Jamie Armstrong’s music career began as a young teen – appearing on the blues festival circuit in a duo dubbed “Me and Him” with this father, Mark Armstrong.
However, I discovered Jamie as a bassist with the Isle of Man blues ensemble Back Door Slam, led by guitarist Davy Knowles.
Back Door Slam served as the supporting act for Jeff Beck at the Bergen PAC in April 2015 – which is an intimidating gig to say the least – opening for the inimitable British guitarist with his band that also featured virtuoso bassist Tal Wilkenfeld. That’s a tremendous responsibility for any young bassist!
A confident player who rendered solidly constructed bass lines, Jamie’s tone from his single coil Fender Jazz bass pickups was “thundering!” Armstrong’s style deftly inferred jazz and funk influences while maintaining the integrity of the blues.
This is a young player to keep your eyes (and ears) on – I suspect we’ll hear more from Jamie in the future!
Among my select Jamie Armstrong tracks include: “Come Home,” “Outside Woman Blues,” “Too Late,” and “It’ll Come Around.”
