James Jamerson - The King of Motown Bass

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  • Опубликовано: 4 фев 2020
  • This time we're covering the Motown great James Jamerson. His incredible and inventive playing left an imprint on bass playing for decades to come.
    I've moved from Patron to BMAC! If you enjoy my content, a small donation goes a long way to support me and these videos! Thanks for your support!
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    Intro/Outro Music - Find My Way by 21 Kings
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Комментарии • 746

  • @LegendsofBass
    @LegendsofBass  4 года назад +100

    What's your favorite Jamerson bassline? Too many to cover in one video!

    • @JJ_5289
      @JJ_5289 4 года назад +5

      Hey man I love your videos, always feel like I learn something new to add to my own playing. My favorite Jamerson bassline is probably "what's happening brother?" from Marving gaye's whats going on album. Its so funky and its challenging, but probably not as tough as 'I was made to love her" or "for once in my life". The whole album has amazing bass parts

    • @Stevieboy130664
      @Stevieboy130664 4 года назад +16

      "For Once in My Life" - they talk about walking bass lines, that's a dancing bass line! Every note and space is important.

    • @JJ_5289
      @JJ_5289 4 года назад +6

      @@Stevieboy130664 for once in my life is awsome. I've tried to learn it and gave up multiple times

    • @dylanlenn7836
      @dylanlenn7836 3 года назад +9

      Ain't No Mountain High Enough

    • @BR-ip5pz
      @BR-ip5pz 3 года назад +11

      It's a shame - Spinners

  • @balamont1150
    @balamont1150 3 года назад +416

    Leo Fender invented the electric bass, but James Jameson taught the world how to play it!

    • @garybingham8441
      @garybingham8441 3 года назад +10

      Actually, Paul Tutmark invented the electric bass.

    • @TheGroove99
      @TheGroove99 3 года назад +6

      Leo Fender didn't 'invent' the electric bass

    • @balamont1150
      @balamont1150 3 года назад +17

      Been playing bass 30 years and never played a Tutmark! So, I’ll stay ignorant, FENDER invented the electric bass that I play!

    • @TheGroove99
      @TheGroove99 3 года назад +16

      @@balamont1150 Yes, it would be a nice story but hey, don't get me wrong..Leo is the man no doubt..(I play a Fender Jazz) but to say he invented the electric bass is wrong as you have rightly pointed out Tutmarc is the dude.
      To say Leo invented it is kind of like saying Ford invented the motor car.
      Karl Benz invented the motor car (like Tutmarc) but Ford made it become as what we know today with hte Model T..(affordable mainly!! :-) )...like what Leo did with the 1st Precision Bass.
      If it wasn't for Leo, the electric bass would probably be confined to some museum.
      Just sayin'..... :-)

    • @bobzajac4185
      @bobzajac4185 3 года назад +3

      Yes indeed!!!

  • @Breakbeats92.5
    @Breakbeats92.5 3 года назад +263

    Marvin Gaye called James Jamerson the "secret weapon" of Motown. He went on to say that the Jamerson "busy bass" sound was a key ingredient to the success of Motown. If that don't make you one of the baddest cats walking the earth I don't know what does.

    • @brettsamuels3669
      @brettsamuels3669 2 года назад +6

      It is true . THE key ingredient .

    • @martinskalnins2448
      @martinskalnins2448 Год назад +6

      Absolutely true

    • @roberttaylor6694
      @roberttaylor6694 Год назад +1

      THE BADDEST!

    • @Breakbeats92.5
      @Breakbeats92.5 Год назад +3

      @@roberttaylor6694 Fun fact: Transistor radios were wildly popular in the 60's and the 70's. Label owner Berry Gordy made sure that Motown records were mixed to sound good on these radios.

    • @roberttaylor6694
      @roberttaylor6694 Год назад

      @@Breakbeats92.5 had a 2 transistor couldn't tell me nuttin!

  • @stuffallthetime
    @stuffallthetime 3 года назад +185

    Mr Jameson needs to have a biopic made about him.

    • @richieprimoretro
      @richieprimoretro 3 года назад +11

      @jackrkilby He did... Standing In The Shadows of Motown

    • @ZaneDalton
      @ZaneDalton 3 года назад +10

      @@richieprimoretro that was a documentary, not a biopic.

    • @monilaninetynine3811
      @monilaninetynine3811 3 года назад +9

      I think there should be another documentary about him, so we can learn more about HIM and not just watch somebody impersonate him.

    • @kennethlatham3133
      @kennethlatham3133 3 года назад +11

      @@monilaninetynine3811 I hate to be that guy, but if we do make another documentary about the man let's be sure and spell his name right: James Jamerson.

