James Blades was inspired by the sound of a drum as an infant, his hero being the man who played the big drum in the local Salvation Army.

In late 1928	he became a "West End" musician playing in many prestigious theatres and hotels, also house drummer at the Gaumont British and Denham film studios.
In 1935	he recorded the Gong Strokes that herald the Rank Organisations films and continued to record them until 1980.
In 1936	he first met Benjamin Britten and was constantly on the radio as a much sort after freelance player.
In June 1941	he recorded on disc the BBC 'V' for Victory signal.
In 1953	he joined the orchestra of Britten's English Opera Group and later the English Chamber Orchestra.
In 1954	appointed professor of percussion at the Royal Academy of Music and visiting professor at the University of Surrey.
In 1963	James wrote Orchestral Percussion Technique and Percussion Instruments and their History. First printed in 1970 and now in its fourth edition and is 'The Book of Reference'.
In 1972	he was awarded the O.B.E. and in 1975 was inducted into 'The Percussive Arts Society, USA Hall of Fame'
At 97	James Blades died in London on May 19, 1999

Compositions:

Ravel Goes to Town - Drum Kit and Timpani in G - C for 2 players (Level: Medium)

Two of a Kind - Duet for 2 Snare Drums or Tenor Drum (Level: Easy to Medium)

James Blades Book 1
A Solemn March - Timpani G-C (Easy)
March Noblemente - Timpani D-A (Easy to Medium)
March Noblemente - G-C-D (Medium)
March Funebre in F Minor - 4 Timpani - F,Ab,C & F (Medium)

James Blades Book 2
Dancing Dolls - Xylophone (Drum Kit accompaniment) (Easy)
Xylo Jizz - Xylophone or Vibraphone
Musical Tic - Toc & 2 Wood Blocks (Easy to Medium)
Simple Simon - Xylophone & Glockenspiel (Drum Kit acc) (Easy to Medium)
Pretty Polly Polka - Xylophone with Drum Kit accompaniment (Medium to Difficult)