James began playing classical guitar at age 7. He attended the Queensland Conservatorium of Music, studying classical guitar, and graduated in 1992. He is now based in Melbourne, Australia. James was the winner of the Ike Isaacs International Jazz Guitar Award in 1997. As a bandleader, James has released six albums and collaborated with artists including Sheila Jordan (USA), Cyrille Aimée (FRA), Jeff “Tain” Watts (USA), John Riley (USA), Leroy Jones (USA), Rick Margitza (USA/FRA), Martin Taylor (UK), Megan Washington (AUS), Joe Camilleri (AUS), film composer Howard Shore (USA), The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and The Australian Chamber Orchestra. As well as live performances, James has appeared on recordings alongside MSO Double Bassist Ben Hanlon, Kristin Berardi, Sam Anning, Emma Gilmartin, Jake Mason and Hetty Kate. Most recently, James was asked by renowned film composer François Tétaz to feature on his latest feature film score for ‘The Surfer’, directed by Lorcan Finnegan starring Nick Cage that will be released in the later half of 2024.
James has toured extensively across the world, his career taking him to over twelve different countries and headline at some of the most prestigious festivals and venues including Montreux Jazz Festival opening for George Benson and Al Jarreau, Melbourne Recital Centre in Melbourne, ‘A Trane’ in Berlin, ‘Sunset Sunside’ and ‘La Gare’ in Paris, ‘Jazz Dock’ in Prague, ‘The Dresden Blue Note’ and ‘The Sounds Jazz Club’ in Brussels.
In 2021 James was the featured soloist in the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra’s performance of Mark-Anthony Turnage’s work “Blood on the Floor”. The James Sherlock Trio was featured in the ABC TV Jazz Series "The Pulse".
October 2023 saw James release “The Verb not the Noun”, his first trio recording since “Domestic Arts” in 2010 and the first to feature an all original program since “Watermark” in 2006. This recording brings together the artistry and experience of James, Sam Anning (bass) and Danny Fischer (drums). On this LP, James plays archtop guitar and nylon string as the group explores the textural, rhythmic, harmonic and melodic possibilities of the guitar trio.
Recorded at Head Gap studios, engineered by Rohan Sforcina and mixed and mastered by Dave Darlington with funky cover artwork by Jeff Raglus. The recording is available on vinyl, CD or Digital download at Bandcamp or streaming on various platforms.
"This could be exhibit A in the case that some of the world's most exciting jazz is being made in Australia.” John Shand - Sydney Morning Herald (“Watermark” review)
“A marriage of wonderful articulation and a feel for playing just the right note at the right time.” Ian Patterson www.allaboutjazz.com
“A fine addition to his consistently impressive discography, The Verb Not the Noun makes the case for Sherlock as one of modern jazz's most elegant guitarists.” Ian Patterson www.allaboutjazz.com
Full review - https://www.allaboutjazz.com/the-verb-not-the-noun-james-sherlock-self-produced
“Sherlock is a wonderful guitarist, and a craftsman of songs possessing beauty and depth. Solo should make a few Top 10s of the year and help propel Sherlock onto the bigger stage he surely deserves. Definitely a name to watch out for.” Ian Patterson www.allaboutjazz.com