    • @geraldthomas8241
      @geraldthomas8241 Год назад

      @@richieprimoretro The book focused solely on Jamerson where the biopic focused on the Funk Brothers.

  • @franz909
    @franz909 3 года назад +184

    Lets not lose sight of the fact , James Jamerson should have got credit for every song and should have got royalties for every damn song he helped turn into..... masterpieces , Gordy .

    • @brandonmalone1893
      @brandonmalone1893 3 года назад +1

      No he shouldn't have. Not a penny.

    • @kennethlatham3133
      @kennethlatham3133 3 года назад +12

      @@brandonmalone1893 I guess you have a reason for that ridiculous statement swimming around in your head. If another little goldfish hasn't swallowed it, maybe you'd like to share it with us ear-having people.

    • @brandonmalone1893
      @brandonmalone1893 3 года назад +9

      I was joking

    • @63stratoman
      @63stratoman 3 года назад +8

      He was in an era of studio musicians who were paid per session and sent on their way. Hardly any were ever credited. This was the case for Motown as well as the LA “Wrecking Crew.” It’s just the way things were for everyone.

    • @bartonone2005
      @bartonone2005 3 года назад +12

      Although BG was a visionary and talented himself as a composer, the fact remains: Jamerson and the other Funk Brothers created millions of dollars worth of music yet were paid scale. I suspect the same thing went on with the Wrecking Crew, Chess Records, Muscle Shoals, Sun Studio and many others. The Funk Brothers incorporated jazz elements into the music. These were not ordinary pop songs. All this smacks of exploitation which is the music industry's dirty, not so little, "secret."

  • @RATCLIFFE-LISTENS
    @RATCLIFFE-LISTENS 3 года назад +47

    Jamerson found himself in the end (he felt) forgotten at a Huge Hollywood Reunion he was able to score a 2nd level Balcony Seat and attend by himself as he watched from afar the Stars of who'd forgotten him he wasn't invited to the Event. Musicians never forgot his genius. May he RIP . Bless him.
    Peace

    • @ericfrazier9612
      @ericfrazier9612 Год назад

      I seen the documentary....

    • @ikerina
      @ikerina Год назад +1

      ​@@ericfrazier9612 Can you tell me the title of that documentary? Thank you in advance.

  • @mikeash1978
    @mikeash1978 3 года назад +76

    Jamerson was #1, but don't forget Bob Babbitt who traded off with Jamerson and played on many Motown hits also.

    • @dedasalmeida9047
      @dedasalmeida9047 3 года назад +7

      Inner city by Marvin Gaye
      Is my best bass line of Babbitt

    • @mikeash1978
      @mikeash1978 3 года назад +6

      @@dedasalmeida9047 Before now, I had never "really listened" to that tune. You are correct for certain!

    • @brucelindsay652
      @brucelindsay652 Год назад +2

      Amen to that. I was fortunate to meet Bob years ago. (I’m 71). What a humble guy. RIP you inspired me greatly. Still think of him when I play my fender precision.

    • @donnimetropolis9899
      @donnimetropolis9899 Год назад +2

      Trye but Jamerson was built different, Totally different

  • @MrLee773
    @MrLee773 2 года назад +27

    James Jamerson is the father of Modern day bass players!! Before him the records had 3rd, root and 5th patterns on record. Jamerson brought in 8th, 16th and 32nd note patterns on record. Incredible bassist, genuis for what he did on bass.

  • @richardcleveley9375
    @richardcleveley9375 3 года назад +12

    I'm from middle England - UK that is - born 1955. I heard all of the Motown hits of the 60's - yes we did even over here!. I didn't realise at the time how incredibly important the bass were lines in these songs. As an at best average bass player myself, I'm pretty sure that back in the day, these songs subconsciously steered me towards the instrument. It's a crying shame that Jameson wasn't able to fully capitalise on his immense contribution to contemporary bass playing. A huge artistic influence with accolades from his peers, but probably not the financial rewards he should have received for himself and his family. Life is sometimes very unfair!

  • @davidbenasulin
    @davidbenasulin 2 года назад +42

    The bassline from "I was made to love her" by James Jamerson is simply amazing and you nailed it!! Congrats!

  • @robjgolde3221
    @robjgolde3221 4 года назад +159

    I heard somewhere that the “What’s Goin’ On” bassline was recorded in 1 take, but I can’t confirm that. Still, for as drunk as he was rumored to be, lying on his back playing with 1 finger, that is simply an untouchable bassline. Every bassist that came after him owes him a huge debt. He was truly was a game changer.

    • @toemanification
      @toemanification 4 года назад +9

      he was not drunk in the studio EVER, he WAS however high, he smoked weed, watch Tim Pierce's interview with Ray Parker Jr. and you will find out about Jamerson.

