James Rohlehr, (pronounced Rolair) AKA ‘JIMBO RO’
is a gifted jazz and funk guitarist. He is also a talented singer, songwriter, composer and producer.
James is originally from New York and is a graduate of City College of N.Y. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in music composition.
While at CCNY he studied with John Lewis of The Modern Jazz Quartet. James also studied composition at Lehman College with Nobel Prize winning composer John Corigliano.
His commitment to mastering the guitar led to receiving two National Endowment for the Arts Fellowships. The first was with the phenomenal jazz guitarist, Jack Wilkins and the other with world renown classical guitarist Jorge Morel.
A former street musician, James has produced 9 CD projects with his former wife and partner Andrea Rohlehr, for
ANDJAM & aj (ahhsh), co produced 5 CD projects for 13 STORIES RECORDS.
Other memorable times.
Musical director for African American churches Inaugural ball for president OBAMA 2013 where he performed with HUGH MASEKELA.
Musical director for the “COMPANY FREAK BAND”. James has also worked with Hip Hop rapper producer, Heavy D, and Jazz violinist Regina Carter.
James and his wife Andrea, are the Winners of the 1997 President’s Award for songwriting from the Songwriters Guild of America for excellence in the Art and Craft of songwriting.
Jimbo (Co-leader of the AndJam band) has given dazzeling performances as featured artist with the AndJam band @ Martha’s Vineyard Jazz & Blues Summerfest.
Also 2 performances for US State department with Sahaja Majkia.
‘JIMBO RO’
Jimbo Ro’s first CD release, “MUSIC IS MY SOUL” It’s got the caribbean swing, it includes his songs:
“ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS SOME PEAS AND RICE”
“ THUNDER BOY” and his Instrumental jam
“PLANTAIN ROCK” a mixture of jazz and carribean music, a hit with all the audiences he has played for as well as Jimbo’s performances at the AIR TRAIN JAZZ FESTIVAL, SHRINE, and GREENBURGH PUBLIC LIBRARY. Get ready to jump up and dance with this exciting music.
Jimbo Ro’s second CD release “JIMBO RO AND HIS GUITAR”
is a tribute to the jazz standards that Jimbo loves.