How to play like James Jamerson | Motown, Marvin Gaye, Funk Brothers | Thomann

[@daviddesmond2143]

As a 69 year old guy in the USA who has been playing bass guitar for 56 years, I have to compliment this young lady for doing a great job playing and narrating this video. Great job Julia.

[@rcjr.7725]

She is a true cat respectable honest very intelligent and she knows her music two thumbs up to this lady I would love to just Jam one song with her why can't all musicians just be like this smooth as silk and just let the music do the talking she is a breath of fresh air

[@tomohara640]

Julia, such a pleasure to listen to you. Have you ever played/ disected Tower of Power's bassist, Rocko Prestia's lines. He's my favorite.

[@AlanHope2013]

@@rcjr.7725 She lets the music do the talking, but she's also really good at doing the talking. Her accent is so cute, Chames Chamerson.

[@jeffreymartini2248]

@@tomohara640 That would be a great video! He and Jamerson are my heroes.

[@andyhawkins642]

Have you come across Norman Watt Roy? He played with Ian Dury, among others.

[@tylerthompson1842]

“I Was Made To Love Her” his use of chromaticism is absolutely brilliant in that song. His playing is so busy but every note is perfectly placed. He was the heart and soul of Motown Records.

[@stevorockswoopwoop]

I just wanted to like this comment twice!

[@mrkdemeritt]

Amen. You know what one of the best things about living in North Carolina is, it's close to South Carolina and Charleston where James was born 👍👍🎶🎶 I make it a habit to tell people or more like cashiers many don't have a clue when I'm talking about LOL

[@santosmadrigal3702]

Whoever played bass on " wish " by Steve Wander was on fire ... At the end , the bassist starts doing outrageous stuff ... My favorite part of any recording is at the fade . The player has no inhibitions a by the end of a song .

[@MisterRlGHT]

@@mrkdemeritt No doubt, but don't forget to brag on all the cats from North Carolina, like John Coltrane, George Clinton, Thelonious Monk, Earl Scruggs, Max Roach, Link Wray, Charlie Daniels, James Taylor, Doc Watson, and Maceo Parker, just to name a few. And the many ladies too, like Roberta Flack, Etta Baker, Tori Amos, and on and on.

[@stevehurl298]

An important reason these bass lines are so good is that they sit in arrangements that leave room for bass fills and the types of lines he liked to construct. Setting up an excellent groove requires alert, sympathetic ears among all players. So, hats off to all of the funk brothers.

[@silentyouber2816]

Yes, you can have the space and still not be able to play the way He did. There is a reason why the motown legends gave him the space to freely create cause they knew He WAS A LEGEND AT IT. They knew He was SPECIAL.

[@TheTrollMastah]

“Darling Dear” is my favorite Jameson line. That and “I Second That Emotion” or “My Heart Is Like A Clock” all super super good

[@RicePlaysBass]

He didn’t play on that track. It’s Wilton Felder who was nominally a saxophone player.

[@observer74]

Darling Dear may be one of the greatest bass performances ever captured on tape.

[@Greyareas27]

Yes I agree, but for clarity, I am talking about the Jackson Five version rather than the original version by Smokey and the Miracles. Is that the one you're referring to?

[@henryfraticelli7738]

My favorite is. Darling Dear. By the Jackson 5.

[@timvanboening9432]

My favorite is “What’s Going On,” as many others have said. That whole song evokes so much power and beauty and pain.

[@philippebleau4809]

I was made to love her - Stevie Wonder - a classic

[@1998XBOX]

”What’s happening brother” have the coolest bass sequence in my opinion.

[@michaelx9079]

Apparently jamerson played the whole what's going on session laying on his back blind drunk!

[@1998XBOX]

@@michaelx9079 Now that is pretty epic

[@lyndamcardle4123]

Very much under-rated track Erik ...!

[@kamogeloboale1051]

My 2nd favourite, after "Save The Children"

[@dard4642]

I've spent the last few weeks finally learning this song on bass (it's always been my favorite from the album). It is never taking me this long to figure out how to play a song. I would set aside an hour or so a day to work on it and there are a few bars (like literally one bar at a time) that took me over two hours to figure out and perfect. I can play it straight through now, note for note. It's a super short song to listen to but, when you're playing it, it's even shorter.

[@chriscuthbertson]

My favorite Jamerson bass line is 'Reflections'. The way it interweaves with the vocal line is amazing.

[@ianisaacs2340]

Ain’t no mountain high enough is my favorite, I also absolutely love “Darling Dear” by the Jackson 5. Jamerson goes crazy!!!

[@adriennepender673]

Yes! Darling Dear is an absolutely underrated J-5 classic!