    • @silentyouber2816
      @silentyouber2816 4 года назад +6

      I don't know about that. Have you listened to the live version of what's going on? That dude was crazy; it seems like he was bored of playing the same thing. He is always creating new variations of what he is playing. Amazing!

    • @ericward8010
      @ericward8010 3 года назад +3

      I was inspired to play bass after What's Going On. And I actually met him about '75 at a session I was doing in Hollywood. James' sound was the reason he didn't do well after moving to LA. More available tracks isolated his sound, which was slightly out of tune, and the dead strings did not do well on 16 track machines.

    • @TheGroove99
      @TheGroove99 3 года назад +20

      As stated below, they were recording and someone said "we need Jamerson" so they went out and found him in bar, drunk, took him back to the studio. He lied on his back coz he was too drunk , put it down in 1 take....and the rest as they say, is history.
      Weed or no weed, he drank......a lot.
      Every morning he would buy a bottle of Metaxa Greek brandy (my favourite to!!!! :-) ) on the way to the studio.
      Yes, he should have been credited with so much more.
      The writers/label managers used to go down to the snake pit where the FunkBrothers were hangin', throw them a very basic chart..usually just lyrics and some chords...sometimes just lyrics!!!
      And say "we need it completed by tomorrow morning"...there would be silence and then everyone would look at Jamerson and say "what are we going to do?" then he would take it over and deliver...and boy did he deliver!!!
      Imagine if he did that nowadays......he and the rest of his entire, extended family would be millionaires just on the royalties alone.

    • @TheProvidersBand
      @TheProvidersBand 3 года назад +2

      @@toemanification actually you are wrong there was a funeral home next door to the studio. It was a place where Jamerson, Benny Benjamin and a other guys would go and drink in between sessions. Jamerson drank a lot when he was working amongst other substances....didn’t seem to affect his playing until he moved to LA then it started to become a problem

  • @eugenerowland1262
    @eugenerowland1262 Год назад +24

    My 2 favorite Jamerson bass lines are on "You're All I Need" and "I Was Made to Love Her". I was lucky enough that Motown's peak were my teen and high school years. Every 2 weeks they released a mega hit. God bless Berry Gordy and his unmatched productivity in the music industry. James Jamerson has achieved immortality !!! 😀👍

  • @hamandeggs11
    @hamandeggs11 3 года назад +33

    The Jackson 5 Darling dear is one of his best bass lines. That’s pure talent to come up with all those hit tones on the bass.. RIP James Jameson .

  • @MrHeretrix
    @MrHeretrix 3 года назад +18

    Just listen to that bass in "What's going on" and then to know that the dude played it on his back drunk.....
    With one finger.
    KING OF BASS.

  • @fuzzybutkus4699
    @fuzzybutkus4699 3 года назад +25

    The funk Bros were special. Mostly Jazz players from around Det. because they were the best players. White and black. We can do some incredible things together.

  • @scottspangler8824
    @scottspangler8824 9 месяцев назад +4

    I picked up the bass because I heard Jamerson play. 40 years later and I'm still playing motown tunes. Thanks for the inspiration James.

