James Jamerson: The Story Behind Motown's Iconic Sound
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- Опубліковано 14 тра 2024
- Welcome to the incredible story of James Jamerson.
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In this video, we dive deep into the life and story of the legendary bassist, James Jamerson. So, whether you're a fan of Motown or just love great bass playing, this video is a must-watch!
Jamerson's unique style and virtuosity have made him one of the most influential bassists in the history of music.
His melodic and intricate bass lines were a defining feature of the Motown sound and can be heard on countless hits by artists like The Temptations, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, and The Jackson 5.
In this video, we not only explore Jamerson's life and music but also delve into his playing style and techniques.
The electric bass was a relatively new instrument during James Jamerson's time, so in this video, we'll also explore 5 specific techniques that he adapted from his experience playing the jazz double bass and successfully applied to his electric bass playing.
So whether you're a seasoned bass player or just starting, there is something to learn from Jamerson's approach to the instrument.
Despite his immense talent, Jamerson faced numerous challenges throughout his career.
He struggled with alcoholism and financial difficulties, and his contributions to many Motown recordings were often uncredited.
But despite these obstacles, he continued to play and record, and his influence on modern bass playing cannot be overstated.
Timestamps:
0:00 - Prologue: Who was James Jamerson?
0:55 - Chapter 1: Early Years
2:38 - Chapter 2: The Funk Brothers
4:25 - Chapter 3: Jamerson's Sound
10:40 - Chapter 4: The Downfall
Have an awesome day,
Jaz
P.S. Want to study with me? Apply for The Bass Mastermind ► www.thebassmastermind.com/apply
____
#basslessons #bassguitarlessons #jamesjamerson
Even way before I became a musician, when I heard motown songs I'd find myself humming the bass parts instead of the actual lyrical melody. As I got older and got into bass I revisited all the Tamla and Motown catalog and I was reborn again in all the musical sense of the word. His genious inspired me to be not only a better player but also a better musician. Amongst all of his incredible basslines (which are too many to list), "Save the Children" still leaves me in awe to this day... just incredible. Its such a beautiful bassline that at times it has made me cry.
My favourite Jameson bass line is "What's Going on". The story about being drubk and lying on his back is so iconic. Love from Nigeria
Yes i heard that story. They said after that song set , they had to bring in another player to finish the album. He deserves much more credit for what they gave him
As a huge Motown fan back in the 60s and 70s, I really enjoyed this video. There is a great documentary about the Funk Brothers called “Standing in the Shadows of Motown”. It’s just very sad that these fantastic musicians did not receive their due and for most of them their accomplishments were not recognized until many had passed away. Thank you for this. 👏👏
When it comes to pop/rock/soul, there's no argument at all. He is the most influential bassist of all time. The man was a bonafide musical genius in every way.
There's Ray Parker Jr's account of being told as a kid to go sit in the car with Jamerson (to keep young rascal Parker out of mischief), and recalling the glove box always packed with a huge bag of weed and the car full of smoke with the windows rolled up! I do rather suspect that the slightly odd and eccentric Jamerson may well have been on the autistic spectrum and can certainly relate to some degree to alcohol plus weed induced contributing to the focus and tranquility to produce his best, most creative improvisations. He notoriously recorded his bass part to What's Going On in one magical take, flat on his back far too drunk and high to stand up. Sadly alcohol dependency cannot be maintained without taking its toll over time which is ultimately what led to his demise. A legend forever and always who's bass playing will continue to inspire always.
Personally I'm obsessed with the vibe of What's Going On and never get tired of playing around that simple but beautiful chord progression to my heart's content.
RIP James Jamerson
Very cool thanks for sharing this story! If I had to pick one it would also be What's Going On
Marvin Gaye said in his book, "Divided Soul" that Jamie Jamerson was Motown's "secret weapon." Adding that Jamerson's "busy bass" was the secret ingredient to a lot of the hit records Motown put out. Label owner Berry Gordy refused to credit musicians on the liner notes of albums. Marvin Gaye absolutely refused go along with this and insisted that Jamie be credited on the monumental "What's Goin' On."
Ah, super cool thanks for sharing this! My old teacher used to call it "bubbling bass lines" whenever he wanted me to play in a motown style haha
@@JazMoss Divided Soul by Herb Ritts is an absolute page turner if you haven't read it already.
Sorry but at 4.46 you show a picture of Uriel Jones on drums and say it's Benny Benjamin. Just to let you know. Where did you get your picture of Joe Hunter also?
Show this legend some respect. His name is James, not Jamie.
@@scottsoucy6186 🤣🤣 I never said Jamie haha
James Jamerson used one finger. He knew his tools
🙌
Use short words, use short *german* words.
James Jameson, on the other hand, used one finger
Get on your KNEES, and praise commercial air travel.
Say something good, and move on.
Go hope, go hope that comes back
1965 recording of *BERNADETTE* was so freaking perfect! Weird to think that "new" bass players back then were starting to think outside of the (just with the rhythm) bass lines and that James Jamerson was one of the firsts to start this..
What's Going On is so perfect harmonically & rhythmically - You can hear the whole tune just with his line. 👍😊
melodic playing at its best
I loved his contribution to an old Jackson 5 song "Darling Dear"
My favorite Bass lines with James Jamerson was clearly Diana Ross's version of 'Ain't No Mountain High Enough' Totally loved his bass grooves reflecting a tremendous compliment to Paul Riser's genius Orchestral arrangement of this 1969-1970 hit version. Having my full time career performing and directing music, I believe Jamerson's bass grooves are among 'the very top'. Thank you for posting this.
I love "Reflections"
Higher & Higher has to be the best intro bassline ever. Pure Genius
I didn’t realize that classic bass intro was Jameson until here on this video.
Darling Dear by the Jackson 5. It was so melodic and busy. But actually all of James Jamersons bass lines are masterpieces!!!!!
Couldn’t agree more!
Well done. The main reason I took up bass is Jamerson. He actually used a DI box in the studio made by Acme- it's been reissued at least once, but they're hard to find. Live, he used an Ampeg B-15. That thing's like the Holy Grail of amps. His strings (cables?) are heavy and hard to fret, making open strings a necessity. They will absolutely pull your neck out of shape. Thanks so much for giving credit where credit is due.
Ah nice thanks for adding that extra info very cool!
Distant lover is my favorite James Jamerson bassline
this is excellent thank you. He is truly the greatest.
Bob Marly once said My music will live for ever..MadLove&Respect for sharing Icon James Jamerson to the rest of the World as he deserve.
Another Barry Harris student. Barry taught Paul Chambers too. They were all in high school. Detroit was ridiculous. Berry Gordy was a year or two above Barry. Barry said he played boogie woogie piano and they jammed sometimes.
My Favorite Jamerson bass line is I was made to love her
That's a good one!
Awesome.. Great Doc.
Hey thanks!
James Jamerson was my most admired favorite bass player of all time and I play old-school medal for years. I say play because I still play and I’m in my 60s but that being said anything James played for the Temptations just blew me away.
Great vid, surprised to hear how it turned out for him but glad he got the recognition in the end.
I love these music history videos of the music l grew up listening to in my childhood. I find out more new facts every time l watch one of them.
Legendary bassist! My personal fav is his play on I was made to love her by Stevie Wonder. Then Bernadette.
Fantastic video
"It's A Shame" by The Spinners, or "If I Were Your Woman" by Gladys Knight And The Pips. The best I can tell you is the felt good. I didn't realize it at the time but dancing to Motown's music was dancing with Jamerson. He picked up the P Bass when I started the first grade 🤣
That was quite good. Thank you very much for that.
No worries Ken I glad you enoyed it!
Good summary of Standing in the Shadows of Motown!
great film!
I loved all his hits but Bernadette might be my fave.
James Jamerson & Funk Machine P Bass ❤❤❤❤❤
My favorite Jamerson bass line is at the beginning of the Marvelettes, "Strange I Know", To me, it's iconic
I totally enjoyed this. I grew up on Motown and Italian American artists, Count Basie, Earl Bostic
ah nice I'm looking at doing some more Motown & jazz stuff on this channel!
Papa was a rolling stone ....greatest instrumental ever the LONG VERSION
What an awesome song!
Was it James Jamerson on bass in this song or was it Bob Babbett?
I don't know much about bass, but when I hear it, that's my favorite instrument, my God James Jameson was the best. Love, Love ❤️❤️❤️ him.
@@stuartbrixton6260 jamerson!!
@@ericfrazier9612 thanks for that.Was never sure who it was on bass because it was at a time when motown was in a state of change.
I noticed this person called the Motown Recording Studio "Hotsville."
that is close but the actual name was "Hitsville."
