It is a privilege to welcome Branden + James’ Branden James and James Clark back and welcome Effie Passero to The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast.  

Branden James began his career singing in residence at New York City’s Metropolitan Opera, Los Angeles Opera, and the Lyric Opera of Chicago. He appeared in concert at the Hollywood Bowl, the Lincoln Center, and London’s Trafalgar Square and gave personal performances for Pope Benedict XVI and Nelson Mandela’s family in South Africa.  He also kicked off games for the Chicago Bulls, Clubs, White Sox, and the Los Angeles Lakers with his cover of “The Star Spangled Banner.”  Branden became a household name in 2013 when he auditioned for America’s Got Talent (AGT): Season Eight, where he made it to the Top 12.  His performances received high praise from judges Howie Mandel and Heidi Klum and former judges Howard Stern and Mel B. Post-AGT, Branden became a co-host for the wildly popular AfterBuzz TV, and in 2020, Branden released his memoir, Lyrics of My Life, through Simon and Schuster.  

Australian cellist James Clark is an accomplished musician, concert pianist, and arranger. He performed with some of the biggest stars from around the world, including Idina Menzel, Lea Salonga, Van Dyke Parks, and the late Olivia Newton-John. The Adelaide, Australia native holds a master’s degree in music performance from the Bob Cole Conservatory of Music at the California State University in Long Beach. Before his music performance career, James was tenured as a full time music teacher at Immanuel College. In this Lutheran coeducational high school, he was the Director of Strings from 2007 until the end of 2012.  

In 2016, Branden + James released their first single, “You Belong,” and began performing worldwide. In 2020, the duo released their full-length studio album: Chasing Dreams, followed it up with their 2021 holiday album, A Christmas Gift. The duo released their 2023 album, Everything Was Beautiful, which featured their takes on classic songs such as “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “Roxanne,” and “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?”  

 Throughout the 2020s, frequent collaborator Effie Passero joined them at their live concerts. Effie became a household name when she auditioned for ABC’s first season of American Idol. She received three “Yes” from judges Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan, and former judge Katy Perry and made it to the Top 24, where she performed a duet with Cam.  Since her time on American Idol, Effie has sung with Postmodern Jukebox.  

 On October 17, 2024, the trio will make their Carnegie Hall debut at the Weill Recital Hall. In this episode of The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Branden + James, and Effie Passero previewed the upcoming show and shared an exclusive announcement about their latest venture: CelloVoci.