Whether he’s backing top performers such as Don Henley and Stockton Helbing, playing on countless commercial jingles, laying down the rhythm with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, or working in his mastering studio, bassist James Driscoll epitomizes the definition of a true Texas Tornado.
After earning a Bachelor of Music degree in Jazz Performance from the University of North Texas, James began an adjunct faculty position at Richland College (DCCCD) where he teaches bass performance. In addition, he operates a small studio called “Hot Tonic Mastering” in Dallas where he composes for music production libraries and mixes and masters artist recordings.
As an active member of the Dallas/Ft. Worth music scene for over 25 years he has performed or recorded with Don Henley, Doc Severinsen, Andy Timmons, Tim Miller, Ariel Posen, Ed Soph, Arlington Jones, Stockton Helbing, Petty Theft, Chomsky, Tony Hakim, DSO and many more. He has played on countless commercial jingles at Luminous Sound and TM Studios.
James has been listed in the credits of over 20 albums, beginning in 1997 with North Texas Jazz – Fifty Years, up to the 2021 release of the Hanlon Brothers Quintet album NSTX.
“Every drummer knows that they are only as good as their bass player and that is why I count my blessings that for over 25 years I have been made better by playing with James Driscoll,” said Stockton Helbing. “James has an easy-to-play-with rock-solid time feel with a big, warm sound on both upright bass as well as on electric bass. He improves any music situation with his keen ears, accommodating approach, and vast knowledge of styles. James Driscoll is simply as good as it gets. He’s the first person I call when I am booking my band and if he is unavailable for the gig I almost always turn it down.”
