Friday night was a good one! Played a concert in City north hotel with Frances Black. Also appearing were Sharon Shannon and Mary Coughlan both of who I have had the pleasure of playing with over the years as well. Mary opened the show with a great set with James Delaney on Piano and Dan … Continue reading Three women, a heart, and a couple of blokes!
Author: James Blennerhassett
I am a session bassist and contemporary composer based in Ireland, most of my studio work these days is done from my own studio via Dropbox etc. I am also a member of Derek Ryan's touring band.
I play Double bass and Bass guitar and most recently a derivative of the Chapman Stick, the NS Stick and several other instruments when I must :-)
I have two solo instrumental albums on release called "End of a longer day" and "A small shadow" and my sister Susan and I are currently writing and recording a series of Audiodramas/Books called the The Todalie Stories, a series for kids of all ages including adults that refuse to grow up. comprising Text, Audio & Illustrations (by Vitya Malirsh), inspired by special people, the unseen little folk, and other fantastic creatures that inhabit the woods, streams and lakes on this island .
The stories explore the concept of triumph over adversity and illustrate the importance of inclusiveness, the powerful impact of community spirit, bringing together disparate groups to achieve a common goal in a respectful inclusive space.
The first story (abridged) is available as a Podcast called The Todalie Stories on all good podcast providers and on www.todalie.com.
During lockdown I completed a course in Music Composition for Games in Pulse and Griffith College Dublin, and am currently involved in several exciting writing projects so watch this space!
This is what makes it all worthwhile
There are musical moments like this that really do make you smile, cry, listen, laugh and just feel so good about life and thank whoever you believe made us for giving us ears. http://youtu.be/mjhkMfubxvQ
Concert for Crumlin children’s hospital
Shannon on the Barrow
Played an outdoor concert with Sharon Shannon in Carlow (beside the river Barrow) on saturday night, what a buzz, you couldn't have squeezed another soul into the town square it was so packed and a beautiful warm evening just to make it even better. So much fun to play with Sharon and the band again … Continue reading Shannon on the Barrow
The Blen’s 10 tips for being a session Bassist
The Blen's 10 tips for being a session Bassist Smile, it's your lucky day, you have a session. Turn up on time not looking like you just fell out of bed. Bring several instruments, they always want the one you didn't bring. New strings ( just in case they don't like your trusty old flatwounds … Continue reading The Blen’s 10 tips for being a session Bassist
Too hot for the studio
That's it, I'm out of here.I have tracks to play on but they will have to wait until later on, can't waste a blue sky (especially in this country).http://www.met.ie/forecasts/inland-lakes.asp
Well, the sun is shining anyway :-)
The rehearsal
Louise Killeen warms up the dulcet tones along with Brendan Emmett and yours truly. http://youtu.be/w5ZIa-2TvEw
Early morning at RTE radio
Veeerry early start to get to RTE yesterday to appear on the Pat Kenny radio show with the talented young singer songwriter from Shannonbridge, Louise Killeen. It really makes me appreciate how much time people have to spend sitting in their cars commuting to work in Dublin every day, how early does rush hour(s) start … Continue reading Early morning at RTE radio
Supper’s ready
Had the pleasure of hearing the great Steve Hackett from Genesis and his band in Vicar street in Dublin tonight. It was a concert of great Genesis classics up to the point where he left the band to pursue a solo career. The band was fantastic and the concert was only marred by the fact … Continue reading Supper’s ready