James Stathatos Bassist and Tutor
I started playing bass guitar when I was twelve. My first instrument, which I still have and use, has been a Gibson Ripper, the bass that Nirvana's Krist Novoselic used on the album Nevermind. I soon joined a covers band and performed at school gigs and parties.
Through the years I have played other instruments, though I have
always felt that bass expresses me better. I enjoy the role it has
in bringing rhythm and harmony in the music together.
My first teacher was a session guitarist who taught me and my brother (a guitarist) music and how to play as a band. In 1996, I took lessons at the ACM in Guildford from bass tutor Paul Geary (George Michael, Geri Halliwell). In 2010, I graduated with a Professional Diploma in Music Performance (Distinction) from the Brighton Institute Of Modern Music (BIMM). I was taught by some great bassists there e.g. Silas Meitland (Seal) and jazz virtuoso Franc O'Shea (Steve Howe). I have also been taught by jazz double bassist Terry Pack (Phil Hudson, Johnny Mars).
I started teaching in 2004, working for Tribe Community Arts in schools in Hampshire and as a band coach for Rock Academy at the Brookfield Community School in Southampton, Hampshire. I also began teaching privately at the same time. In 2006, I decided to study for a PGCE in Music at the University of Southampton and gained qualified teacher status (QTS) in 2007. I taught secondary music up to GCSE level in schools in Hampshire, Surrey and Berkshire during 2008 and 2009.
I have been gigging for over 20 years, as a member of both
originals and covers bands, covering a variety of styles including
rock, folk, acoustic, funk and pop. Among others I have performed
with drummer John Roberts (The Block Heads, Wilco Johnson, Dr
Feelgood) and guitarist Chris Pearce (Pete Thomas, Channel 5,
University of Southampton guitar tutor).
Currently, I play bass for Dr Scardo, a band fronted by Simon
Scardanelli (previously known as Simon Tedd), who has had a number
of hit singles with his previous band Big Bam Boo. I also work
with Brighton based singer/songwriter Nick Williams (Willie Mason
and The Magic Numbers).
I'm the electric and double bassist with the Sussex Jazz Orchestra, founded by the late jazz trumpeter legend Ian Hamer (Tubby Hayes, Dizzy Gillespie), and have been fortunate to have performed with composer/pianist Paul Busby, trumpeter Martijn Van Galen, trombonist Tim Wade and others.