James Morgan Redefines Smooth Jazz with New Singles and a New Direction
James Morgan is a smooth and contemporary jazz guitarist whose sound reflects the heart of the West Coast. He is based in San Diego, California, where he has lived for more than two decades. Before settling there, he grew up in the Bay Area, where his musical foundation began and where he first developed the style that would later become known as “West Coast Contemporary Jazz.” His music blends melody, clarity, and groove. James aims to honor the tradition of contemporary jazz while also creating fresh, modern sounds that bring new listeners to the genre. His approach focuses on clean production, memorable hooks, and arrangements that allow each instrument to shine. Onstage, he keeps room for improvisation, bringing emotion and spontaneity into every performance. Offstage, he embraces today’s indie and digital platforms to connect directly with fans, keeping his music accessible and discoverable.
James’s musical influences are rooted in his early years in Monterey Bay, Santa Cruz, and Carmel. As a teenager, he was drawn to the powerful fusion sounds of Bill Connors, Return to Forever, John McLaughlin and the Mahavishnu Orchestra, and Miles Davis’s Bitches Brew. Studying under Bill Connors in the late 1970s shaped his technique and helped define his path as both a guitarist and a bandleader. Over the years, he has also been inspired by artists such as George Benson, Norman Brown, Nils, Ron Bosse, and others. His background includes forming several jazz fusion groups, including Absolute Black, which opened for Mickey Thomas of Starship.
James currently has two new singles: “Live Love,” released on June 27, 2025, and “Frequency of Love,” released on September 26, 2025, both under Guitar One Records. His next release, “Wes Coast Smooth,” will arrive on January 30, 2026 through his own label, JMJ Records. He is now performing and releasing music under the name James Morgan Jazz, stepping forward with a more personal artistic identity after previously leading the Ghost Jazz Trio.
His song “Frequency of Love” tells a story of long-distance love and deep emotional connection. In the video, his partner is in France while he remains on the West Coast. The ocean becomes a symbol of the distance between them, yet the song shows how love keeps them connected. As he walks along the shoreline playing his guitar, he imagines their worlds meeting, and the final image of their hands reaching toward each other highlights the strength of their bond.
James’s creative process has become more focused on feel and simplicity. He often begins with a rhythm that moves him, then builds chords and melodies around it until the theme becomes clear. He lets the natural voice of each instrument shape the direction of the music. For him, the solo section is a place where he can speak freely as an artist, sharing emotion, experience, and through the guitar.
Listen to 'Frequency Of Love'
Connect with James
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