Eclectic musical influences ranging from Steely Dan and Joni Mitchell to John Tavener and James MacMillan, as well as folk and ethnic traditions have informed Pete's work. As a jazz pianist, Pete's drawn inspiration from Oscar Peterson and Bill Evans as well as more contemporary figures such as John Taylor and Keith Jarrett. 

Born in 1973 Scarborough, North Yorkshire, instrumental studies began at an early age with his father, a professional musician. Learning both violin and piano exposed Pete to a wide range of musical repertoire through involvement in local jazz bands and orchestras.

At 17, Pete moved to London to study jazz at the Royal Academy of Music. He left the Academy with a first class honours degree and the ‘Cleo Johnson prize' awarded for jazz composition as well as forging many significant musical relationships during that time. These included collaborations with violinist Christian Garrick and meeting members of both the Kairos Ensemble and his current Trio.

Playing and compositional highlights include Christian Garrick's Secret Light Show, Different Stokes, and Four Spirits albums. With Kairos Ensemble, The River, Psalms, and the Passion Suite - the latter receiving Jazz Services tour funding in 2008. Visions and Vistas is Pete's first trio release under his own name and has been described by pianist/composer/broadcaster, Julian Joseph as "a Trio recording full of pieces that combine to take you on a beautiful musical journey. As an improviser James is lucid and imaginative and truly communicates"

Pete lives in north-west London with his wife and two children. His freelance musical activities include performance, composition and teaching.