  • @unc1589
    @unc1589 Год назад +7

    The song that made bass players first take notice of Jamerson was Gladys Knight and the pips “Grapevine”.
    This was like a new kind of mathematics, and for a second nobody understood it.
    “This is the bass he can’t do that”.
    It was the first of many songs that the rest of the band were just ambient background noise and Jamerson provided the melody, the rhythmic pattern and everything on the low end of the song.
    Still today a breathing masterpiece.
    Jamerson fooled other bass players. They could stand in front of the speaker and still not understand what he just said.
    I call it the Jamerson mind trick!
    It’s a real freaky phenomenon.
    (Caught you a couple times on the first song lol).
    Don’t feel bad. He did it to everybody.
    You are a very good bass player with strong fundamentals!
    Timing / Note duration.
    That’s what the whole thing is about bass.
    Jamerson defined the true function of the low end.
    He was the last of the first group of bass kings (jazz era).
    He was way too funky for jazz but lucky for him, funk was heavy on the menu.
    Because he worked with jazz musicians he was up on all the current jazz bass innovations.
    Theory was a must you had to know you’re stuff! Definitely couldn’t wing it.
    A bad bass player would audition and in five seconds the guys would ignore you and go to lunch. Call you trash to your face. “Who let this guy in here?”
    Brutal!
    BTW James was severely brutal.
    That’s the environment he came up in.
    He played With one finger because he could it’s just that simple.
    He knew where all the notes were and the best way to get to them.
    He thought in whole passages and complete phrases.
    Breezed through complex arrangements like a knife through butter.
    Absolutely no degree of difficulty.
    He’d spend a whole entire record challenging himself.
    Like “made to love her”…
    He wants to play every pass differently then create a hard anchor over the “yeah yeah yeahs”.
    Jazz bassist mastered the stage.
    Jamerson mastered the ever popular world of records.
    Which Motown was all about.
    (Road bassist complained that they didn’t like how they sounded in concert because they couldn’t make Motown songs sound like James).
    Jamerson stopped touring very early. Too many groups and too many records to make.
    In short (Long) , it still hasn’t been fully understood what he gave to music.
    All bass players play Jamerson (old saying).
    From 1961 on he created the prototype that all bass players use in a bass performance.
    He wrote the code for bass.
    The absolute greatest bass player of all time.
    No bass player ever thought for a second that they were better than James.
    “Darling Dear” retired many an ax man.
    Had them taking up the violin 😂.
    “There! I bet Jamerson can’t do that😆!
    Something Jamerson is responsible for that people use today is the “lead in”
    The lick that cues the listener into knowing the big change is coming.
    I listened to pre Jamerson music to see if that occurred and although some songs from jazz/bebop/big band/ classical did something like it it wasn’t a “thing”.
    With James it was an everyday day tool.
    Useful in just about any song.
    He cared about how humans reacted to music.
    He was from another planet.
    As an imaginative country child he would put a stick in the ground with a rubber band tied to it, get real low to the ground, pull it, and watch the low end sine wave vibrate the ants.
    He called it “making the ants dance”.
    This guy was something else!
    Destined to be what he became.
    Besides maybe slapping and popping (he hated that! Sorry slappers. He’d go to lunch on Larry Graham. He was a purest . Just tone no effects please thank you!), just about every significant thing that could be done on a bass had been done by him.
    He became the master while the instrument was very young.

  • @musicoutsidethebox1
    @musicoutsidethebox1 Год назад +7

    My favorite James Jamerson bass groove is Gladys Knight & The Pips version of I Heard It Through the Grapevine. KILLER GROOVE!

    • @kayvancooten4657
      @kayvancooten4657 9 месяцев назад +1

      My fave too, killer groove indeed! ❤️🎶

  • @gordonhuskisson8809
    @gordonhuskisson8809 3 года назад +8

    What amazes me is that Mr. Jamerson was doing this stuff 55 YEARS AGO. Now here we are, after seeing popular music evolve through blues, country, rock and roll and jazz, to progressive rock, orchestral rock, every alloy of metal, soul, funk, with bassists who can play 30 notes a second, slapping and popping, with multi-scale basses, fretless basses, 35" scale basses, 6-string basses, etc., and still the feel of this guy's playing commands respect and IS STILL BEING ANALYSED because it actually means something. The parts can be analysed technically, and apparently he was an excellent sight-reader, but it seems he would take a written bass part and, presumably having grasped the essence of a song, adjust it to be better! Tragedy is that he's not here to tell us more about it... what a talent!

  • @GMack224
    @GMack224 3 года назад +15

    Excellent tribute to James Jameson and the Motown Funk Brothers Sound Machine. Players like Jamerson, and Motown musicians added their own artistic embellishments to the songs that features the vocalists and their performances. That is why one can listen to a Motown song ( A or B side) and discover nuances of musicality that leaves one mesmerized even to this day , even 55 years later. Now you know why we in the soul music community say “Motown Forever!”

  • @ikerina
    @ikerina Год назад +6

    I know nothing about music and instruments but lately been listening to Motown stuff and go 'wow, they got great bassline here and there'. Good to know one of the main talents behind Motown. Reading the comments here, I wish he got more praise and respect during his lifetime. I will always remember his name from now on. Rest in peace, Legendary Genius 🙏🏾

  • @silentyouber2816
    @silentyouber2816 3 года назад +30

    Darling dear? For once in My Life? What's Going On? It's A Shame? Just king of Motown? He is the KING OF BASS!

    • @jayeroom5943
      @jayeroom5943 2 года назад +1

      DARLING DEAR🔥🔥🔥🔥

    • @zorro1955
      @zorro1955 Год назад

      It’s a shame was played by Stevie wonder, not jamerson

    • @zorro1955
      @zorro1955 Год назад

      It’s a shame, the bass was played by Stevie wonder, not jamerson

    • @kennet7837
      @kennet7837 Год назад +1

      ​@@zorro1955 Unlikely. Stevie co-wrote the song, but that bass tone is unmistakingly Jamerson. Whenever Stevie would play bass, it would be on a keyboard, but the bassline is played on a bass guitar.

