James performs all over the world and enjoys connecting with different cultures. His performances have taken him to more than 25 countries in total. As a member of the Bogotá Philharmonic Orchestra, he won a Grammy Award for best Classical Album. As a soloist, James has been considered for a Grammy on five separate occasions. Currently, James is working closely with the Department of Theater and Dance at USC, writing a grant to produce several concerts of Ballets with solo trumpet that James has had commissioned. James has published 11 recordings and a book since he joined the USC in 2007. He has also premiered over 20 works and commissioned over 40 for trumpet. James has received Alumni awards from his alma maters: Baldwin-Wallace College Conservatory of Music (BM), the Cleveland Institute of Music (MM) and, most recently (2015), Turpin High School.