James Singleton, Rhythm Crusader

Since moving to New Orleans in 1976, James Singleton has been one of the city's most sought-after bass players, primarily in jazz of all kinds, but also blues, R& B, funk, and folk. Since 1978, he has been a mainstay of New Orleans' leading modern-jazz group, Astral Project, led by Tony Dagradi, which is still performing after 40 years. In 1995, he co-founded the free-jazz group 3NOW4 with Dave Easley. In the 2000s, he began to unveil his own groups: the James Singleton Trio, Quartet, String Quartet, and Orchestra, featuring his own singular compositions (pun intended). In the 2010s, he has been collaborating with the Nolatet and WATIV, and in various duos and trios with younger musicians. In "James Singleton, Rhythm Crusader," drawing on interviews with James and some 40 other New Orleans musicians as well as unbelievable amounts of other research, David Lasocki paints a lively picture of the life and times of this dynamic figure. James' recordings are analyzed, and a comprehensive discography is included.