James Mirza

International Touring/Session Drummer

James Mirza was a regular performer in the Sydney international music scene by the early age of 15. After playing in local bands and performing regularly at private functions throughout his teenage years, James went on to join the international Armenian band ARAX in 1994 - a band he would ultimately stay with for 13 years. The band was known to play the music of 12 different cultures and performed in front of crowds of up to 10,000. In 1999 the band released the album "Made In Armenia" which was then nominated in the 2000 Armenian Music Awards in Los Angeles for Best Upcoming Dance Album and Best Newcomer. Over the years, James has had the opportunity to work with many local and international artists from Europe and America including stars such as Assyrian Singers Evin Agassi and Ogin Betsamo, Armenian singers Joseph Krikorian and Adiss and Persian Legends Shadmehr Aghili, EBI and Bijan Mortazavi. James also works closely with numerous recording studios, laying drum / percussion tracks for various international artists. In between bands and session work James teaches beginners-advanced drums in his private studio. James is currently freelancing with local bands and gigging nationally and internationally.

BANDS

CDARZ ENTERTAINMENT
(Corporate Entertainment)
2016 - Present

JAMELIQ BAND
(World Music)
2015 - Present

ZAFFET LEBNEN
(Corporate Entertainment)
2015 - 2017

JD ENTERTAINMENT
(Corporate Entertainment)
2012 - Present

MONANNLISA WILDE
(Originals Band)
2010 - 2012

TARISAI VUSHE
(Australian Idol Contestant)
2009 - 2010

CELEBRATION MIX
(Cover Band)
2005 - 2008

NIDA
(Turkish Rock Band)
2004 - 2009

SANTANA TRIBUTE BAND
(Tribute Band)
2000 - 2003

ARAX
(International Armenian Band)
1995 - 2008

CD CONTRIBUTIONS / ALBUM CREDITS / SESSION WORK

ASSYRIAN ALBUMS
Charles Tooma – Dla Diyakh
PLD Recording Studio – 2010

Ninos David – The Beginning
PLD Recording Studio – 2006

Edmond David – Aynati
PLD Recording Studio – 2005

Ninos David – Ana Yan Aten
PLD Recording Studio – 2004

George Homeh – Snonita
Fantasy Recording Studio – 2001

ARMENIAN ALBUMS
ARAX – Made In Armenia
HM Studios - 1999

STUDIO CREDITS
Go-To Recording Studio
Studio Engineer: George Fahd
In-House Drummer – 2010 to 2012

PLD Recording Studio
Studio Engineer: Sam Daniel
In-House Drummer – 2001 to 2010

EDUCATION / DRUM COURSES / CLINICS / MASTER CLASSES

PETE DRUMMOND (Australian)
2010 – 2-Day Master Class
Double bass drum technique, endurance practice, linear and layered coordination
VIRGIL DONATI (Australian)
“Assault Down Under” – 2010 – Clinic
Power, endurance and speed
DAVID JONES (Australian)
2009 – Advanced Clinic
Drum improvisation, paradiddles, exploring double pedals, odd times, syncopated phrases
DENNIS CHAMBERS (American)
2006 – Advanced Clinic
Groove, drum solos, rudiments, speed, endurance, playing in different music styles
TERRY BOZZIO (American)
2005 – Advanced Master Class
Drum orchestration, musical arrangements, tuning
DAVE WECKL (American)
2003 – Advanced Clinic
Dexterity practice, advanced coordination technique, voicing on drum set
DARRYN FARRUGIA (Australian)
“Headspace” – 2001 – Advanced Clinic
Playing concepts, technique, bass drum control, balance, timing, rudiments
TONY ANDERSON (Australian)
“Rhythm Workshop” – 2000 - Advanced Clinic
Latin style grooves