James is a trombonist and composer based in Tokyo. He runs James Macaulay and the Ancient Highballs, a 10 piece pop band influenced by contemporary jazz and classical music featuring Ermhoi, Sumire Kuribayashi, May Inoue, Marty Holoubek, Shun Ishiwaka, Taikimen, Akiha Nakashima, Akihiro Nishiguchi, and Yusuke Sase.  Macaulay also leads a Trombone Quintet playing original ‘classical’ music decorated with improvisation.

“James is an outstanding trombone player, one of the best in the country. Considering the strength of the brass scene here this puts him in the ‘world class’ category – an extraordinary achievement for someone of his age.” – Peter Knight

“James is considered by many to be the most significant and innovative young trombone players in Australia, and I certainly support this view. James’ approach is rare in that it boldly displays intelligence and ferocious command of the instrument whilst remaining warm and lyrical. James is also one of the few emerging musicians with a genuine passion and respect for the historical legacy of the jazz in Australia. Above all, James is vehemently dedicated to personal and musical excellence.” – Eugene Ball

James was awarded the “Sir Zelman Cowan School of Music Jazz Prize” (Composition Award) in 2012 at Monash University.

James won the National Jazz Award at the Wangaratta Jazz Festival in 2017.