CDBaby, "Hook-laden, melodic, intelligently written songs, crammed with the exemplary musicianship and unmistakable, inspiring vocals one has come to expect from this 1st rate session man/side-man to the stars. The bass playing is as expected - out of this world."
"In November 2009, Jamie released his debut album, "Return To Bass," an instrumental offering which was a huge critical if not commercial success. Now he's back with "Tunes From The Mothership." An EP comprising of 6 tracks, 4 of which feature his unmistakable Bolanesque/Tom Petty influenced vocals, the remaining 2 tracks being stunning instrumentals. The songs are very intelligently wriiten and packed to the brim with great melodies, harmonies and dazzling playing. Captivating, often moving and at times - thought provoking, this release covers an awful lot of musical territories and breaks boundaries, whilst keeping the songs hook-laden and within the "don't bore us get to the chorus" scheme of things. Once again Jamie is wearing ALL the hats - Writing, producing, engineering, singing and playing all instruments. He's showcasing his outstanding bass guitar playing once again here, yet he's never OTT with the flash, always underpinning the song but ripping it up where called for. The effortless fretless playing on "Protest Song" is worthy of particular note, and the tasty mix of styles on display in the instrumental, "The Order of Crayons," is something else. It also turns out that Jamie is no slouch on the 6 string, ripping out tremendous tasty solos throught the closing instrumental "False Promises And Pedalboards," and for the cover of "Runnin' Down A Dream," he's recreated a lot of the original solo but added in a few ideas of his own.
All round, this is a very pleasing and exciting release which sets the bar pretty high and defines Jamie Mallender - the artist."
Tracklist
1. Slip Away
2. What Am I To Do
3. Protest Song
4. The Order Of Crayons (Cult Of Eve)
5. Runnin' Down A Dream
6. False Promises And Pedalboards
Slip Away - Download Only Single - 2010
Released 1st December 2010 as a taster from the forthcoming "Tunes From The Mothership" EP.
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 Mothership studios treatment, shortened the name and here it is. Written and recorded by Jamie Mallender, also featuring Jamie on all instruments and all voices. Check out the media page to see the video, or click here for download.
Return To Bass - 2009
Jamie's first official release is a bass oriented solo instrumental album. The material covers various musical genres and styles, yet retains Jamie's "don't bore us, lets get to the next bit" approach to composition. The album was released independently on 9th Nov 2009. To purchase a copy or to digitally download it, please go to www.cdbaby.com/cd/mallenderjamie or alternatively click on the album cover.
CDBaby describe the album as "A bass guitar oriented fusion, crossover, progressive, instrumental album featuring a mishmash of genres, time changes and mood swings with a loose Sci-Fi B-Movie feel - more musical journey than virtuoso showcase, nevertheless displaying impressive chops."
Jamie has this to say about the album," In making "Return To Bass" I have ignored every formula in the book, every critic with an opinion of any kind and every opportunity to make it more commercially accessible. I have skipped from one genre to another and spliced musical styles together, always avoiding the obvious route. This album was not written to please anyone but me. Each track expresses how I felt at the time of recording, and goes on a musical journey that I enjoyed taking. It was not recorded to make a lot of money, or to make me famous. This album is my one finger answer to a music industry that needs a good old shake by the throat, and to all people who are happy to be spoon-fed manufactured music."
All instruments on "Return To Bass" are played by Jamie himself. He also wrote and produced all tracks.
The album is available on Amazon and for download on i-Tunes.
Tracklist
1. Layla's Funk
2. The Bass Player Answers Back
3. Theme From Nowhere
4. The Amazing Adventures Of An Interstella Glam Hippy
5. Planet Happiness (A Tribute To The Cardigan)
6. The Guilt
7. Return To Bass
8. Kidney Bean
9. Captain Blake vs The Lion
Anyone wishing to license Jamie's music can do so here:-
Jamie Mallender - Bass Player. | JamieMal@hotmail.co.uk
