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James
Beedham
James began his musical life playing Piano at an early age, having
gained a strong grasp of music theory, performance and composition he
began to develop his skills on his main instrument, the Electric Bass
Guitar, in his mid teens.
During
college James was involved in several projects including the school
Swing Band, Rock bands, Funk bands, Cover bands and recording in a
backing band for a college vocalist. At this time he was also playing
in the college Big Band which inspired him to take his playing further
and become a professional bassist.
After
sitting his A-Levels in Maths, Physics and ICT James took a year out to
develop his playing, take his Grade 8 bass guitar exam (at which he
gained a distinction) and enrol on a Music Technology course.
During this time he also had work as bass player for one of the UK's
leading function bands "City Lights", recorded two albums with "So
What?" and gained a place on Salford University's Popular Music and
Recording (BA) course.
More
recently James has played at some high profile events such as
Manchester's IN THE CITY gig, as well as playing with Celebrity Fame
Academy's TRICIA PENROSE and 10cc's PAUL BURGESS.
James has finished his
studies in Popular Music and Recording at Salford University,
graduating with 1st class honours specialising in performance and
composition. James also works as a music teacher, session player and
much more (see "Projects"
page)
James has expanded his
musicianship and become the guitarist for a successful 80s
rock tribute band and developed his vocal technique to provide lead and
backing vocals as well as performing as a solo artist.
Influences
Everything...
Living in Manchester I have the opportunity to go to loads of gigs and
see every style of music performed live. Working with the musicians and
lecturers at Salford also gives a huge diversity to my musical
awareness.
I have done gigs in most styles including Jazz, Funk, Rock, Latin, Pop,
R&B, Reggae, Blues, Soul, Metal, Modern R&B etc. And my
own music is influenced by everything I play and listen to, including
fusion and world music.
The
main people who influence my playing are all the great players I've had
the pleasure and opportunity to work with, most notably Tim Chu, Andy
Bennett, Wayne Morgan,Pat Howley, Ian Foulks, Dave Jones and Stevie
Williams.
Other Influences: Miles Davis, Jimi Hendrix, Prince, Jaco Pastorius,
Rocco Prestia, Chuck Rainey, Pino Palladino, Victor Wooten, Tom Kenedy,
The Time, Steely Dan, Paul McCartney, Billy Cobham, Me'Shell
Ndegeocéllo, Bootsy, James Jamerson, Nathan East, Paul
Simon, Opeth, White Zombie, Bernard Edwards, Eryka Badu, Linley Marthe,
Buddy Rich, Larry Graham, Charles Mingus, Rhonda Smith, Dave Weckle,
Tower Of Power, Parliament, Funkadelic, Paul Gilbert, Nuno Bettencourt,
Mike Stern, Oz Noy, Greg Howe, Steve Vai, Joe Satriani... Not to
mention all the '80s Cock Rock bands! I could go on forever!
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