Groove Chronicles: Stuart Zender Reflects on His Iconic Stevie Wonder Session and Jamiroquai Journey
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Stuart Zender: The Bass Virtuoso Behind Jamiroquai and His Encounter with Stevie Wonder
For those who remember the vibrant era of acid jazz, the unforgettable basslines crafted by bands like Galliano, Young Disciples, Corduroy, and the Brand New Heavies are likely etched in your memory. Among these, Stuart Zender emerged as the standout bassist, delivering three albums’ worth of infectious grooves with Jamiroquai, the band fronted by the charismatic Jason ‘Jay’ Kay, whose remarkable songwriting and headline-grabbing lifestyle propelled them to fame.
after contributing to the groundbreaking albums Emergency On Planet Earth, Return Of The Space Cowboy, and Travelling Without Moving, Zender departed from jamiroquai to pursue a flourishing career as a session bassist. His impressive resume includes collaborations with notable artists such as all Saints, Mark Ronson (known for his work with Amy Winehouse), Gorillaz, and the legendary Stevie Wonder.
A Dream Collaboration: Working with Stevie Wonder
Reflecting on his experience with Stevie Wonder, Zender shared, “Collaborating with Stevie was one of the most amazing moments of my life.” In an interview with Bass Player in 2018, he recounted how he received a call from Omar Lye-Fook, inviting him to the studio to work with the iconic musician. “I was in disbelief at first, thinking, ‘Stevie who?’ When I realized it was Stevie wonder, I was entirely awestruck.”
During their meeting at Wonder’s hotel,Zender was struck by the artist’s presence. “He was listening to a track he wanted us to play on, and even without his glasses, it felt like he could see right through me. He has an incredible ability to sense the energy in the room.”
In a humorous twist, Zender recalled a moment when they decided to leave the studio for a party. ”We thought we might be overstaying our welcome, so we told Stevie we had to go. He replied, ‘You’re not going to leave Stevie wonder alone in a hotel room, are you?’ He wanted to join us and asked for half an hour to get ready. Ultimately, the party fell through, and we had to tell him it was off. We couldn’t believe we had just canceled on Stevie wonder!”
crafting Bass Lines: Zender’s creative Process
When it comes to composing bass parts, Zender adopts a spontaneous approach.”Honestly, I don’t overthink it; I just play. Most of my lines come about by accident, and they just seem to fit.” In Jamiroquai, he often built upon bassline ideas presented by Jay Kay, whom he describes as an extraordinary songwriter.
Musical Influences and Inspirations
Zender’s musical journey was shaped by various influences. “I was heavily inspired by Weather Report,and later,a friend introduced me to the Ozric Tentacles. Ed Wynne’s late brother, Roly, was a close friend and a phenomenal bassist who inspired me to pick up the instrument.”
creating Iconic Sounds: The Squelchy Bass Tone
When asked about the distinctive squelchy bass tone featured in Jamiroquai’s hit Revolution 1993, Zender explained, “I used a 5-string Warwick Streamer, layering it with a Minimoog for added depth. Live performances involved triggering the Minimoog with a Boss ME8B effects processor. The essence of that song was all about jamming-after all, the name is ‘Jam’-iroquai!”
Jamiroquai - Revolution 1993 (Audio) – YouTube
From Punk to Funk: Zender’s musical Roots
Before his time with Jamiroquai, Zender was part of a punk band formed by a group of NME journalists, managed by James Brown, who later launched Loaded magazine. “I started taking music seriously at 16, and by 17 or 18, I was recording the first Jamiroquai album. music runs in my family; my cousins are the MacNamara brothers from Embrace.”
Drumming Up Inspiration: Zender’s First Instrument
Interestingly, Zender’s first instrument was the drums. “I once discussed this with Larry Graham, who also began as a drummer. We share a similar approach, creating ghost notes and bass-drum patterns on the bass when the drummer isn’t doing certain things. For me, rhythm and groove are absolutely vital.”