  • @youran11
    @youran11 3 года назад +81

    Man..That Jackson 5 "Darling Dear" Baseline he played is unreal as he plays his fill ins. Man Today he would have gotten his credits as producer arranger...He deserved So much more...He was writing some of this music to no credits..
    Again.."Darling Dear" by J5 is so Awesome!!! Guy was a genius...

    • @balamont1150
      @balamont1150 3 года назад +6

      Bruh, that’s THE Bassline as far as I’m concerned! Leo Fender May have invented the electric bass, but James Jameson taught the world how to play it.

    • @lendavidhart9710
      @lendavidhart9710 3 года назад +4

      Randy, he is getting credit now, thanks to you tube

    • @youran11
      @youran11 3 года назад +1

      @dhouse yep, these days that's a likely true travesty for sure..Watering down a power player.

    • @dedasalmeida9047
      @dedasalmeida9047 3 года назад

      @@balamont1150 Leo Fender didn't invent the electric bass guitar

  • @Cyberfender1
    @Cyberfender1 Год назад +8

    I have always loved Jamerson's basslines. It made any song he played on way better. One of my favs. I would love to incorporate more of his playing sound and style into my playing.

  • @bcinnamonclark8301
    @bcinnamonclark8301 3 года назад +13

    I Like so many other Bass Players are Extremely Grateful and pay Homage to the Late Great Legend James Jamerson for his Genius Bass Playing. A major Sign of His Genius was his Choice to not accept a Scholarship to Wayne State University and instead hone his craft with the True Masters and Geniuses of the Detroit Jazz seen. Who taught him far more than he could have ever learned in a classroom taught by instructors whom had lessor talent than himself and the other working musicians in the Detroit area.

  • @davidmiller9485
    @davidmiller9485 Год назад +4

    this is an old video but... Think about this. The Fender Bass was made in 1951. That means Jamerson, in many ways was both discovering and mastering a new instrument never seen before. Everyone who plays bass is following in his footsteps. (for what it's worth he played his electric bass like a standing bass, with one finger. That is just wild)

  • @patrickgarrett9866
    @patrickgarrett9866 3 года назад +22

    Your tone on I was made to love her is outstanding! I was a fan of Jamerson long before I had a clue who he was. His playing absolutely made Mowtown.

  • @michaelbill123
    @michaelbill123 3 года назад +19

    Man...you nailed it! Great job! Jamerson was definitely a genius on the bass guitar. Never be another one like him.

  • @carlbowles1808
    @carlbowles1808 3 года назад +5

    I grew up during the motown era and love the music even more. James jamerson was the essential ingredient in the motown sound. Jamerson's bass like a railroad junction brought it all together. Thanks for the awesome video. 🎥

  • @donnimetropolis9899
    @donnimetropolis9899 Год назад +5

    King of Bass. Not just Motown where of course he was King there as well

  • @randallsnell5767
    @randallsnell5767 2 года назад +8

    Like Carol Kaye, and some would say more so, every bass player owes this guy. Thanks for the details.

  • @thelonious-dx9vi
    @thelonious-dx9vi 3 года назад +25

    He's the king, period. It's the ideas and the tone. Sure, there are a lot of notes sometimes, but that's not the point. The ideas that he plays are like Charlie Parker, or McCartney. He's on my very short list of the greatest players ever, on any instrument. Long live the king.

    • @brownin329
      @brownin329 3 года назад +1

      Paul McCartney: great songwriter, bassist? meh

    • @richieprimoretro
      @richieprimoretro 3 года назад +6

      @@brownin329 That simple little 'meh' about McCartneys' prowess as a bassist takes away any credibility you might have had. Go listen to his records again... and pay attention this time.

    • @smithjedediah
      @smithjedediah 2 года назад +1

      @@richieprimoretro My thoughts exactly

  • @stephenord3403
    @stephenord3403 3 года назад +8

    No negative. Thank goodness for Motown. Love from England 🇬🇧

  • @gabgarcia5446
    @gabgarcia5446 2 года назад +7

    Some guitar company should made a bass and name it The Jamerson. This magnificent talent must be risen from the era ashes and honored for all to see

  • @jonathanhathaway7796
    @jonathanhathaway7796 Год назад +2

    I listened to Bernadette and I Was Made To Love Her back to back for over an hour in 1991 while driving on a dicey mountain road with no guardrail, screaming along. Killer, killer stuff.

  • @67NewEngland
    @67NewEngland 3 года назад +9

    Jamerson influenced just about every bass player. And so fun to play.

  • @makinmuzic456
    @makinmuzic456 Год назад +3

    OMG, that last song, serious business. What a musician. Long live James Jamerson..🎉

  • @nancylewis9723
    @nancylewis9723 2 года назад +9

    Wow, this was an awesome video, thank you! By the time you got to Stevie, I had chills up my spine, my bass face was in full force and I couldn't even open my eyes I was so in tune with that bass. And I don't even play bass. I just LOVE it! Thank you!!

