The multifaceted composer/bassist James Ilgenfritz leads The Anagram Ensemble and performs regularly as a solo bassist performing and recording works by contemporary composers, including commissioned pieces by Miya Masaoka, Elliot Sharp, among others. A native of Monroe, MI, Ilgenfritz developed his artistic skills at Interlochen and then while working for his BA in jazz and contemporary improvisation at UM; after a short period as a working musician on the East Coast, he moved to San Diego to obtain his master’s degree, studying with bassist Mark Dresser, and then settling in Brooklyn. Much of his work references his early fascination with film, painting, poetry, and fiction, perhaps best illustrated by his 2011 opera The Ticket that Exploded, based on the novel by William S. Burroughs. James has performed throughout the US, Canada, the Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Indonesia, Italy, Poland, and Switzerland. Notable performances include work with composer/improvisers Pauline Oliveros, Roscoe Mitchell, Rufus Reid, Anthony Braxton, and many others. James has received grants from New Music USA and American Composers Forum. In addition to his UM BA in Music Performance and a MA in Contemporary Music Performance from UCSD, he recently obtained his PhD from UC Irvine.

Artist Website: https://www.james-ilgenfritz.com/    

Artist Instagram: @jamesilgenfritz