“James Manders is a formidable guitarist, and I have had the pleasure of working with him on many occasions. He is also one of the most reliable and professional musicians I know.”
Troy Miller - Music Producer & Session Drummer (Laura Mvula, Amy Winehouse, Rag‘n’Bone Man, Diana Ross)
SESSION WORK
VOCALIST | ACOUSTIC GUITARIST | ELECTRIC GUITARIST
Available for live and recorded performance work as a seasoned session vocalist and electric or acoustic guitarist.
Performances
ACOUSTIC SOLOIST | DUO | JAZZ TRIO | ROCK + POP TRIO
Now available in Cornwall and the Southwest for venue gigs and events to perform a blend of Jazz, Latin and Pop Soul music live as a solo acoustic artist, or as part of a duo or trio.
“Not only is he a beautiful soul, but he has always been a consistent, reliable artist, and that can be hard to find in this industry.”
- Laura Vasiliou – Vocalist (Craig David, Echo & the Bunnymen)
BOOKING Enquiries
Please get in touch to discuss your project or venue’s requirements.
Testimonials
-
He is very supportive in the studio and his positive personality creates a great atmosphere and makes other musicians feel at ease. It is joy to work with James.
Raoul Brand – Sound Designer and Music Producer
-
A compelling performer, exceptional guitarist and mature songwriter combines strong distinct melodies wrapped up in warmth and emotion.
Stuart Robb - (Managing Director) Jam Central Records
-
On the occasions that James has played with us, often at short notice, he has always been highly professional and well rehearsed with solid knowledge of the material. We know with James we’re getting a top player who is both reliable and a nice guy to boot.
Darren Michael – Vocalist & Bass Player
-
I have worked alongside James for years.. he is an exceptionally musical, and creative guitarist, and always a pleasure to work with.
Jack Vasiliou - Session Vocalist (Emeli Sandé, Ed Sheeran, The Killers)
-
James Manders is a formidable guitarist and I have had the pleasure of working with him on many occasions. He is also one of the most reliable and professional musicians I know.
Troy Miller - Music Producer & Session Drummer (Laura Mvula, Amy Winehouse, Rebecca Ferguson)
-
James is the musical guru who provides definition to the songs that I’ve written.
Chris Bradford – Songwriter & author
-
He is reliable, easy going, lovely to work with and most importantly, a great guitarist.
Emily Tomlins - The Spotlight Band
-
His number is in my book and will be called upon without hesitation, a valued musician.
Lee C Buckingham - Who’s Got The Dog
-
exceptionally professional, very easy to work with, smartly dressed and an amazingly versatile player.
Neil Williams - Music Director
-
I am very grateful to know such a highly reliable, versatile player who has added a lush colourful depth to many of my productions.
Charlie Wood - Composer & Music Producer
-
James’s Technical ability and very calm attitude displays confidence and professionalism to perform on demand and sets a consistently high standard.
Larry Field - Musical Director
-
An extremely talented guitarist with great stage presence, I highly recommend him.
Paul Ashton - Band Leader
-
James is great to work with and always comes up with the goods in a professional manner. He particularly excels on the acoustic and plays an integral part in our live band line up. He’s also a bloody nice guy and a lot of fun too.
Jinadu - The Beauty Room
-
He set the tone for the rest of the show with warm lyrics to uplift the soul!
Dee Nyoni - Gospel in the Sun
-
he has a melodic approach to phrasing that reminds me more of a Miles Davis or Stan Getz. His lines are always thoughtful, musical and interesting.
Haydn Callow – Session Drummer
-
I’ve used James as a session guitarist for several years on different projects because he is able to play all styles, work quickly and be creative under pressure.
Carole King – Music Director
-
Playing with James is great! He is very versatile and plays with nice feel.
Nathan Allen – Session Drummer (Amy Winehouse)
-
James is the ideal session guitarist, technically secure, quick on the up take, reliable and has outstanding musicality and great tone.
Tim Oliver – Music Producer & Session Musician (Boy George, Lady Gaga, Pixie Lott )
-
James is an excellent engineer as well as a talented musician. I’ve heard his own recordings and he’s inspirational.
Danny Paradise – world renowned yoga teacher & artist
-
Working with James guaranties professionalism, enthusiasm, passion and very high quality, whether its playing live, recording, composing and producing or teaching. James is an absolute joy to work with and is always my first thought when I need a guitarist.
Oli Baxendale – Professional Drummer
-
He is a highly skilled, and extremely talented guitarist. He is always organised, prepared and professional.
Tasoulla Nicola – professional vocalist and songwriter
-
James is a great musician who is always creative, versatile, conscientious and hardworking.
Darren Ashford – Session Drummer
-
James is a talented guitarist who i have worked with on several projects including, Radio1 live lounge with US rapper Mann.
Jennifer La Touche – Professional Vocalist
-
As a band leader, he has communicated every detail of the job/gig efficiently and effectively, making the experience very easy on everyone involved.
Tiernan Godel – Session Musician
-
He brought the best from his professional career into the classroom and really inspired the next generation of young musicians.
Steven Sammut - Director of The Rock and Pop Foundation
PAST Session Work
-
Tom Walker
VOCALIST
Live performance of Angels for Vevo UK LIFT
OCTOBER 2018
-
Ed Sheeran
VOCALIST
Live performance of Supermarket Flowers for the BRIT Awards 2018 at The O2 Arena
FEBRUARY 2018
-
Tears For Fears
ELECTRIC GUITARIST
Live performance of Everybody Wants To Rule The World on Strictly Come Dancing 2017
NOVEMBER 2017
-
Natalie La Rose
ACOUSTIC GUITARIST
Arrangement and performance for BBC Radio 1 Xtra Live Lounge + Live performance for Adidas & JD Sport in Amsterdam
MAY / OCTOBER 2015
-
Lethal Bizzle
ELECTRIC + ACOUSTIC GUITARIST
Arrangement and performance for BBC Radio 1 Xtra Live Lounge
FEBRUARY 2015
-
Krept & Konan
ELECTRIC GUITARIST
Arrangement and performance for MTV Live Lockdown
JULY 2015
-
Kiesza
ACOUSTIC GUITARIST
Arrangement and performance for BBC Radio 1 Xtra Live Lounge + Capital Xtra
APRIL 2014
-
Jhene Aiko
ACOUSTIC GUITARIST
Acoustic arrangement and performance for Reload Sessions (released on MTV and Youtube)
MARCH 2014
-
Aklass Singers
VOCALIST
Live performance of Christmas carols for Fearne Cotton - BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge Christmas
DECEMBER 2013
-
Jake Bugg
ACOUSTIC GUITARIST
Live performance of John Lennon’s Merry Christmas (War Is Over) for Fearne Cotton - BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge Christmas
DECEMBER 2013
-
Bastille
VOCALIST
Live performance of Pompeii at Children In Need Rock at Hammersmith Apollo Theatre
OCTOBER 2013
-
Emeli Sandé
VOCALIST
Live performance of Next To Me at the BRIT Awards 2013 at The O2 Arena
FEBRUARY 2013
-
Big Sean
ACOUSTIC GUITARIST
Arrangement and performance for BBC Radio 1 Xtra Live Lounge
JANUARY 2012
-
Mann
ACOUSTIC GUITARIST
Arrangement and performance for BBC Radio 1 Xtra
JULY 2015
-
Matthew Morrison
ELECTRIC GUITARIST
Live performances on BBC1, Channel 5, Sky + ITV1
JUNE/JULY 2011
-
Patti Boulaye
MUSICAL DIRECTOR
Arrangement and management of Classic Disco and Soul performance
JULY 2010