James Poyser

James Jason Poyser born January 30 1967 is an American songwriter record producer musician and current member of the hip hop band The Roots Poyser officially joined The Roots in 2009 composing and performing live as the house band for NBCs Late Night with Jimmy Fallon and subsequently The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon He is sometimes used as comic foil especially for his use of deadpan facial expressions and is frequently used as the pianist for Fallons thankyou notes after the monologue ends His work in film and television include composing theme songs for shows such as Wyatt Cenacs Problem Areas Hawthorne The Break with Michelle Wolf contributing music to the TV shows The Equalizer Blackis The Chappelle Show and to the movies Fame Dave Chappelles Block Party and Totally Awesome among many others