[@SuperLuckyCat7]

Julia! You're amongst the best. And your smile when you're 'in the Zone' is just so lovely. And inspiring - Way to go👍🏆

[@D.Antony]

Not only are you an excellent bassist but your knowledge of, and passion for, Funk and Soul music is second to none (I'd love to hear the story behind that some day). Keep up the good work.

[@michaelsnydermusic]

Wow, that sponge trick is awesome!

[@dontall71]

A lot more consistent than muting with your right hand but you're not able to let a note ring out if you want to. I put a narrow piece of plastic packing foam under the strings next to the nut

[@T3L3cast3r]

@@dontall71 Next to the nut? That's interesting, I am curious how you do that. Doesn't that interfere with your open notes?

[@jimmyjam5358]

So smooth as always... “Bernadette”

[@BrentonStirm]

My favorite Jamerson bass line is always "What's Going On". Very melodic with great flow. Also, he recorded it in one take while being drunk and laying on his back on the floor with the chart being held in front of him.

[@paulg9038]

Bernadette I remember being knocked out by the bass line when I first heard it. And I still think that Jamerson's bass 'melody' is more memorable than the vocal melody.

[@emmanuelacharithayamim3627]

To find out more about James Jamerson, get a hold of “Standing in the shadows of Motown”, a book and CD about the “Funk Brothers”

[@MisterRlGHT]

Only music instruction book ever to be made into a stage production and then a major motion picture with follow-up tour.

[@silentyouber2816]

A lot of Jamerson's fan doesn’t seem to know this song. He is simply THE GOAT. kzbin.info/www/bejne/faCuoqumg9SondU

[@MrEliaspalacios6]

I just noticed that on my tablet. Looks very interesting

[@jeffnthebay]

Wow, thank you for keeping the memory of James alive. So great to see the respect and appreciate your video so much.

[@genecawley]

My personal favorite is "Reflections" by The Supremes. Great job explaining James Jamerson's technique and tone. Extremely well done.

[@woodytheman2497]

Ultimate JJamerson song is For once in my life. Playing the melody and with all the fill-ins. Take another listen.

[@robertjung4001]

Favorite bass line by James Jameson? “What’s Going On?”

[@babloescobango5143]

Couldn't agree more

[@A1Pro77]

Stevie Wonder’s “I was made to love her”.

[@enricococco]

Gladys Knight - Ain't no sun since you've been gone

[@JoAn-mq4gi]

Darling dear

[@bustabass9025]

There are so many great James Jamerson Motown Bass lines, it's impossible for me to select just one. Jamerson's PBass surging through his Ampeg B15, pumped the lifeblood of the Funk Brothers throughout the body that is, the Motown sound. The electric bass was a relatively new invention (circa 1952) when Motown hit its musical stride in the early 60s. He utilized it as more of a bass guitar than an electrified double bass. This meant that he played many more melodic riffs than one or two note harmonic chord outlines. That style of electric bass is what we have since heard from every record company, from the east to the west coast; and all over the world. The bass was never destined just to be an accompanying voice in the background of an ensemble. Thanks to Jamerson, his style, and the many who were directly or indirectly influenced by him, it is arguably the most important voice in recorded music.🎸

[@martinheath5947]

Fun fact: Jamerson's basses had the original pickup cover which he rested his pinkie and ring finger on for stability and he always plucked in the same position just forward of the cover using a floating thumb technique to assist with muting the lower strings. A P bass originally came with a piece of foam attached to the underside of the bridge cover pressing on the strings from above. Nice playing :) Bass line from Love Is Here And Now You're Gone is a thing of beauty worth learning.

[@marquee6]

I put the bridge cover on all my P Basses with foam attached. Sounds great!

[@fernandolobato7771]

All the songs with Steve Wonder! Incredible grooves!!

[@sylart57]

My favorite James Jamerson bass lines are, "For Once In My Life," and "I Was Made To Love Her," by Stevie Wonder!!! And, "Darling Dear," by The Jackson Five!!! He absolutely killed it!!!!!!

[@ThomannsGuitarsBasses]

Hey, I love "Darling Dear", great song! // Cheers, Julia

[@Tony-tt5mn]

I was made to love her was actually carol kaye on bass, killer line though. Quincy jones produced that one and brought a different crew. Similar muted tone, but played with a flat pick!

[@smashogre4766]

Had not heard Darling Dear before. Not sure how I missed that one, but wow, what a gem!

[@kennet7837]

@@Tony-tt5mn Nope! That fat tone is unmistakable. Definitely Jamerson!

[@Tony-tt5mn]

@Luigi kzbin.info/www/bejne/r5_Yoad3ebpjgKc

[@samboliah3691]

I can't help myself. I think James really liked The Four Tops, he always seemed to play something special for them. "What's going on" is also a huge favorite, the legend behind the recording of it, is also very entertaining.

[@sebastianq4334]

that legend is about the song "whats happening brother"! which is why is the most unhinged line on bass history..., the line on "whats going on" was written by David Van De Pitte, arranger on that record and fellow bassist of James when he played at the Detroit Orchestra, James only played what was on the chart if David wrote it because he had so much respect for him. much love!

[@davidrader5765]

As soon as I start the bass line, people start to dance, young and old alike. We play it and go right into Same Old Song another great bass line. They all are! James Jamerson and Duck Dunn are the reason I wanted to play bass guitar starting in high school.

[@Harlembrown]

For me, his song that blew my mind were "What's Going On". Listening to Jamerson bass lines is listening to a person who has very much mastered their craft. It's a genuine joy. May his memory be eternal.

[@soul_libre]

"Bernadette!" Thats one of my all time fav bass lines.

[@donh5794]

Here here, Bernadette

[@GabrielRodriguez-wo8rd]

That is so so true!

[@ralphmays2696]

Hi, love your show, I was a sideman bass player on the road with some of Motown stars back in the day. Thanks, Julia for playing some of James's songs! They sound as good as they did back in the day on West Grand Blvd in Detroit!

[@zacharygilbride486]

I've always loved the bass line from Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On".

[@rcjr.7725]

I love this lady and I love James Jamerson the Motown scene influenced me More Than Words will say thank you

[@davidrader5765]

Everyone has mentioned my favorites, I love "Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing, " so melodic, his lines are like counterpoint melodies made up on the fly. Like Hendrix and Jaco, there was music before and then after James Jamerson. Like them, he changed everything and showed just what could be done on their instrument.

[@Joetime90]

I'll be honest, I've picked up the bass playing with a pick, went to traditional two fingers, but as I get older I do everything thing I can with just my lil' hook. It's fun! If its necessary. Just be versatile. But none of us can touch this guy, lets be honest, but he gave us a wealth of technique and sound. If you like it or not, Jameson has his hook in you.

[@simonprs]

For me the bass in 'What's happenin brother' is just just pure genius Great video, well done 🙌🏽

[@clapyourhands1956]

👏👏👏👏

[@germandiaz2684]

There so many of his, but, it's hard to argue with you bro. 👌🏼

[@johnhubert3875]

JJ's best line for me is 'What's Going On' which legend has it, was recorded while he was drunk and lying flat on his back.

[@halcop]

My favorites are Darling Dear and What's Happenin' Brother.

[@antoniovalachi7616]

Just found this video...............loved every minute of it!! I have several favorite James Jamerson Basslines - Four Tops - I Can't Help Myself, Tempations - Get Ready, Martha & The Vandellas - Heat Wave. He was an amazing man!! I grew up listening to Motown loving every tune. What an era that was!!

[@bartpike441]

The whole what's going on album from beginning to end is what changed my life when I was about 16

[@bolder2009]

Me too, at 16.

[@homeworldmusic]

Yeah, shining moment of hope, optimism, realism and open-eyes, and then the Empire struck back

[@agent_chartreuse]

James Jamerson as well as Bob Babbitt (Motown bass lines in general) inspired me to pickup the bass. My favorite line by James Jamerson is the Miracles' "I Second That Emotion"

[@emmanuelacharithayamim3627]

James Jamerson is my all time favourite bass player. His playing moved my soul and my feet more than any other bass player, even more than the likes of Jaco, Palladino, Wooten, Mingus, Miller etc., great as they are. Most of the modern, technically gifted, soloist slappers, leave me cold and bored after a few minutes. JJ seemed to understand the role of the bass more than most, it is the soul of any great band.

[@desmorga6757]

I think some of the gospel bassists working now are continuing his legacy while incorporating that modern flair, Sharay Reed is deep as heaven.

[@JamesSpeiser]

odd you group Mingus is that description

[@serdarkaraca9172]

Stating your opinion is all good up to about line 4. But when you start grouping musicians in this way, you sound dumb. For example, in that list you mentioned, there is the least soloist, most accompanist, an icon of understanding the role of a bass hero Pino. Jaco practically invented everything we know about the electric bass. Random mingus throw in their (let’s not forget the double bass). I don’t think you listened to any of them. It seems you just threw out all the names of bassists you know. Here is a few you forgot: Sting, Stanley Clarke, Jone Paul Jones, Larry Graham, Nathan East, Paul Chambers, John Patitucci, Hadrien Feraud, Flea, Thundercat. Let me know if you need more names.