  • @pmh1nic
    @pmh1nic Год назад +3

    I grew up on Motown and this baselines are iconic. Thank you sharing the history.

  • @MeongMiao
    @MeongMiao 3 года назад +12

    My fav bassist, pure bass style in rhythmic and melodies with epic tone. #1 Darling dear

  • @richnisbet1
    @richnisbet1 Год назад +4

    You did great on those! In the 70s my band Masquerade, from Ann Arbor, did a Motown medley that people LOVED! I Wish It Would Rain, Can’t Help Myself, Reflections, I Was Made To Love Her, Heatwave, and Tears of a Clown. I was SO glad you covered I Was Made To Love Her. I too was mainly a rock player and really worked hard to execute as close as possible to what Jameson laid down in those great songs. Thanks for that amazing tribute.

  • @shalamigri
    @shalamigri Год назад +3

    I love playing along to James' basslines. One of my favorites is Save The Children.

  • @TheBeatBrothersBand
    @TheBeatBrothersBand 3 года назад +7

    Absolutely amazing, there really is no one quite like James Jamerson. the ultimate combination of feel and technique. Great video about the bass master!

  • @christiangasior4244
    @christiangasior4244 Год назад +4

    The 60’s were really incredible when it came to awesome pop melodies and vocal harmonies.

  • @swannmannbaggywaggy
    @swannmannbaggywaggy 3 года назад +3

    These videos are brilliant - you are an outstanding player. Thank you so much!

  • @byronjones9299
    @byronjones9299 Год назад +2

    Thank You so very much for bringing this Musical Ledgend , back into The Forefront . He will always be " The Bass - Lord of Motown . "

  • @troynewly
    @troynewly Год назад +2

    Awesome - wonderful tribute with your superb examples. Thanks. Always good to learn more about James Jamerson.

  • @sylart57
    @sylart57 3 года назад +10

    Great post!! My first time here!! (SUBSCRIBED!!) Those bass lines were absolutely stellar!!! He was also a pianist as well as an upright bassist!! He incorporated that wealth of knowledge into his Fender Precision bass, and blew the world away!!

  • @charlespersi1013
    @charlespersi1013 3 года назад +3

    Thank You so much. I loved the segments on McCartney. This piece on James Jameson was awesome. Again thank you for sharing your talents and knowledge.

  • @alphamale40
    @alphamale40 3 года назад +12

    Well done and great choice of musician player to hi-light. James Jamerson did (in fact) reinvent the style and playability of the instrument. You picked a genius to showcase and played it well. I believe he would be proud of your replication of his incredible bass lines. My first time on your channel. Keep up the good work and showcase efforts. Much appreciated.

  • @AFloodofSolaceJohnWhigham
    @AFloodofSolaceJohnWhigham 3 года назад

    Great video!! Awesome job. I appreciate the time, effort and energy you put into this. Thank you!!! This stuff is timeless

  • @patriceprof5739
    @patriceprof5739 Год назад +2

    Excellent ! Thanks a lot for this rich documentation about a true bass legend that influence music .

  • @punchbowl1000
    @punchbowl1000 3 года назад +2

    As a bass player myself the tamla bass playing style has always knocked me out and often beat my head trying to emulate that funky style ,my favourite is uptight it took me a while to get on it,but when you do its pure magic how the band sounds !

  • @captureyourphoto
    @captureyourphoto 3 года назад +1

    What a great piece of work you did on this video, your playing really did justice to Jamerson creative style of playing, excellent mix. Also, the way you were able to transcribe the chosen notes and articulation gave me a good insight to really listen to him over and over again on so many of the songs he contributed to....just an over all great video....thank you for bring and sharing so many things that James meant to the bass, is achievement and overall foundation for the bass players throughout the entire world.

  • @Crunkboy415
    @Crunkboy415 3 года назад +4

    The foam block that he stuck near the bridge pickup to mute the strings also contributed to his unique sound.

  • @InnerBouquet
    @InnerBouquet 3 года назад

    Amazing! Love those phenomenal bass melodies and rhythms. Thanks 'cause Jamerson was the epitome of giftedness, creativity and humility!

  • @j.g.melian
    @j.g.melian 4 года назад +5

    Hey John, great video!! I really want to thank you for the effort you put into each one of these...

    • @LegendsofBass
      @LegendsofBass  4 года назад +2

      It's always worth while when I find people dig the video. Thanks for watching!

