🎹 James A. Norkawich: The Composer of Memory, Heart, and Soul

Published on 23 April 2025 at 10:16

🎹 James A. Norkawich: The Composer of Memory, Heart, and Soul

Genres: Jazz | Pop | Cinematic | Holiday | Inspirational
Instruments: Piano, Hammond B3 Organ, Synths, Guitar, Keyboards
Roles: Composer | Arranger | Producer | Performer | Educator

🌟 A Life in Music

Born on March 28, 1975, in Bridgeport, Connecticut, James A. Norkawich’s musical story begins with a deep love of family and heritage. He was raised by his loving parents, Donald E. Norkawich and Elaine A. Norkawich, whose unwavering support and work ethic shaped his values, resilience, and creative drive.

His mother, Elaine, was a caring and compassionate dental assistant whose nurturing heart lives on through James’s musical tenderness. His father, Donald, worked in sales at Lovell’s Hardware—a company rooted in history dating back to the Mayflower—instilling in James the spirit of tradition and dedication.

Music entered his world early, when his grandfather gifted him a small organ at the age of 3. From there, James developed a sound that fuses jazz phrasing with cinematic pop, gospel harmonies, and 90s-style balladry, layering it all with heartfelt honesty.

🎧 Complete Discography

📀 Albums

  • Yesterday (Songs From The Great American Songbook), Vol. 1

  • Today (Songs From The Great American Songbook), Vol. 2

  • Lighthouse

  • A Connecticut Christmas

  • Christmas By The Seaside

  • Christmas Magic

  • Hometown Homecoming (2024)

  • Love Is More Than Words Can Say (2024)

  • Christmas Enchantment (2024)

  • A New Beginning (2024)

  • So Far So Great (2024)

  • Keys to the Soul (2025)

  • Just Getting Started (2025)

🎼 EPs & Singles

James has also released numerous EPs and singles, capturing moments of life, loss, and joy. His catalog is available on all major streaming services.

🎙️ Impact & Legacy

  • 🎵 Over 2 dozen major releases

  • 🎓 Dedicated music educator in Glastonbury, CT

  • ⛪ Veteran music minister with 24+ years of experience

  • 🇺🇸 Former EMT on 9/11, now using music to heal and honor

  • 💖 Hometown Homecoming supports the Tunnel to Towers Foundation

🧬 Family and Legacy

James draws inspiration from his close-knit family. The musical spark ignited by his grandfather Albert Kaufman—who ran an electronics shop and loved playing the organ by ear—continues to burn brightly. The values instilled by Donald and Elaine remain at the heart of every song James writes, especially those that reflect on love, home, and healing.

🌐 Stay Connected

💬 Final Note

Whether it’s through sweeping piano ballads, festive holiday albums, or jazz-tinged love songs, James A. Norkawich honors the people and places that made him. His parents, his family, his faith, and his home are woven into every melody.

A must-have in every serious music lover’s collection—James is a storyteller who turns emotion into music, and memory into melody.

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