Born in New Zealand, and adopted at age 3 into a loving and supportive family gave James Kahu the foundation to create and develop his talent and passion for music, at the onset of his high school life. Born in New Zealand, and adopted at age 3 into a loving and supportive family gave James Kahu the foundation to create and develop his talent and passion for music, at the onset of his high school life.

Starting with the recorder and drums, James, encouraged early on to try bass, quickly developed his skill and intrigue for music. Thanks to the support and guidance of Russell Brooke, his high school’s music director, James’ love of Jazz grew and his talent soared.
By the time he was 16 years of age, James had played with some of the USA’s top jazz musicians – including Bobby Shew. This passion was further fuelled when he attended Christchurch Polytechnic’s Jazz School, a time he refers to as “the best and hardest three years of [his] life”.

Joining the Royal New Zealand Navy’s band after graduating Jazz School was purely a strategic move for James – moving home to Auckland was at the forefront of his mind. However stepping into an environment that taught him discipline, self-respect, pride and honour, as well the opportunity to master both the left-handed six string fretted & fretless basses, and conquer the double bass, (even bowing it) were true bonuses that were never anticipated when this young man first signed up.

James also had the privilege to play with even more of the USA's top Jazz musicians including Bob Sheppard - Saxophone, Jon Papenbrook- Trumpet, John Fedchock - Trombone and even a 'one on one' with Dwayne Pate -Bassist from Robben Ford's Band.
During this time James had a guitar created for him – a unique instrument that highlighted both his exceptional talent and the uniqueness of his playing style, (playing left-handed and with a six string bass).

Born Maori, (indigenous culture of New Zealand), and deeply proud of his roots, James embellished this stunning new bass with a stunning moko (tattoo / engraving) of Tangaroa, God of the Sea and other features into the body of the bass, to represent both his culture and his military life.
He named her 'Kahu', meaning 'peace' in Maori, and the depth of a new persona was birthed.
Initially the bass was left unplayed – collecting dust in the corner of the room, until 2006 when the moko was redone, and life was breathed into the instrument for the second time.
“The life sprung forward from ‘her’ and it finally felt that that her mana (pride), kaha (strength), and aroha (love) had come back to life. I guess she just needed a name and a second chance just as I was given a second chance at life, from birth. In a way we actually seemed as though we were both made for each other. Her spirit was so warm and the bass has ended up being the most amazing bass I've ever played!
We want the world to enjoy listening to our music, as we write and record every track with the 'spirit' that it deserves to bring 'it' alive. We are currently writing, recording, singing, playing & planning to get our music across the world.