James Brennaman – Guitarist, Music Educator, and Performer

James Brennaman is a professional guitarist, bassist, and music educator known for his versatile style and extensive performance background. Based in Fort Worth, Texas, he works with students and collaborators both locally and remotely, offering expert instruction and live guitar work across multiple genres including rock, metal, blues, and more.

Teaching Experience

James Brennaman began teaching guitar and bass in 2001, working with students across a wide range of skill levels and musical styles. Over a 14-year span, he provided personalized, one-on-one instruction with an emphasis on technical development, musical theory, and expressive playing. After a period dedicated primarily to performance, he resumed teaching in 2024, continuing to draw from his diverse experience as both an educator and performer.

Early Life

James was born in Kansas City, Missouri, and moved to Texas at a young age. His lifelong passion for music began early, starting with piano before quickly discovering his deep love for the guitar. Influenced in his formative years by bands like Nirvana, Metallica, Collective Soul, Def Leppard, and Aerosmith, James was captivated by the raw power and emotional depth of rock music.

At age 12, determined to get his hands on a guitar, James spent an entire summer mowing lawns to afford his first one—a sunburst Fender Stratocaster. From there, he dove into learning songs, playing along to the rock records that first inspired him.

By high school, he was performing with local bands and playing club shows by the end of his junior year. At 18, James won first place in a local competition for Best Lead Guitarist, taking home a black Dean ML as the prize—a guitar that became a defining piece of his early sound. That same year, he began teaching guitar under the mentorship of his original instructor, which helped put James on his trajectory for his musical experiences. With over 15 years of teaching experience in the Fort Worth area, James has helped students of all ages and skill levels develop their own voice on the instrument.

Education

James pursued formal music education at both Tarrant County College and Texas Wesleyan University, studying classical and jazz guitar. He trained under the late Michael Dailey, whose mentorship played a key role in developing James’ technique and musical depth. His senior recital was a blend of styles—from classical guitar and jazz standards to modern pieces by Joe Satriani and Chicago—reflecting a lifelong philosophy of embracing all forms of good music.

Performance Career, Bands & Projects

In addition to teaching, James has remained an active and versatile performer across a wide range of musical projects.

Canta Rhythm and Brass (2004 – Present)

Since 2004, he has been a core member of Canta Rhythm and Brass, a high-energy Latin-themed band that blends classic rock, pop, Latin, blues, and more—from the ’60s to today. Canta is a go-to act for weddings, corporate events, and special occasions, known for their dynamic performances and musical range.

Carmeci (2010–2012)

From 2010 to 2012, James played in Carmeci, an original rock band centered around vocalist and songwriter Carmeci, contributing his guitar work to the group’s emotionally charged and melodic sound.

Pulse (2012–2024)

From 2012 to 2024, James was one of the driving forces behind Pulse, an original rock band that made a national impact. As co-lead guitarist alongside Justin “Jiggy” Rainbolt (Judy), James helped shape the band’s signature sound across three albums, featuring prominently on The Sum Of Our Parts and Dragonfly. Pulse toured coast to coast, playing everything from intimate venues to major festivals—including a standout performance at Rocklahoma. The band shared the stage with heavy-hitters like Korn, Shinedown, Saliva, Trapt, Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, Three Days Grace, In This Moment, Nothing More, Bad Wolves, and Evanescence, solidifying their place in the modern rock scene. Pulse became known for their raw energy, tight musicianship, and deep connection with fans everywhere they played.  Their ability to transition from small clubs to large venues and festivals while maintaining an authentic connection with fans became a hallmark of the band’s appeal.

Born & Raised (2017–2023)

Between 2017 and 2023, James also took up bass duties in Born & Raised, a heavy southern-groove and progressive-style rock band with strong metal influences. The band carved out a niche with its unique blend of aggression and rhythm, further showcasing James’ versatility as a musician.

Sex Type Pilots (2021–2023)

From 2021 to 2023, he also performed with Sex Type Pilots, a Stone Temple Pilots tribute band that paid homage to one of the most iconic voices of ‘90s alt-rock.

The Funeral Procession (2024–Present)

In 2024, James joined The Funeral Procession (TFP), a melodic death metal band known for its intense sound, technical precision, and intricate, electrically-charged songwriting. As the band’s bassist, James quickly became an essential part of their evolving sonic identity. While he wasn’t featured on TFP’s original EP, he appears on their two most recent singles—powerful reinterpretations of What Hurts the Most by Rascal Flatts and Deliverance by Opeth. The band has already made a strong impression with several standout performances, including a notable show at The Factory in Dallas alongside Orbit Culture. With new music and bigger stages ahead, James looks forward to being part of an exciting and heavy-hitting future with TFP.

“Playing guitar has been a passion of mine since I was very young,” James says. “Probably around five or six years old, I was enchanted by the guitar, and it still has me captivated.” His style has been shaped by a wide range of guitar legends, including Jimi Hendrix, Slash, Marty Friedman, Kirk Hammett, Dimebag Darrell, and James Hetfield. “I realized that many of the greatest players studied many types of music. That inspired me to do the same. As long as I’m playing guitar and making music that feels real—I’m exactly where I want to be.”

Today, James continues to perform, teach, and collaborate with artists across genres, remaining both a student and devoted enthusiast of the instrument.

Photos

A mix of photos from over the years of James Brennaman Performing: