James Azrael

Date of Birth: 12 April 1978

Nickname: Jay The Rev

Height: 5′ 11″ (1.80 m)

Mini Biography:

James began his musical prowess at the age of six on the piano, which he hated. At the age of nine he ventured toward the school orchestra where he became the sole upright bass-player. He got his first electric guitar in Junior High and began what his parents hoped was only a passing fad.For the last eight years he has been the rhythm/lead guitarist and main songwriter of the rock band, Court Jester. Their debut album, “Gina”, was released in 2003 on Cellar Records and saw critical acclaim for their efforts. January 2006 saw the release of their sophomore album, “Strangeland”, which also features Dizzy Reed of Guns N’ Roses.James has a BFA in Radio Broadcasting, and a MAT in Education. He worked on-air in Chicagoland radio for nine years and moved into teaching Middle School Computers & Art. James also continues to work as a freelance voice-over artist (most recently doing a line of new pinball machines for Gamenamics, Inc.), writing, producing independent features, acting, and film-composing – [all outside of his performing with Court Jester of course].

Trivia:

“Welcome To Hell” was the first song James ever wrote, way back in 1992. “Do We Just Surrender” was the second song shortly there after.
Has a Masters Degree in Education.
Has a tattoo of DC Comic anti-hero, LOBO, on his leg.
James Azrael made his film-scoring debut with Daniel J. Pico’s experimental short film, Soldier (2006).
James Azrael was a Chicagoland radio personality for 9 years (1992-2001), working alongside such talents as ‘Erich “Mancow” Muller , Danny Bonaduce, Lou Brutus, etc.
James Azrael works with the Chicago-based, uPressplay.com, in an effort to help promote independent film through the Internet.
James is the originating founder of Court Jester along with then bassist Erick Koenig back in 1998.
Though non-religious, James is a non-denominational Ordained Minister and has performed weddings.