James Coleman

James is a San Diego native who grew up with an intense passion for music. Even before he started playing drums, he had a constant thirst for listening to new genres of music. What finally drew him to the drums was the introduction to Journey's live album "Captured". Steve Smith's drum solo on that album single handedly influenced him to get behind the kit. His other major early drumming influences are Neil Peart of Rush and Phil Collins, the Genesis years. After months of playing on couches and pillows, his parents decided he was serious enough for lessons. At the age of 14, James began his musical journey in the drumming world. He took lessons for a number of years from a San Diego drumming legend, Myron Collins. This greatly influenced his musical direction to include jazz and fusion.

James played with local San Diego musicians and was accepted into San Diego's School of Creative and Performing Arts High School, where he gained experience by drumming in musical stage productions, youth symphonies and other supporting rolls. After graduating high school, James met his soon-to-be wife and moved to San Francisco in the mid-90s, where he gigged constantly and recorded an album with a respected San Francisco blues band. The bay area greatly influenced James as a person and musician.

James moved back to San Diego in the late 90s. He took some time away from drumming, but a jazz trio playing tunes from Miles Davis, Dave Brubeck and Herbie Hancock brought him back in full force. James has been playing drums consistently since. He was a gun-for-hire playing a variety of music, one being a local Oceanside musician. James is now the current drummer for Exit 6, a blues/funk/rock band that gigs routinely around San Diego, as well as San Juan Capistrano and Orange County.

James continues listening and learning and is greatly influenced by the likes of Dave Weckl, Gavin Harrison, Todd Sucherman, Benny Greb, Larnell Lewis, Vinnie Colaiuta, and Simon Phillips­.