Groove Chronicles: Stuart Zender Reflects on His Iconic Stevie Wonder Session and Jamiroquai Journey
Groove Chronicles: Stuart Zender Reflects on His Iconic Stevie Wonder Session and Jamiroquai Journey
the Rise of Stuart Zender in the Music Scene
Stuart Zender is a name synonymous with the smooth, infectious basslines that defined the acid jazz movement of the 1990s. As a key member of Jamiroquai, Zender contributed to the band’s signature sound, which blended funk, jazz, and electronic music. His work on albums like Emergency On Planet Earth, Return Of The Space Cowboy, and Travelling Without Moving solidified his reputation as one of the most talented bassists of his generation.
Jamiroquai: A Journey Through Sound
Jamiroquai, led by the charismatic Jason ‘Jay’ Kay, became a household name thanks to their unique fusion of genres and Zender’s groovy basslines. The band’s success can be attributed to several factors:
Innovative Sound: Their blend of funk, jazz, and electronic elements created a fresh sound that resonated with audiences worldwide.
Dynamic Performances: Jamiroquai’s live shows were known for their energy and engagement, drawing fans into the groove.
Iconic Hits: Songs like “virtual Insanity” and ”Canned Heat” showcased Zender’s exceptional bass work and contributed to the band’s chart-topping success.
Stuart Zender’s Transition to Session Musician
After leaving jamiroquai, Zender transitioned into a sought-after session bassist, collaborating with a diverse range of artists. His versatility allowed him to work with:
Artist
Notable Collaborations
Stevie Wonder
Worked on various tracks, bringing his unique style to the legendary artist’s music.
Gorillaz
Contributed to the band’s eclectic sound, enhancing their innovative approach to music.
Provided basslines that complemented the group’s pop and R&B sound.
Working with Stevie Wonder: A dream Come True
One of Zender’s most memorable experiences was working with the legendary Stevie Wonder. In an interview, he recounted the moment he received the call from Omar Lye-Fook, inviting him to the studio. “I was in disbelief at first, thinking, ‘Stevie who?’ when I realized it was stevie Wonder, I was entirely awestruck,” Zender shared.
During their session, Zender was struck by Wonder’s presence and musicality. ”He was listening to a track he wanted us to play on, and even without his glasses, it felt like he could see right through me. He has an incredible ability to sense the energy in the room.” This experience not only showcased Zender’s talent but also highlighted the magic of collaboration in the music industry.
Crafting Iconic Bass Lines
Zender’s approach to writing bass lines is both intuitive and spontaneous. “Honestly, I don’t overthink it; I just play. Most of my lines come about by accident, and they just seem to fit.” This natural talent has led to some of the most memorable basslines in modern music.
Tips for Aspiring bassists
For those looking to follow in Zender’s footsteps, here are some practical tips:
Experiment with Different Genres: Don’t limit yourself to one style; explore various genres to develop your unique sound.
Jam with Other Musicians: Collaborating with others can spark creativity and help you grow as a musician.
Practise Regularly: Consistent practice is key to mastering your instrument and developing your skills.
Listen Actively: Pay attention to the basslines in your favorite songs and analyze what makes them effective.
Influences and Inspirations
Zender’s musical journey has been shaped by various influences. He cites Weather Report and the ozric Tentacles as significant inspirations. “Ed Wynne’s late brother, Roly, was a close friend and a phenomenal bassist who inspired me to pick up the instrument,” he recalls.
The Squelchy Bass tone: A Signature Sound
One of Zender’s most recognizable sounds is the squelchy bass tone featured in Jamiroquai’s hit Revolution 1993. “I used a 5-string Warwick Streamer, layering it with a Minimoog for added depth. Live performances involved triggering the Minimoog with a Boss ME8B effects processor. The essence of that song was all about jamming-after all, the name is ‘Jam’-iroquai!”
Stuart Zender’s Musical Roots
before his time with Jamiroquai, Zender was part of a punk band formed by a group of NME journalists.”I started taking music seriously at 16, and by 17 or 18, I was recording the first jamiroquai album. Music runs in my family; my cousins are the MacNamara brothers from Embrace.”
First Instrument: The Drums
Interestingly, Zender’s first instrument was the drums. “I once discussed this with Larry Graham, who also began as a drummer. We share a similar approach, creating ghost notes and bass-drum patterns on the bass when the drummer isn’t doing certain things. For me, rhythm and groove are absolutely vital.”
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