  • @michaelgottlieb9083
    @michaelgottlieb9083 Год назад

    Just found this today and it's great. Some of my favorite JJ basslines. Brings back so many good memories. Gonna have fun learning them. You nailed'em. Thanks!

  • @chazrocket
    @chazrocket 2 года назад +3

    Man I started this video thinking “alright I hope this guy doesn’t do a lot of talking and gets straight to the bass lines” but I actually really enjoyed the background info you gave! Especially the what’s going on story. Thanks man!

  • @kayvancooten4657
    @kayvancooten4657 9 месяцев назад +3

    Heard it through the grapevine, Gladys Knight version is my favourite bassline by J.J. ❤️🎶

  • @pollcat99
    @pollcat99 2 года назад +5

    I enjoyed this. I just love James Jamerson basslines. My favorite are What’s Going On and Ain't No Mountain High Enough the Diane Ross version.

  • @HotRod12667
    @HotRod12667 2 года назад +6

    I Was Made to Love Her is the best bass line ever.

  • @clikyou
    @clikyou 3 года назад +2

    Thanks a lot. I do appreciate your presentation and your playing. Very good job.

  • @sidneysantos6881
    @sidneysantos6881 Год назад +1

    Awesome job my friend, thanks to introduction the bass player masters to everyone’s music lovers, and you have your particular feeling to play this songs. You are a great bass player. God Bless you and continue your journey. I am musician too and I love what I do. Thank you.

  • @jimle22
    @jimle22 3 года назад +3

    I just burned a bad blister on the middle finger of my plucking hand so now would be a good time to practice Jamerson's single finger plucking technique.

  • @AceHoffman
    @AceHoffman 11 месяцев назад

    This is a wonderful video about a wonderful bass player! I don't have the sophistication to know what everything is, but I can get the gist and your selections to show us are awesome. Thank you!

  • @dmbar1953
    @dmbar1953 3 года назад

    Thank you so much for that episode. You did an awesome job covering this bass genius. You are very talented yourself! Thanks again.

  • @illletmyselfout.8516
    @illletmyselfout.8516 3 года назад +2

    I just love bass and jamerson is one of my motown heroes. Thanks for taking the time to share

  • @bazmole
    @bazmole 4 года назад +16

    The Stevie bassline made me smile, it's beautiful. Well played. No idea how he used just one finger, i get fatigued.

  • @KiatHuang
    @KiatHuang Год назад +3

    Well done on that last one! I first learned the sax line (King Curtis covered this track, so brilliantly), but the bass line, as I realised when trying to play it, is an absolute masterpiece. A very nice vibe to the whole video: humble, yet talented.

  • @michaelbill123
    @michaelbill123 8 месяцев назад +1

    You know… some would tend to claim James over-played on bass, but he was so creative and he somehow never stepped on any of the other musicians parts. What he played complimented everyone’s parts. Amazing musician!!!

  • @JazzMessenger1218
    @JazzMessenger1218 3 года назад +4

    Jamerson also recorded several LP's on the Vee-Jay label with John Lee Hooker, ie Burnin' also included Joe Hunter (piano) and Benny Benjamin (drums)

  • @edsterling5258
    @edsterling5258 3 года назад +2

    You did such a good job with this. Bravo. JJ is a national treasure.

  • @agape4tube
    @agape4tube 3 года назад

    Very interesting information from my favorite muscians, from back in my day, the 60s and early 70s. Thanks.

  • @losangelesnefastvs
    @losangelesnefastvs 3 года назад +4

    Jamerson used the Ampeg for live sets, but in studio he recorded direct into the Acme DI that was custom built for the Hitsville studio, tone and volume cranked on his P-Bass, flatwounds, sponge muting at the bridge, and only using his index finger nicknamed "the Hook".

    • @joebush8407
      @joebush8407 3 года назад

      The man, the myth, the legend. Long live James Jameson and the Funk Brothers.

  • @alexbarbelmania100
    @alexbarbelmania100 Год назад +1

    This was my introduction to this channel and I have to confess I was impatient to get to the demos. When they did arrive I really enjoyed your playing but something more happened, I realised that the intro was vital and time well spent. A big thank you. You have won another subscriber.

  • @lindsay.newman
    @lindsay.newman 2 года назад +2

    thanks for your explanations and demonstrations, really enjoyed them

  • @vaughnmiller5319
    @vaughnmiller5319 3 года назад +1

    Thanks for the post Brotherman Legend of Base. Appreciate the love, respect and press your given to JJ. James Jamerson a was a virtuoso. The most musical bass player to ever do it. No debate.

  • @davekat4680
    @davekat4680 3 года назад

    I was just a kid but I could not forget those lines 💪 Appreciate your time on amazing unappreciated talent James Jefferson 👍 was and subbed

  • @eddiedelacruz9321
    @eddiedelacruz9321 3 года назад

    Dude great freaking job I came in the hopes of seeing someone cover i was made to love her and you totally knocked it out!

