James Blennerhassett

James Blennerhassett is an Irish Session Bassist and Composer. He has toured and recorded with top musicians from all over the world. James has also recorded and released his own instrumental albums ‘End of a Longer Day’ and ‘A Small Shadow’
I have been playing Bass since the age of 12, my father played double bass and my mother plays violin and piano. I play a German double bass c1850. I also play Dingwall, Sandberg and Emerald basses and a Chapman NS Stick. I use PJB by Phil Jones Pure Sound Bass amplification, Bassics by Malcolm Toft preamps and Darkglass pedals. I exclusively use Elixir Bass Strings.

I toured for many years as a member of Mary Black’s band. Predominantly a session player I have played on too many albums to list here. In January 2013 I turned my hand to writing and created a series of audio books with my sister Susan – The Todalie Stories.

As well as continuing to be an active session musician and composer in 2020 I gained a certificate in music composition for gaming and became a certified Steinberg trainer. I now train musicians, composers and musicmakers of all types in the use of Steinberg’s powerful Cubase for music production and Dorico for music scoring.

James has played live with Irish and international musicians including:

Van Morrison, The Chieftains, Gilbert O’Sullivan, Cara Dillon, Eleaner McEvoy, Sharon Shannon, Nathan Carter, Ronan Keating, Mary Coughlan, Daniel O’Donnell, Derek Ryan, Ashley Campbell, Crystal Gayle, Christy Hennessy, Mary Black, Paul Brady…

James has recorded with Irish and international artists including:

The Chieftains with The Corrs / Rolling Stones / Marianne Faithfull / Elvis Costello / Eros Ramazotti / The Rankin family, Mary Black, Paul Brady, Steve Earle, Sharon Shannon with Jackson Browne, Frances Black, Daniel O’Donnell, Brian Kennedy, Derek Ryan, Nathan Carter, Maura O’Connell, Davy Spillane, A Woman’s Heart, Mike Denver…

For more insight into James the musician visit www.jamesblennerhassett.com