LIVE Magazine #261 Vol 11 August 2017

BRANDEN & JAMES, “a powerhouse cello and vocal duo”
(The Fight Magazine, Los Angeles), brings the soulful timbre
of James on his cello combined with Branden’s emotional and
powerful vocals, creating a sound that leaves audiences feeling
moved and inspired. “…the always supportive, sometimes
haunting power of the cello accompanying Branden’s voice solidifies
the classical sound, adds new depth to the popular, and
allows the audience to just sit back and take it in…so movingly,
that you may forget to breathe!” says Paul Lisnek – Host of
Broadway in Chicago Backstage.
The energy and fervor behind their music has a story to tell
of their unique pairing. Branden had a successful career on
stage and in recording prior to his meeting the Australian cellist,
James. Some of Branden’s accolades include finishing as 2013
Finalist on America’s Got Talent, appearances at The Metropolitan
Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago and Los Angeles Opera,
two world tours with the renowned Twelve Tenors and two solo
releases worldwide. James brought to the mix his own share
of musical accomplishments, accompanying Olivia Newton
John, Idina Menzel and Bernadette Peters in multiple concerts.
He initially came on board to music direct one of many charity
concerts in which Branden was performing, and their connection
was so immense they began to play together regularly. The
two started creating arrangements of “familiar tunes that make
you listen to them like you’ve never heard them before.” Shortly
after playing their first public concert together, they’ve been
touring around the world with their original songs and innovative,
classically inspired covers.
Since then, they have shared the stage with legends such as
Sarah Maclachlan, Rita Moreno, Sally Struthers, Loretta Divine,
Bruce Vilanch, Constantine Maroulis and The PussyCat Dolls.
They regularly entertain for Princess, Oceana and Azamara
Cruise lines with their energetic shows, “At The Corner of Symphony
and Soul” and “From Bach to Bieber”. In 2016 they made
their debuts at Birdland Jazz, New York City, The Purple Room,
Palm Springs and The Palm Cabaret in Puerto Vallarta to much
acclaim. Reminiscent for some as The Piano Guys meets Josh
Groban, they weave familiar melodies of pop tunes in classical
style with their own unique sound. Branden says, “people tell us
we’re so unique and different. I think that’s what excites us most.
We’re actually doing something that hasn’t been done before.”
In 2017, they look forward to international appearances in
Australia, Dubai, Havana, Cuba, Greece, Hong Kong, Italy and
Vancouver, B.C.. Stateside, they will return to The Purple Room
in Palm Springs and make debuts at Market Days in Chicago,
The Post Office in Ogunquit, Maine, Martini’s Above Fourth
in San Diego, The Dunes in Saugatuck, Michigan, and a solo
concert at the hot new venue in Las Vegas called The Space.
In the meantime, Branden and James are shooting new music
videos and recording original songs, especially written for cello
and tenor.
Branden