Master Sergeant James M Bristow

Master Sergeant James M. Bristow, guitar, is a native of Manhattan, Kansas.  He became a member of The United States Air Force Academy Band in 1989 and has been a contributing member in virtually all of the Band's commercial settings, including jazz, rock, rhythm and blues and country music. He majored in music at Kansas State University and graduated from the Musicians Institute in Hollywood, California, in 1980. His mentors include Nashville studio guitarist Brent Mason, Larry Carlton of Steely Dan, Robben Ford, Lee Ritenour, as well as Joe Pass, Tommy Tedesco, and Pat Martino. James has performed throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe. His military decorations include the Air Force Commendation Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, the Air Force Achievement medal, Parachutist Jump Wings, and the US Army Assault School. James is currently the guitarist and music director for Blue Steel.