James Lake is an American Guitarist born in Boston, Massachusetts. He was fortunate to be surrounded by strong local band in the 70s and 80s as well as music academics from Berkeley School of Music. While starting on piano in 2nd grade, he switched to guitar his 10th grade year when there was a guitar explosion in his home room in high school. While in high school, he spent a year in France where he honed his chops and played his first show opening for Hot Tuna. After meeting Jorma Kalkonen, he was hooked on for life. Since that first show, James has played with Jerry Garcia Band (without Jerry), Particle, The Meters, Karl Denison and his Tiny Universe, amongst others. His main band was Seismic; this L.A.based jam band grew to strong heights before disbanding in '10. He's deep in the studio scene in Kansas City these days and playing with large local Kansas City bands such as Four Fried Chickens and a Coke.