Next up:
Steve Pile Band - Original Americana, blues, rock & funk favorites from Sonoma county's own. Brian Rashap (bass) and myself will be throwing down with Steve at Elephant In The Room in Healdsburg on Sunday 7/13/25, 7-10pm. 21 and over, modest cover.
Sunset Taxi Service - Surf rock originals & classics mixed amongst soundscapes of dub reggae, bossa nova and jazz. Join us at Pitt's Pub in SF (Judah/47th) Thursday 7/17/25 7-10:30pm for three sets of music with Patrick Byers (guitar, sax, flute), Liz Larson (Trombone), Fletcher Nielsen (keys) and Toads Marcelino (bass). 21 and over, no cover!
Casual Coalition - Craig MacArthur's original music will be freshly presented by myself, Ari Gorman (bass), David Simon Baker (guitars) and Tim Marcus (pedal steel) at Berryessa Brewing in Winters on Saturday 10/18/25. Fresh tracks are in the works, in addition to the great tunes from 2020's The Rendering of a Ghost.
Steve Pile Band - Original Americana, blues, rock & funk favorites from Sonoma county's own. Brian Rashap (bass) and myself will be throwing down with Steve at Elephant In The Room in Healdsburg on Sunday 7/13/25, 7-10pm. 21 and over, modest cover.
Sunset Taxi Service - Surf rock originals & classics mixed amongst soundscapes of dub reggae, bossa nova and jazz. Join us at Pitt's Pub in SF (Judah/47th) Thursday 7/17/25 7-10:30pm for three sets of music with Patrick Byers (guitar, sax, flute), Liz Larson (Trombone), Fletcher Nielsen (keys) and Toads Marcelino (bass). 21 and over, no cover!
Casual Coalition - Craig MacArthur's original music will be freshly presented by myself, Ari Gorman (bass), David Simon Baker (guitars) and Tim Marcus (pedal steel) at Berryessa Brewing in Winters on Saturday 10/18/25. Fresh tracks are in the works, in addition to the great tunes from 2020's The Rendering of a Ghost.
MUSIC IS THE BEST -FZ
Welcome!
Photo: Jason Baldwin
Hello, thanks for visiting my website. I'm a musician based in the San Francisco Bay Area, I enjoy bringing spirit and musical support to live performance and recordings. Whether you are in need of a band for your event, a solid rhythmic foundation for your next project or have always wanted to write a song for your sweetheart I'm ready to help. I perform on drum set, bass guitar, mandolin, guitar and vocals in a variety of musical settings. Take a browse of the site and feel free to contact me at james@jamesstaffordmusic.com.
Photo: David Rafalovich
I've studied music extensively and graduated from California State University Sonoma's jazz program. An early member of Groundation, I've had the pleasure of performing with some wonderful artists including the late Mel Graves, George Marsh, Randy Vincent, Bobby Vega, Phil Lesh, Steve Poltz and Peter Rowan as well as warming up the stage for Diana Krall and Robben Ford. In bluegrass jam band Hot Buttered Rum I gained new perspective on acoustic performance and the integration of dance rhythms with improvisation. The lessons I've learned over the years are exercised at every show and I always strive to bring high quality musicianship to every project. Music offers a unique opportunity to convey emotion through sound; providing this experience can foster happiness, inspiration and a rewarding sense of community. I am dedicated to this path and greatly appreciate your interest in my musical endeavors.
Photo: Carrie Owens