“Blues and Rock n Roll has always been very influential to UK musicians so it flavours many genres of music in the UK. so even if the listening public don't know it they are listening to blues inspired music a lot of the time.”

Ian Jennings: Bass with Soul Emotions 

British musician Ian Jennings works as a freelance double bassist/bass guitarist with loads of different bands. Ian works as a session player recording with elite bands. Ian Jennings was a co-founding member of legendary British Rhythm & Blues band The Big Town Playboys. Ian says: “It is hard to imagine, but it is true to say that I have been working as a musician for nearly forty years. My journey started straight out of school, as soon as I could perform. The picture on the left is an old photo of Mike Sanchez and myself with my first band, ‘The Rockets’. I am currently working with several bands most notably Andy Fairweather Low and the Low Riders, the American blues singer, Mud Morganfield. Over the years I have worked with hundreds of different bands and musicians. Some of the most memorable names I’ve listed below; they also reflect my musical roots and interests. Whilst I am known for my freelance double bass and bass guitar work, I am also experienced in record production and band management.”

(Ian Jennings Photo © by Karo Achten)

These highlights include live work and record sessions for albums, film and soundtracks. Such names as Carl Perkins, Jeff Beck, Robert Plant, Billy Lee Riley, Champion Jack Dupree, Jools Holland, Lowell Fulsom, Roscoe Gordon, Andy Fairweather Low, Tom Jones, Little Willie Littlefield, Van Morrison, Lisa Mills, Mick Fleetwood, Paul Rodgers, Chrissie Hynde, Akarsha ‘Aki’ Kumar, Mike Vernon, Jimmy Page, Scotty Moore, DJ Fontana, Ben Carr, Ronnie Wood, Jimmy Copley, Eric Clapton, Lulu, Mike Vernon, Ray Davies, Ben Waters, Adam Sweet, Ali Maas & Micky Moody, Brian May, Imelda May, Giles Robson and Mark Knopfler.

Interview by Michael Limnios                    Archive: Ian Jennings, 2015 Interview

How has the music influenced your views of the world? What moment changed your music life the most?

Music has influenced my view of the world in so much as it has allowed me to travel and meet all sorts of people that I would never have had the chance to meet if I wasn't a musician. 

If I can pinpoint a single moment that changed my music life the most it has to be when I first decided to play music at the age of 13. 

How do you describe your sound and music philosophy? What's the balance in music between technique (skills) and soul/emotions?

My sound comes from listening to lots of old recordings and wanting to sound like them, as for philosophy I would say that the groove comes before everything else. Soul emotions are far more important than technique ever will be for me.

Why do you think that the UK Blues / Rock n’ Roll Scene continues to generate such a devoted following?

Blues and Rock n Roll has always been very influential to UK musicians so it flavours many genres of music in the UK. so even if the listening public don't know it they are listening to blues inspired music a lot of the time.

”My sound comes from listening to lots of old recordings and wanting to sound like them, as for philosophy I would say that the groove comes before everything else. Soul emotions are far more important than technique ever will be for me.” (Ian Jennings on stage / Photo © by Aleksander Korobczuk APK)

Which meetings have been the most important experiences? Are there any memories from gigs, jams, and studio sessions which you’d like to share with us?

I've been very lucky to have met some of my musical heroes, especially the guys from the early years of blues and Rock n Roll. Recording sessions with Carl Perkins, Scotty Moore and DJ Fontana are standout moments for me as I learned to play listening to their records. and they were all great guys.

What do you miss most nowadays from the music of the past? What are your hopes and fears for the future of?

I not sure if I miss anything from the music of the past as I'm very lucky to play lots of songs from then and in a traditional way. These songs are all very now for me. 

I love old recording techniques and also when there are happy accidents in the playing and recordings that are left in. It gives it all a very human touch.

What is the impact of music on the socio-cultural implications? How do you want the music to affect people?

As a bass player I really want people to dance, have fun and forget their troubles for a while. 

As far as socio-cultural implications go if music can open peoples minds to other peoples life experiences and they can relate to the lyrics of a song it can't be a bad thing.

What are some of the most important lessons you have learned from your experience in the music paths?

Play the music that you love, listen to what your fellow band members are playing. and don't forget to enjoy it all. 

Someone once said "Music isn't important..... but I wouldn't like to live in a world without it."

Ian Jennings Bass - Home

(Ian Jennings/ Photo © by Andrew Butler)