I have performed thousands of gigs across many genres and varied musical situations. Very experienced and adept with Funk, jazz, blues, rock, country, big band and musical theatre. Sometimes reading the dots, playing jazz standards and bebop or learning a whole show and presenting that. Drawing on an extensive repertoire acquired over the years.
As a sideman and session bass player I have played and recorded throughout the UK and Europe.
My bass collection covers revered tones with modern noise free instruments. 4 and 5 string basses giving all the classic Fender like tones, fretted or fretless.
Have a listen to the “Earthrise” for some samples of what’s available for recording sessions or live dates. I can be uber funky including some always tasteful slap bass if the moment’s right.
I continue to hone my craft and develop my musicianship on bass, piano, guitar and drums.
If you want engage me as a session bass player on your music or songs and we can discuss fee, logistics and your requirements.
Photos by Jaime Bunting
Recording and Session Instruments Basses
- Fender Japan Jazz bass with EMG J pickups and electronics (Marcus Miller style sound)
- Fender Jazz bass 5 string with EMG J pickups & electronics (classic Jazz bass, no noise)
- Fender Japan ’62 reissue Precision bass with flatwound strings vintage Alnico V pickup (Jamerson / Carol Kaye & all the 60s classics)
- Fender Japan ’57 reissue Precision bass with roundwound strings Dimarzio Area P Alnico II vintage voiced pickup
- Fender Jazz bass fretless with EMG JV vintage voiced Alnico V noiseless pickups (Jaco sound)
- Squier Jazz Bass – Korea vintage 60s style with flatwound strings – Dimarzio Ultra Jazz noiseless pickups (Joe Osborn, David Hood. John Paul Jones sound)
- Bass collection “Jive Bass” Jazz Bass with Nylon tapewound strings- lace Sensor noiseless pickup- (Herbie Flowers sound)
- Yamaha TRB 1006J 6 string bass – Alnico V pickups- Active
- BSX Allegro acoustic double bass designed for amplification and recording- authentic double bass sound
Bass amplifiers & Speakers
- Ashdown AMB EVO 300 Amp Head
- Ashdown OriginaL 300 Amp Head
- 2 x Ashdown 1×12″ + Horn Cabs
- Ashdown 1×10″ Cab
- Peavey Studio 40 1 x 12″ Guitar Combo
- Tascam MP-BT1 Bass trainer
Bass Strings
- Dean Markley Blue Steel or Dunlop nickel wound (Fretted basses)
- Dunlop nickel wound (fretless bass)
- Elites “Detroit” Stainless Steel vintage flatwound
- Rotosound Swing bass roundwounds (Ric bass)
Effects Pedals
- 2 x Aria Digital Chorus / Flanger
- MXR Bass Auto Q Envelope Filter / Wah
- MXR Bass Octave
- Behringer Digital Reverb / Delay
- Marshall Echohead delay with tap tempo
- Boss volume pedal
- Boss and Korg tuners
Guitars and keyboards
- Fender Stratocaster guitar with lace Sensor pickups
- Epiphone Special Les Paul guitar
- Samick classical guitar
- Vintage Steel string acoustic guitar
- Baritone Uke
- Kala Tenor Uke
- Korg SV1 piano
- Roland XP30 synth with experience expansion board.
- M Audio Keystation 49 MK3 midi keyboard
- Gretch Calalina Club 5 piece jazz drum kit with 16″ bass drum, Paiste, Sabian & Zildjian cymbals
Recordings
- Michael J Bolton – Earthrise – 2018
- Michael J Bolton -Sunrisin’-2006
- Gary Boyle-Triple Echo -1992
- Marilla Ness- Resting in Love -1999
- Angie Palmer-Romantica Obscura -2001
Performed with
Gary Boyle Jerry Donahue Chris Farlowe
Mike Walker Simon Willescroft (Duran Duran)
Andy Treacey (Faithless) Simon Moore (Ruby Turner)
Myke Wilson (Corinne Bailey Rae, Texas, Swing out Sister)
Paul Burgess (10CC) Norman Beaker Band
Magic of Motown Afro Dizz
Neil Yates Craig Milverton Jim Mullen
Stewart Macallum Bruce Adams Les Chisnall
Digby Fairweather Mike Gorman Mike Outram
Composer Arranger Producer
I’m also a composer, arranger and producer with three projects in development.
For info and updates on the primary project see the “Earthrise” page for more details
Composer / Arranger
Michael J Bolton – Earthrise – 2018
Michael J Bolton -Sunrisin’-2006
Producer
Michael J Bolton – Earthrise – 2018 – Sunrisin’-2006
Arun Ghosh -1st recording-2001
Mike Hall Quartet – Feel the warmth -1998