Jamie Mallender is a busy multi-instrumental session player, singer/songwriter and composer from Sheffield in the UK. His main instrument is the bass guitar and he is best known as bass player for Tony Martin, the former Black Sabbath vocalist, with whom he toured the world extensively. He endorses Hartke amplification, Rotosound Strings, Fret King Guitars and Basses, Vintage Guitars and Basses, Musicman Bass Guitars, Snap-Jack Cables and Danelectro Pedals. Although best known as a rock bass player, Jamie has performed with name artists from just about every possible style of music and has released solo recordings made in his own "Starbug Studios."
In 2007, Jamie felt that it was time he recorded an album of his own. Having spent many years being in other people's bands and playing everything their way, getting told what to do, Jamie wanted to do it his own way. He started recording some songs, and put a few demos on MySpace, when a record company that puts out mostly instrumental music contacted him to say that they loved the music and would be interested in putting out an instrumental record. Jamie had never thought of making instrumental music, but thought it wouldn't hurt to give it a try. The track, "Return To Bass" was the first thing Jamie wrote, and suddenly a whole new world full of creative ideas and possibilities became Jamie's obsession, which led to the recording of a wonderful album. However, work for other bands and projects delayed completion of the record - until the Tony Martin Band's 3 month USA/Canada tour was cancelled at the last minute, summer 2009. Jamie returned home to his family with no work and no money, went into his studio and finished the album. It may be that this added a certain extra fire to the last couple of tracks added to the album.
Having a critically acclaimed solo instrumental album under his belt, one might expect Jamie to continue releasing albums in a similar style. However, having spent a year on the road with Eaglesque singing intricate harmonies and even some leads, Jamie found his interest in singing and songwriting had been revitalised. He dug out his old demos and found "The Free Download EP" which was available on MySpace a few years ago, for a limited time only. The most popular track from that recording was, "Don't Let It Slip Away." So, Jamie re-recorded the track giving it the Starbug studios treatment, shortened the name and released, "Slip Away," as a download only single.
The success of "Slip Away," encouraged Jamie to release more vocal tunes. On 8th August 2011, Jamie released "Tunes From The Mothership," a 6 track EP, featuring the ever-popular "Slip Away," as the lead-off track, two more self-penned original songs, two instrumentals and a cover of one of his favourite tunes, "Runnin' Down A Dream," by Tom Petty. The EP once again draws on a variety of influences and diverse styles, but sees Jamie firmly establishing himself as an independent artist, with his own instantly recognisable sound and style.
For further information please go to www.jamiemallender.co.uk
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