JAMES BLENNERHASSETT IS AN IRISH SESSION BASSIST AND COMPOSER.
As a session Bassist I perform, record and tour. I also provide professional bass recordings from my own studio. And through my training business Blenntech.com I am a certified Steinberg trainer providing Cubase and Dorico online training for anyone who wants to learn how to record their own music.
I toured for many years with great artists such as Mary Black, Green on Red, Paul Brady, Brian Kennedy, Andy White, Maura OāConnell, Frances Black, Kieran Goss and Gilbert OāSullivan. I have also had the pleasure to record with The Rolling Stones, Marianne Faithful, Elvis Costello and Eros Ramazotti and many others.
I have released three instrumental albums ‘END OF A LONGER DAYā, āA SMALL SHADOWā, ‘EN SPLENDO ISOLECO’ & https://jamesblennerhassett.bandcamp.com/album/the-straboe-fen available on Bandcamp.
In conjunction with my sister Susan we have written a series of audiobooks called ‘THE TODALIE STORIES’ the 1st of which, ‘Laylianas Tale’, is available in an abridged version on Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Contact me today for bookings, bass recordings or online music recording training. Let’s make music!
The inside track…
How long have you been playing?
I have been playing Bass since the age of 12, my father played double bass and my mother plays violin and piano.
What was the first concert you ever went to?
Handel’s Messiah in Sligo, I think I was 9 or 10. Unbelievable, I had never heard so many people singing together before.
What gear do you use?
I play a German double bass c1850. I also play Dingwall, Marusczyk and Fender basses and a BSX Allegro upright Bass. I use PJB by Phil Jones Pure Sound Bass amplification and Trondheim audio, Zoom and Darkglass pedals. I exclusively use Elixir Bass Strings.
Who was your biggest musical influence growing up?
Ron Carter, Stanley Clarke, Lee Sklar, James Jamerson, Carol Kaye, Tony Levin, Chris Squire, Mike Rutherford.
Are you in a band?
I toured for many years with Mary Black, Green on Red, Paul Brady, Brian Kennedy, Andy White, Maura O’Connell, Frances Black, Kieran Goss and Gilbert O’Sullivan. I am mainly a session player and have played on too many albums to list here. I try to play in two shows every year to keep up the sight reading chops and because I enjoy it.
I recently toured with the great Daniel O’Donnell and Derek Ryan and am currently playing with the very talented Michael English, folk singer Rachel Goode and traditional Irish musician and singer Tara Howley.
I also write and record in collaboration with Kane O’Rourke under the name “Ceol-Tec”.
What’s the biggest audience you ever performed to? What’s the smallest?
Zero to Hero!
You’re stuck on a desert island and only get to bring one album with you. What do you pick?
Gabriel FaurĆ©’s Requiem. I first heard it performed in Southwark Cathedral, London. Probably the most moving live concert I have ever been lucky enough to experience.