"One of the very best bassists I've worked with ... Lorna comes up with bass riffs and parts you'd never suspect and always plays for the song! A sublime musician and a genuine pleasure to work with - genius!"
Gerry Diver - Award winning producer, Musician and Composer.
BASS GUITAR UK
LORNA THOMAS
Playing bass guitar since the age of 14 Lorna Thomas has formed a bass sound with elements of all her inspirations who include John Taylor, James Jamerson, Bernard Edwards, Carole Kaye and Gail Anne Dorsey to name but a few.
Lorna has earned the reputation as one of Scotland’s finest female bassist. A versatile musician and vocalist, she is in high demand for studio recordings and live tours. Her individual style and personality has earned her endorsements from major companies such as Sandberg Guitars, Ashdown Amps, Elites Strings, InEars Monitors and Bassics pedals. In 2011 she was featured in the online bass magazine ‘No Treble’ as one of the top 10 Spotlight players for that year and in 2018 saw Lorna interviewed for Bass Guitar Magazine UK & USA. A collaboration with dutch bassist Rosan Assmussen at the end of 2020 resulted in their video of Dean Town by Vulfpeck reaching No.5 most watched videos by No Treble.
Having performed on many records, some reaching the top 10, countless national and international tours, Lorna has had the privilege of working with many artists and sharing the stage with great acts such as Ida Nielsen (Prince, 3RD Eye Girl) Eddie Reader, Earl Thomas(US Grammy Nominee), Horse McDonald, Jill Jackson, Movin’ Melvin Brown, Linda MacRae, The Humpff Family, The L Project, Sandra MacBeth, Blues Guitarist Willie Logan and supporting great acts such as Tom Jones, Mumford and Sons
2019 saw a new direction and Lorna started working with London Musical Theatre company Bill Kenwright Productions on the award winning UK Premier musical Cruel Intentions. Lorna has also been involved with Bass and Drum workshops with Steve White (The Style Council, Paul Weller, The Who)
2021 see's the debut release from Baz Gordon and The Tomorrow Band new album 'Inside/Outside' produced by Hamish Stewart from Average White Band which features Lorna's funky style of playing.
Drawing on her versatile musical background and extensive studio experience, Lorna’s natural emphasis on recording and performing brings out the unique qualities in each artist she works with.
Equipment List
Basses:
California II TM5 Ida Nielsen Signature Bass - 5 String
Marlow DK Fretless - 4 String
Yamaha BB205 - 5 String
Aria Pro II SB60 Fretless - String
Fender P ’78
Double Bass
Kala Uke Bass
Amps:
Ashdown
RM - 800 EVO Head
RM - 115T - EVO II Cab
RM - 210T - EVO II Cab
MAG 300 Head
Mag 150 Cab
Strings:
Elites Player Series
Elites Detroits Flats
InEar Monitors
Various pedals inc HX Stomp
" I hadn't met Lorna or knowingly heard her play before until the rehearsal for Barry Gordon's 'Inside/Outside' album. Now I don't profess to be a technically proficient bass player myself but I have a deep understanding and connection with it's role in the rhythm section. I don't think that the bass should have a passive role merely holding down the bottom end and playing just the root of the chord. I want to hear embellishment and musicality connecting the dots which all the best bass players bring to the party and as we started to work Lorna did that and I loved everything she came up with.
The role of the producer in music is like that of a director in film, in that you are trying to get the best out of all the musicians whilst staying true to an overall vision of how it all fits together as a sonic picture. From the start, any idea that I suggested to Lorna she took on board, bettered and made her own, playing with great personality, character and enthusiasm. The last quality being essential in making records together with other players. Lorna was a joy to work with and I look forward to the next time. "
Hamish Stuart.
17/02/21.
I have recorded many musicians in the studio over the years. The norm is to chat over what 'will' be played on the track, and then they make some takes (usually quite a few). My experience with Lorna was not the norm. She had done her homework, knew exactly not only what she wanted to play, but also what fitted the track, hand-in-glove. A tight bassline followed in one take with alternative parts suggested by her also captured very quickly. Lorna Thomas is an instinctive, creative, prepared and ego-less musician who will bring your tracks to life and add wonderful energy to your studio in the process.”
- Al James - Songwriter/Producer
“Having worked with hundreds of musicians over the years, I’ve always found Lorna to be one of the most adept, intelligent, and trusted professionals around.
“Skilful and responsive in her playing, cheery and positive in her manner, it doesn’t surprise me her artistic expertise is in consistent demand.
“In short: a confident, highly likeable, highly reputable ‘go-to’ musician... on anyone’s list.”
- Barry Gordon (Sunday Mail)
"One of the very best bassists I've worked with ... Lorna comes up with bass riffs and parts you'd never suspect and always plays for the song! A sublime musician and a genuine pleasure to work with - genius!"
Gerry Diver - Award winning producer, Musician and Composer.
“Lorna Thomas was an absolute delight to have in the band of Cruel Intentions on the Edinburgh Fringe. She was a true professional, a fantastic player, and such a lovely person to work with.
She is at the top of my go-to list of bass players and I would hire her again in a heartbeat as I can not recommend her enough.”
Sarah Morrison - MD Cruel Intentions
Lorna is endorsed by
