Cecil James

British orchestral and chamber music bassoonist. Born 10 April 1913 in London, England, UK - Died 13 January 1999 in London, England, UK. He studied at the Royal College of Music, London. In 1933, he joined the London Symphony Orchestra (until 1939). During the Second World War, he played with The Central Band Of The Royal Air Force. When he demobbed, he joined The New Symphony Orchestra Of London, then the Dennis Brain Wind Quintet and then, in 1951, he was appointed Principal Bassoon with the Philharmonia Orchestra. After leaving the Philharmonia Orchestra in 1961, he played for another couple of decades, including a period with The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Son of Wilfred James and nephew of E. F. James, he married Natalie Caine/Natalie James (2) in 1938.