In order-
First 5 songs on what’s going on album. (what’s happening brother my fave).
Darling dear J5.
Grapevine Gladys Knight.
No mountain Diana Ross.
Bernadette .
Stevie made to love her .
It’s a shame spinners .
Just too many !
He was the greatest bass player that ever walked the earth .
His interpretation of the melody was from another planet .
His style gave countless bass players employment in the 60s and 70s .
All you had to be able to do is a couple of Jamison style tricks and you got the job .
He changed the rules of music like Allen Iverson changed the rules of ball handling that still works to this day.
He’s the Jimi Hendrix of the Bass.
The Picasso.
The Mozart.
No bass player could ever say they were better than him. Not with a straight face.
He plays his own song within a song. He plays A different time than the rest of the band.
He can thump with repetitive grooves and play the most beautiful notes possible on a ballad.
He made musicians rethink their licks.
Gave them new options.
His bass vocabulary was unmatched and extremely conversational.
He played like people speak.
In entire phrases.
He was totally unpredictable.
Nobody could guess what he was gonna play next or how he was coming out of the measure.
That whole “last note becomes the first note” thing. Forget it.
He made that famous.
It takes years of studying to adequately understand what he was doing.
You just can't stop commenting about them, they were so talented, I agree with you on Marvin Gaye ( what's happening brother) LORD, LORD, LORD
Not Hotsville, but Hitsville, but thanks for the great, informative video on my favorite bass player. Well done. So many great basslines. What'd Goin On, Bernadette, Darlin Dear, etc. He really did some showing out on Bernadette, though. I think he was an absolute genius at writing, improvising, and of course, playing.
My favourite Jamerson bass is without doubt "Reach Out I'll Be There" , Four Tops.
Nice video Jaz!😊
thanks Simon!
Oh, by the way. One of my favorite Motown songs Jameson played on is “ Darling Dear “ by the J5. That bass piece is so much fun to play and listen to. Go check it out. Pure to listen to and it’s a masterpiece.
*Hitsville 😅
thanks!
Jamerson was also a huge influence on Jaco Pastorius and John Paul Jones, who got the nickname "The English James Brown' for his similar style of playing as a session musician before Led Zeppelin took off.
There are so many incredible basslines by Jamerson, but if i had to pick one it is For Once in My Life's one.
Jamerson had more skills with that one finger than most bassists that use 2 or more
I Dont know why I love you! Best Bassline ever
Awesome thanks for sharing I’ll check it out!
@@JazMoss Yes! J-5 version
First timer watching your video. Thanks. Best base line? I don’t think so. Since you asked, here’s my suggested general analysis from you of another great Motown song: “Where Peaceful Waters Flow” (My favorite Gladys Knight and the Pips song).
Ah absolute classic nice suggestion! Glad to have you here let me know of any topics you'd like me to cover in future videos.
Please Return Your Love 2 Me by the Temptations may be my favorite as its one of my favorite songs. As well as You're My Everything by the Temos!
I so, so, so, agree with you, these are my 2 favorites also, love ❤️ the bass, also my guy that's singing those songs, I just love the sound of those instruments, my GOD those guys were so very, very, very talented, I just LOVE ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ what GOD created.
I want you back jackson5!!!!
I have my first set of LaBella 0760M deep talkin flats 1954 strings that will soon go on my 1975 precision bass.
I tried them and struggle getting them to cut through live but for recording they sounded awesome
splendido!!!
Thanks Mauro
I want you bass world to know once and for all that when you hear the word 'bass line' this is the man it came from. It was Jamerson who transformed a 'riff' into a 'line', that is, perhaps due to his jazz roots made the bass interesting over a series of bars in a story like 'line' as different to what was played then. As a matter of fact this is still what is played now and wrongly called bass lines, a figure comprised of one or two bars played again and again IS NOT A BASS LINE. These a are riffs having only 'instant' vertical interest as opposed to horizontal one. As an example, listen to the wonderful baseline to 'For Once In My Life', not a single bar is repeated even though the chord progression repeats over and over again!
Love this! Very insightful :-)
@@JazMoss Thanks man, forgot to mention, loved your documentary very honest and accurate. By the way, the one finger 'hook' style was not a result of his luck of technical dexterity, it was intentional, it gave his notes a monotonic feel from the volume point of view giving the impression that each note was really meant and that each note was as important as the other, no ghost notes, no lead-ins, no fill-ins and any dynamic embellishments were strictly unnecessary, The notes in their virgin state were enough to tell the beautiful story. So that is one of the reasons he never used the emotionally divertive slap bass style, hated it like me and never used it. The other historical musical genius Mozart demanded from the keyboard players of his piano pieces that they play each note at an equal volume, no attempt should be made whatsoever at dynamic or tempi 'personal' expression as the notes themselves tell everything he wanted to say and needed no further interpretation. In Jameson's case he expressed this idiom by using one finger as you know two or more fingers start to invite extra tonal artefacts, deemed unnecessary in Jamerson's eyes!
Darling Dear by the Jackson 5 was his greatest performance - legend has it that JJ was hammered drunk and was dragged into the studio, he listened once to the song then played the bassline that was on the recording - whilst still drunk and lying flat on his back!
Listen to this stripped back version of Darling Dear to really hear the complexity in this improvised bassline.
ua-cam.com/video/iM1R35KyJSY/v-deo.html
Jamerson was a genius.
Happens to be one of my favorite J-5 songs.
Patrick, 1) the story of JJ cutting a tune while drunk and lying on his back - as recounted by Marvin Gaye - applies to the tune 'What's Going On' off the album of the same name, not 'Darling Dear'. 2) 'Darling Dear' is great and the tune he gets most accolades for, but as good as it is, he played on a lot of stuff that was equally so, if not better (in my opinion). Check out the 'Love Child' album by the Supremes, and the "For Once in My Life' album by Stevie Wonder.
Just my imagination is my favorite baseline of all time
Talent is talent .Either you have it or don't . This man left his mark in the music business , He was the King and Carol Kaye wash the Queen .
Many think that Jamerson's style was original, but in reality, his one-finger technique was inspired by another legendary bassist, Robert Robertson, who played without any fingers. He was so brilliantly gifted that he only needed to look at the right note. The bass, frightened by such genius, would then produce the note on its own, without any prompting other than the pure terror and respect that the musician inspired in it.
That's funny that
See if you can find the BOOK "Standing in the Shadows of Motown." I have a copy somewhere and would be glad to send it to you. Jamerson was the road bassist for Smoky Robinson who said there were producers who would not record until Jamerson got back to Detroit. Your passion and enthusiasm is terrific to see,, and there is a wealth of material in the book you will really love to check out.
Thanks, Jerold I'm already one step ahead of you... That book taught me how to play Motown bass! Thanks for the lovely comment and thanks for checking out the video have a great day. 🙂
Who's Loving you. This song in on the Jackson 5, flip side of I want you back.
Nicely done! Shame folks only appreciate him 50/60 years later.....No one gave a sh*t about him when he was struggling! We have to learn to give people their flowers while they can smell them!
Yes completely agree!
JAMES JAMESON 😎 😎 😎 😎 😎 COOLEST OLD-SCHOOL.
👍
Darling Dear - The Jackson Five
ah nice also one of my favourites!
I'm pretty sure that" For once in my life" clip was a midi file and not the real bass tone.
You may be right… where did you hear that?
It
It's a shame that Gordie didn't appreciate any of the musicians, low pay, no mention of who anybody was on any records. The Funk Brothers, including James, were not brought to anyone's attention until the incredible movie/ documentary "Standing in the Shadow of Motown." This movie revealed the truth about everything. If you're really interested, stream or buy this movie.
I have no evidence that james played on david ruffins solo albums but my ears think so. The bass in the song the letter has to be james . Mortal man as well i think.
"I was made to love her" is the one I prefer from Jamerson.
Mutiny is my favourite
I was about 16 when "I was made to love her" came out and it completely blew me and all of my friends, (base players and not) away. I gave up the drums and have played bass ever since. I have many favorite Jamerson bass lines so that's really a tough one.
"How long has that evening train been gone" ua-cam.com/video/OdHWO_DTRb0/v-deo.html
"Hey Jude". ua-cam.com/video/lXfcT9SD5fc/v-deo.html
"Aint nothing like the real thing". ua-cam.com/video/Jz_D-greh8Q/v-deo.html
His bass solo on "Mutiny" (BTW his only recorded bass solo). ua-cam.com/video/Jz_D-greh8Q/v-deo.html
"Love bug leave my heart alone" ua-cam.com/video/5q_NB6l2Dw0/v-deo.html
That whole mono thematic thing on Marvins album "Whats going on" ua-cam.com/video/g5wSYfHINfo/v-deo.html
I can think of many more. Some of his ost memorable work was on the many albums he recorded that were not hit songs.
💎
Please mix your audio better, this is not sounding really well on a reference studio kit.
Maybe use a low shelf to clean up the under 200 hz section...
Also your sound FX could use a little compression.
Peace!
Hello, my name is Anthony"Ant" McKnight, and James Jamerson and I were 1st Cousins the picture in your video of Benny Benjamin is not Benny at all that's Uriel Jones one of the other drummers at Motown. The picture of Joe Hunter is not Joe Hunter and James never played the Trombone at all.
Hi Anthony it's a pleasure to meet you (virtually). Thank you for correcting the mistakes in my video, I have just edited this video to make sure everything is factually correct. The revisions should show in the next 24-48 hours.
Best,
Jaz
Jaz Moss, James only had One Brother, the Aunt in which you spoke of was my Mother and she had Nine Boys and Two Girls, James and his brother (Richard Brown) lived with us until they moved to Detroit.
Hey JazMoss, it's Anthony McKnight again, listen Jamerson only had 1 brother (Richard Brown was his name) I'm the one with 8 older brothers and my Moms raised James & his brother Richard., And by the way Jamerson going into the South Carolina Entertainers & Musicians Hall of Fame this coming Thursday 4/25/2024
My Girl, bass lines , the all time best bad line in music !!!!! Period
3:00
No favorites. All his motown work is timeless. More hits than the beatles. That man deserved more credit and dividends than what they gave him . 🎉
Reach Out (I'll Be There)
The best by the best.
я люблю его музыку и вообще соул и госпел
I thought he parted with Motown in 1975. Learn something new everyday.
What's Going On, no question!
7:40 that’s not actually jamerson, that’s jack stratton playing it
Who's loving you by jackson 5
Nice 👍
Excellent presentation my good man, blessedly free of the bumbling, self-centered, egotistical dingbat wannbe influencers that are all too common. Very professional, to the point and accurate.
However being a player of both, electric bass is not a guitar.
Fender bass, being the first (and possibly only I haven't checked lately) instrument ever listed by the Chicago Federation of Musicians the local Union Chapter after the first mass producer of it, Leo Fender (who didn't invent it, that distinction goes to Paul Tutmarc) is acceptable. Sorry for being pedantic, but the instrument is not played at all like a guitar. But you knew that.
Cheers and keep up the good work!
Sean Harvey,
Long Beach California
Detroiters appreciated James more than Motown ever did!
I was made to love her
that is a great one! I transcribed the Chaka Khan version with Anthony Jackson on bass which you can find on my channel. You can hear Jamerson's influence in Anthony's playing...
THE MAN .......AFTER RAY BROWN .
Papa was a Rolling Stone nothing comes close
Just ask the Lonely
One finger and the truth
Carol Kaye schooled him.
Arguably? Why?
I must be an odd ball cause I think he was at his best with Gladys Knight.
Well you know, he only used one finger.
They still haven't found his stolen bass
wish he'd use a wind screen.
James Jamerson used one finger
His bassguitar was stolen the last day's of his life! very sad
Stop saying iconic!
😂
dude you're not on tv stop showing your face
Thanks for the comment I don't intentionally show my face on purpose it's just because it takes a long time to edit all the added B-roll so my face (the A-roll) fills the gaps. Let me know if that makes sense... 😄
@@JazMoss No offense at all I was just kidding. Seems to me that you have a good sense of humor. Keep up the good work.
@@bankovicalexandre7221 lol yeah thanks dude. I love making these videos but ofc my main thing is being a bass player/musician not a video editor haha thanks for checking out the video :-)
Your just a young lad from the UK in your twenties, you just know what you read and what you have heard about Jameson. He played a lot more songs that people loved maybe not necessarily number one hits but songs black people loved, a lot more than Paul so why did you try to put Paul above Jameerson? We lived that music not just imagined it decades later, even if I spelled some words wrong. You don’t qualify actually to go in depth and tell this story! I’m a bass player myself and was raised in the 60’s and 70’s learning, listening and loving this music on a daily basis as it was released on the radio, did you do that? Stick to the Beatles 🙄
Ok boomer.
All of his basslines
hahaha