  • @blue-eyedsoul4239
    @blue-eyedsoul4239 4 года назад

    Thank you so much! Feeling so much joy remembering Jamerson. Just awesome!

  • @lilylittle5199
    @lilylittle5199 4 года назад +2

    Woohoo new video! And it's Jamerson! Can't wait to watch when I'm somewhere with speakers........!

  • @johnwade7430
    @johnwade7430 3 года назад

    Great video - thanks for this. THe last track is my absolute favourite line by Jameson.

  • @garymcaleer6112
    @garymcaleer6112 3 года назад

    Great post, LB. Being raised sailing on the Chesapeake, WYRE out of Annapolis, all of the great Motown tunes ingrained in my soul.

  • @suprchickn7745
    @suprchickn7745 3 года назад +2

    You are a very fine bass player and your sense of feel and timing is dead-on. You have a new subscriber for sure! Excellent work!

  • @ChrisB802
    @ChrisB802 3 года назад +6

    I was 13 in 1966, white and suburban, I and everyone i knew was into Motown and a lot of other black music. Atlantic and Stax just two more. Even just on AM radio it was those base lines that made the songs. Hearing them here picked out properly is fantastic and brings back so many memories.

  • @paulrodberg
    @paulrodberg Год назад

    Very well done. Thank you for your teaching.

  • @falconismbot9370
    @falconismbot9370 4 года назад +3

    Very informative and cool video. Jamerson was really the man. Glad to see you're back at it man! Excited for the new 21 Kings Album.

    • @LegendsofBass
      @LegendsofBass  4 года назад

      Thanks Zack! Glad you enjoyed the vid. Should be dropping another single in a few weeks

  • @zadoksstudio8353
    @zadoksstudio8353 3 года назад

    Great job on the video and the covers. I truly enjoined it as well as the history.

  • @acousticsong-guitarco964
    @acousticsong-guitarco964 Год назад

    Thank you for this overview, very informative. Love this post! 👍🏼

  • @yosquidd242
    @yosquidd242 2 года назад +1

    The bass line with that conga, always amazing Motown funk brothers, wow!

  • @JazzyKex78
    @JazzyKex78 2 года назад +1

    Really enjoyed this as ‘I was made to love her’ by stevie wonder is one of my fave songs ever!
    Thankyou ❤️

  • @makeit-takeit6707
    @makeit-takeit6707 Год назад +1

    That Jamerson intro bass line for My Girl, illustrates why we all love the bass. Because it's the sound of a heartbeat. Listen to it. It's a beating heart. And it's the first sound we hear inside the womb. Our mother's heartbeat.👍

    • @TheGiantMidget
      @TheGiantMidget 10 месяцев назад

      You really think you have profound thoughts don't you 😂 stop talking a load of rubbish

  • @williammcconnell800
    @williammcconnell800 Год назад +1

    I grew up with the days of James Jamerson. In my opinion James was one of the creative, profession, musical arranger, funkiest add living bass player ever. he is in the same musical position with Jimi Hendrixs. Directly on that musical level. Now him & Jimi is playing & jamming together in Heaven.

  • @badhabits25
    @badhabits25 Год назад

    Great video, you did a nice job. Thanks for sharing this

  • @bethlehemeisenhour8352
    @bethlehemeisenhour8352 3 года назад

    Born in 56, I grew up listening to a lot of songs with James Jamerson playing. My parents always had the radio on, or we watched music programs like Ed Sullavan and others. Do play a few of his songs, And he is SO easy to listen to. Thanks for the video.

  • @teeKeri
    @teeKeri 4 года назад

    Thank You Sir, for returning with another good video !
    This is my feel good bass channel, and i truly appreciate all your effort on presenting these songs and playing them so well .
    I hope that more people will find this channel . ♥

  • @antoniodalfonso
    @antoniodalfonso Год назад +1

    truly enjoyed this video! thank you

  • @Eddie_Sto
    @Eddie_Sto Год назад +1

    I'm from edisto island. The place where he was born. I just found out because he was in the local paper recently. Finally got his flowers. Since I rap and music makers are rare here, I said I would, possibly, sample his sound and pay homage to probably a family member. The history is chaotic sometimes. My plan was to shoot the video at the location he came from. 🌴🌴

  • @lloyddarbon5034
    @lloyddarbon5034 3 года назад +1

    Awesome vid. I wish I could put a like for each line you learnt. I learned the 'aint no mountain' bass line some years ago for a band I was in, and fell in love with JJ. He is still the funkiest bass player in history.