AKA: Jimmy B.
DOB: 25.05.86
Based: UK
Other instruments: Double Bass, Guitar, Trumpet, Keyboards, Drums, Vocals
Biog.
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 Rock bands, Funk bands, Cover bands, the beginnings of what is now "So What?", 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 enroll 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. He is also working towards a demo slot at MUSIC LIVE! in 2008
James is currently at the University in his final year, specialising in performance and composition, as well as working as a music teacher, session player and much more (see "Projects" page)
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, Wayne Morgan, 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... I could go on forever!
Main Gear |
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4-String Warwick FNA Jazzman
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Bartolini Pickups |
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Hipshot Hardware |
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Ampeg amplification
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Elites Stadium Strings -- 40, 60, 80, 100
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Boss and Jim Dunlop effects |
