legends such as Sarah Maclachlan, Rita Moreno, Sally Struthers, Loretta Divine, Bruce Vilanch, Constantine Maroulis, Pia Toscano and The PussyCat Dolls. They regularly entertain for Princess, Oceania, Azamara and Seabourne Cruise lines with their energetic shows, “At The Corner of Symphony and Soul” and “From Bach to Bieber”. In 2016 they made their debuts at Birdland Jazz, New York City, The Purple Room, Palm Springs and The Palm Cabaret in Puerto Vallarta to much acclaim. Reminiscent for some as The Piano Guys meets Josh Groban, they weave familiar melodies of pop tunes in classical style with their own unique sound. Branden says, “people tell us we’re so unique and different. I think that’s what excites us most. We’re actually doing something that hasn’t been done before.” In 2017, they look forward to international appearances in Australia, Dubai, Havana, Cuba, Greece, Hong Kong, Italy and Vancouver, B.C.. Stateside, they will return to The Purple Room in Palm Springs and make debuts at Market Days in Chicago, The Post Office in Ogunquit, Maine, Martini’s Above Fourth in San Diego, and a solo concert at the hot new venue in Las Vegas called The Space. In the meantime, Branden and James are excited to announce they will record a brand new album with Billboard chart-topping producer Patrick Hamilton (Jackie Evancho, Katherine Jenkins, David Garrett) full of originals and covers especially written for cello and tenor. Please visit their website at www.brandenjames.com for more info.