James McLean is a captivating improvising drummer, known for his mesmerising performances and diverse musical style.

With a deep passion for experimentation, he fearlessly dives into the realms of Jazz and improvised music, pushing the boundaries of rhythm and sound. James's artistic journey is a fusion of sonic exploration and physical expression, as he intertwines powerful drumming with a deep interest in body movement and embodied cognition. He invites audiences on a thrilling sonic adventure, where every beat and movement holds the potential for discovery and transcendence. Embracing the unknown, James McLean's artistry is a testament to the boundless possibilities of music and the captivating power of the human body.

He is deeply ingrained in the Australian Jazz scene, being a member of notable ensembles including Spirograph Studies, Andrea Keller’s Five Below, and The Eugene Ball 4tet; and in 2016 he received the Freedman Fellowship for Jazz. Beyond Jazz, James was a Speak Percussion Bespoke Artist from 2020-2022, is a founding member of the Australian Creative Music Ensemble (ACME), and is a passionate solo performer, having released three albums of music for solo drums (most recently Interstitial in 2021). 

"Jazz is alive and growing in Australia and James McLean is new-generation proof."

Dr. Richard Letts

"… McLean sometimes supplied a series of sudden curt, brief bands, and rolls using wire brushes…  I have heard many sounds spring from a drum kit, but rarely such wide, grainy ones."

John Clare

James is based in Melbourne, Australia.