Born in Scarborough Ontario, James McEleney is an Upright & Electric bassist active in Toronto’s Roots & Bluegrass scene. Early in his practice he studied classical bass with Timothy Dawson (TSO) & Jazz with Mike Murley, Barry Elmes & Al Henderson while earning a BFA spec. Music at York University (2008).
In 2010, he began playing in Toronto progressive bluegrass group The Unseen Strangers, winners of the 2013 DelFest band competition. It was through this introduction, that he became heavily involved in Toronto’s rich folk and roots music scene. Since then he has toured extensively as a sideman in a variety of folk and country acts and frequently as a member of the award winning “New Acoustic” group The Andrew Collins Trio. He has also appeared on several recordings in a variety of styles from Jazz to Bluegrass to Soul to Psychedelic Rock.
A faithful Torontonian, James resides in the Junction with his family and continues to maintain an active performance schedule in town and on the road.
Performances
Twilight Jazz and Blooz Series: Dames at the Distillery featuring the Cheri Maracle Quintet
Spirit In Niagara, 458 Lakeshore Rd, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON