T.Mandrake profile picture

T.Mandrake

About Me


T.Mandrake take their name from the flower (mandrake) whose roots (which resemble human figures) are used in magic rituals. Musically, they combine rock (and a lost ‘70s soundtrack that might include The Chicago Transit Authority, Arthur Lee’s Love and Blood, Sweat and Tears) with ‘60s Stax soul and jazz. However, a T. Mandrake song is as likely to remind you of Strange Days era Doors or Young Americans era David Bowie as it is to conjure up images of a Weill/Brechtian theatre-piece performed by The Sensational Alex Harvey Band.
T.Mandrake are fronted by half Thai, half American vocalist/guitarist Jay Zieseniss, who is joined by Tanya Jackson (vocals), Matt Hanson (guitar and backing vocals), Tad MacDonald (bass and backing vocals), Al MacSween (keyboards), Mark "Monty" Garfield (drums & percussion) and the ever-excellent Mandrake Horns, comprising Leigh Coffin (tenor sax), Nicki Hutchins (clarinet, alto sax, baritone sax and backing vocals) and Kate Plane (trumpet, flugelhorn & backing vocals). Intriguingly, legendary Cream lyricist/percussionist Pete Brown is a co-lyricist and backing vocalist and also secures co-production credits for the band’s debut album From East To West And All The Rest alongside another legendary figure, Eddie Kramer, famed for his work with Jimi Hendrix and Led Zeppelin amongst countless others.
T.Mandrake's debut single "Always In The Summer" is now available to buy on iTunes, along with B-side "Tall Grass" - CLICK HERE TO BUY NOW!
Playlist featuring behind the scenes and on-stage footage from our live shows!
Live at Monto Water Rats, March 09

My Interests

Music:

Member Since: 06/12/2006
Band Website: ilike.com/artist/T.Mandrake
Band Members: T.MANDRAKE is
Jay Zieseniss - Vocals & Guitars
Tanya Jackson - Vocals
Matt Hanson - Guitar & BVs
Tad MacDonald - Bass & BVs
Al McSween - Keyboards
Mark "Monty" Garfield - Drums & Percussion
Pete Brown - Percussion
THE MANDRAKE HORNS:
Leigh Coffin - Tenor Sax
Nicki Hutchins - Clarinet & Alto Sax
Kate Plane - Trumpet, Flugelhorn & BVs

Influences: The Doors, Love, Blood Sweat & Tears, David Bowie, The Paul Butterfield Blues Band, Ben Folds Five,The Moody Blues, Athur Brown & Pete Brown...
Record Label: Unsigned

My Blog

Filming & Recording at Metropolis Studios

Wednesday 27th May, 7am; time to leave the house, but Im not ready.  In all fairness, I set myself a 7am departure time knowing full well that I would be at least 20 minutes late.  And I was only goi...
Posted by on Thu, 18 Jun 2009 10:24:00 GMT

3 new live dates announced!

Hi thereWe recently confirmed 3 new live dates. We'll be playing...The Troubadour, 263-267 Old Brompton Rd London, SW5 9JA on 7th & 24th JulyThe Tabernacle, Powis Square, London W11 2AY on 2nd JuneFor...
Posted by on Fri, 22 May 2009 06:28:00 GMT

Rock n Reel Review

Check out this 4 star review in this month's Rock n Reel Magazine ...
Posted by on Thu, 21 May 2009 06:32:00 GMT

Venue change 21/05/09

The gig that was scheduled for Monto Water Rats on 21st May has changed venue. T.Mandrake now will be playing at 229 Great Portland Street on that date. Click here for 229 website. See you there! 
Posted by on Fri, 03 Apr 2009 08:22:00 GMT

Download our songs for free!

We've made 6 of our tracks available for free download. What matters most to us is people hearing & enjoying our music, so please feel free to download them & share them with your friends! 
Posted by on Thu, 02 Apr 2009 03:25:00 GMT

Cat Fight

During a break at a rehearsal like we do& Pete (Brown), Jay and myself sat on the floor amongst the rehearsal room clutter and talked about the song. This time the song was Cat Fight. Jay showed Pete ...
Posted by on Sat, 14 Mar 2009 12:21:00 GMT

New song up!!!

We've just uploaded a new track for your listening pleasure, Catfight. Let us know what you think of it!!!
Posted by on Sat, 14 Mar 2009 09:25:00 GMT

Photo Shoot on Hampstead Heath

After a disastrous journey from Windsor to Hampstead which involved one taxi, one train, three tubes and a lift from Monty from Hampstead tube to the Heath, I finally arrived at the shoot location fee...
Posted by on Tue, 10 Mar 2009 13:52:00 GMT

Tanya's blog about our gig at The Cuckoo Club

My first gig with T. Mandrake  and what a first gig! We arrived at the Cuckoo Club for the earliest sound-check I've ever been to, six hours before the start. The sound men were the pinnacle of profe...
Posted by on Mon, 02 Mar 2009 03:40:00 GMT

We're on Twitter!

T Mandrake now have an official band Twitter account. We'll be keeping you regularly updated on all the latest gigs, music & news. Click here to follow us on Twitter.
Posted by on Fri, 20 Feb 2009 05:36:00 GMT