Biography
New York saxophonist and composer James Fei pursues an experimental practice grounded in rigorous conceptual frameworks. His projects routinely incorporate improvisation, chance operations, and electronics while probing the extended possibilities of his chosen instruments.
Originally from Taipei, Taiwan, Fei completed undergraduate studies in computer architecture and music composition at Princeton University under Paul Lansky and Steve Mackey. He later earned a master’s degree in composition at Wesleyan University in Connecticut, where he studied and performed alongside Alvin Lucier and Anthony Braxton. Braxton’s methods of integrating personal improvisation within structured compositions left a lasting impression on Fei, who has since contributed to multiple Braxton recordings. Additional documentation of his Wesleyan connections appears on albums by fellow alumni Jonathan Zorn and Kevin Norton as well as the Middletown Creative Orchestra.
During his time at Wesleyan, Fei captured most of the material for Solo Works, performing on an array of saxophones and clarinets; Leo Records issued the collection in 1999. In fall 2000 he enrolled in the doctoral program in music composition at Columbia University. The following year brought two limited-edition releases: the 3-inch CD For Saxophone With Card Reed And Gated Amplification and the double 3-inch CD Precision Electro-Acoustics issued by Maestros, the latter featuring David Novak. Both discs documented Fei’s investigations with inexpensive electronics. Organized Sound later released a DVD of his Alto Quartet captured live in Taipei.
His compositions have reached audiences through performances by the Bang On A Can All-Stars, the Orchestra of the SEM Ensemble, and the Noord-Holands Philharmonisch Orkest. In 2002 Fei presented an installation at New York’s Diapason Gallery and formed a duo with bassist Kato Hideki.
Originally from Taipei, Taiwan, Fei completed undergraduate studies in computer architecture and music composition at Princeton University under Paul Lansky and Steve Mackey. He later earned a master’s degree in composition at Wesleyan University in Connecticut, where he studied and performed alongside Alvin Lucier and Anthony Braxton. Braxton’s methods of integrating personal improvisation within structured compositions left a lasting impression on Fei, who has since contributed to multiple Braxton recordings. Additional documentation of his Wesleyan connections appears on albums by fellow alumni Jonathan Zorn and Kevin Norton as well as the Middletown Creative Orchestra.
During his time at Wesleyan, Fei captured most of the material for Solo Works, performing on an array of saxophones and clarinets; Leo Records issued the collection in 1999. In fall 2000 he enrolled in the doctoral program in music composition at Columbia University. The following year brought two limited-edition releases: the 3-inch CD For Saxophone With Card Reed And Gated Amplification and the double 3-inch CD Precision Electro-Acoustics issued by Maestros, the latter featuring David Novak. Both discs documented Fei’s investigations with inexpensive electronics. Organized Sound later released a DVD of his Alto Quartet captured live in Taipei.
His compositions have reached audiences through performances by the Bang On A Can All-Stars, the Orchestra of the SEM Ensemble, and the Noord-Holands Philharmonisch Orkest. In 2002 Fei presented an installation at New York’s Diapason Gallery and formed a duo with bassist Kato Hideki.
Singles
