James Genus

James Genus in Singapore, 2004

James Genus (b. January 20, 1966) is an American jazz bassist. He plays both electric and acoustic bass.

Genus was born in Hampton, Virginia. He began on guitar at age six and switched to bass at 13. He studied at Virginia Commonwealth University from 1983 to 1987 and played for a summer at Busch Gardens Williamsburg. Then moved to New York City, where he quickly began working with many noted players on the city's jazz scene. He has played with Out of the Blue (1988-89), Horace Silver (1989), Roy Haynes and Don Pullen (1989-91), Nat Adderley (1990), Greg Osby and New York Voices (1990-91), Jon Faddis (1991), T.S. Monk (1991), Benny Golson (1991), Dave Kikoski (1991), Bob Berg (1991-96), Geoff Keeze (1992), Lee Konitz (1992), Michael Brecker (1992-96), Bob James (since 1994), Michel Camilo (since 1995), Branford Marsalis (1996), Chick Corea (1996), Dave Douglas (1996), Uri Caine (1997), and Global Theory (1997).