Born in Dallas, Texas in 1949 James grew up in a musical family. His father was a band director and his mother a proficient pianist.
His earliest pieces were tonal. One of the first composers to recognize his talent was traditionally minded orchestra and band composer Don Gills.
He began to explore modernist possibilities influenced by Stravinsky and Bartok, but a pervading Influence
of Debussy is heard in all subsequent phases of his composing. His early committment to atonal, modernist and eclectic writing was influenced by
the academic expectations and models of his degree study. He studied on the Garrigues Foundation Scholarship at SMU. During service as a clarinetist with the USAF Band Washington, DC he completed the MM degree with Catholic University and had sessions with composer George Crumb. The connection between the music of Crumb and audiences thirsting for new directions in contemporary music in the 1970s, influenced his development of a music aware of the heritage of the great era of music. As a clarinetist he valued the music of Brahms and Mozart.
Following several successful modernist pieces, Contrabass artist Bert Turetzky further encouraged his development. Apres Moi le Sommeil (After Me Sleep) Clarinet, Percussion premiered by the Contemporary Music Forum of Washington, DC was featured on the Los Angeles Monday Evening Concerts and performed extensively by the Uwharrie Duo. Marshall held a Fellowship to the University of California San Diego and began collaboration with Turetzky. Intonement and Ciel Etoile Chamber Concerto for Contrabass and Nine Instruments were Turetzky commissions. Ciel Luminaire for Flute and Contrabass was commissioned by the Turetzkys and recorded on the Nine Winds label in “Music for Flute and Contrabass”. In 1988 the composer was elected to International Who’s Who in Music following several international performances inclcuding Mexico, Australia, and the Isle of Man. English contrabassist David Heyes commissioned Big Bow, remembering Bach and Bert for Turetzky’s 85th Birthday Celebration in Somerset, England in 2018.
In addition to educational books and collections for Clarinet, Clarinet Ensemble arrangements and compsitions have occupied his time in the
most recent years. Cloud Metamorphosis for Clarinet Sextet premeired at the University of Delaware and Escape for Clarinet Quartet
premiered by the Mpingo Quartet in Washington, DC comprise these pieces.
Although his passion for Clarinet, Composing and Teaching prevailed through various phases of his life, economic and personal considerations
led him to base his monetary sustanance in business for some years. Being a true Texan he held a research position in bank operations, composing
on weekends and holidays much in the tradition of Charles Ives. Today he remains active as a clarinetist with the Richardson Community Band.
Several performers have been mentors and advisers to him in addition to Nancy and Bert Turetzky. Flutist George Hummel, Composer Robert Gibson, Clarinetist and Conductor Robert Little, as well as more recently London Clarinetist Alison Eales. Robert Little premiered his Morning by the Lake and Prelude to Us with the Falls Church Concert Band. Composing in the Finale program has led to other larger ensemble scores including Concertino Lirica for Clarinet and Chamber Orchestra. Carolina Set for Flute (Alto Flute) and String Trio is inspired by photos taken by George Hummel in Myrtle Beach. The Pumpkin Sky movement is Showcased in the “Featured Music” Tab. Most recently he completed The Passage of Time for moderate size orchestra. Set in three movements All in a Day,
Time for Thought, Celebration it reflects on the humbling experience of the Corona Virus Pandemic. American Heritage Suite is another new score for wind band.
View the websites of Subito Music and Sheet Music Plus for publication of concert music as well as his Music by Marshall page on Facebook
for news of recent projects and concerts.