[@emmanuelacharithayamim3627]

@@serdarkaraca9172. Thank you for your “opinion”, which is pretty much dumb all the way through. The few names I mentioned, wasn’t an exhaustive listing, and was never intended to be. You could add Bernard Edwards, Chris Squire, Jean Jacques Burnel, Bill Black, Pete (mars) Cowling, “Duck” Dunn, Carol Kaye, Bob Babbitt, Mark King, Tal Winkenfeld, Joe Dart, Glenn Cornick etc. etc. Not forgetting the numerous youtubers out there in cyber space. Let me know if you need more names. Have a nice day, and be blessed.

[@emmanuelacharithayamim3627]

@@JamesSpeiser.Odd that you should make that comment. Have a nice day.

[@lonesomelou4188]

My admiration is the beginning of "Reflections" by the Supremes. I love the interplay between the bass and guitar. Soooo cool.

[@benmaguire4098]

Hey Julia .. I am so glad for you that you have the regular gig at Thomann .. your infectious smile & cheerful attitude puts a smile on my face & you are a Gr8 Player too .. I like the No nonsense approach .. I wonder if you have heard of the Film " Standing in the Shadows " ? It is about the Funk Bros' & there are lots of gr8 music plus interesting stories .. .. Basically they were a bunch of Jazz musicians who all knew each other well & could turn anything into a groove .. it was as easy as falling down stairs for them many sessions .. They were basically in a little cellar / basement working for daily rates & glad to get the call .. Today is 21. 12 20 winter solstice here in Forest of Dean England so happy holidays if you read this & stay safe stay strong Bye .

[@LiveArtPresents]

"My Girl" first JJ bass line I learnt and stays with me ever since. Simple and effective, and makes the song work.

[@salliemusic5016]

Great demo. Another highlight of his 'hook' tone was that you can hear his fingertip right at the top of the attack. If you try to mimic the sponge just by rolling off the tone, you'll lose that fingertip tap. Compressors also help to mimic the sponge. Recordings were tone and volume on full into a DI.

[@johnsworldofvideopoker]

James Jamerson is it! His bass lines are exquisite: You Keep Me Hanging On, Bernadette, What’s Going On, Shotgun, Reach Out, I’ll Be There, How Sweet It Is, I Was Made To Love Her, For Once In My Life, I Heard It Through The Grape Vine (2 versions), Love Child, Heat Wave, Ain’t Nothing Like The Real Thing, Which Of Us Is The Fool, Stop In The Name Of Love, & on & on & on. Forever James Jamerson, You’ll never be forgotten! You’re an awesome bass player, Miss Julia Hofer. Thank you, for being YOU!🙌🏻🙌🏻🍎

[@krga94c]

The Jackson 5 - I Wanna Be Where You Are : James goes through like 4 shifted grooves in this song. The bass really carries this song. One my favorite Jackson tunes. Not heard by most.

[@mucklechumps]

Such a great song. It's actually from Michaels 1972 solo album "Got To Be There".

[@PirahnaheadDetroit]

What I think gets a little deeper than that, is the Jackson 5ive’s rendition of “never had a dream come true” from the ABC album

[@krga94c]

@@PirahnaheadDetroit I'll check it out.

[@ralphheseltine8674]

"Darling Dear" is not only my favourite Jamerson bassline , but my favourite of all time. Absolute masterpiece, best song i have ever learnt to play.

[@rsmith7853]

Hey Julia, just wanted to say thanks for the education I'm getting from your videos! The enthusiasm you bring for the music is contagious. 😊

[@quicksite]

"It's a Shame" (The Spinners) -- the way the bass enters for one... complete awesomeness number two

[@stuartmoore6310]

Julia, u reading this...?

[@hannesskarstedt8547]

Best bass line of all times: "What's going on" by Marvin Gay

[@nufsed12]

Hi Julia. I play guitar, pretty much exclusively for many years...a bit of drums and have been listening to you for a while. You've given me a much better appreciation for the bass. Thank you.

[@nikikovacs1923]

According to his biography, when asked why he never changed the strings on his Precision Bass, James Jamerson answered this: "The dirt keeps the funk."

[@serdarkaraca9172]

Of course that was a joke. The real reason being that he uses flatwounds. You don't need to change flatwounds as they don't damage.

[@GamerDude779]

True, but actually it was "the gunk keeps the funk"

[@mhlevy]

Carol Kaye had a similar reply... She says when the strings needed to be changed, she's just trade her p-bass in for a new one...

[@weschilton]

@@mhlevy Haha

[@ianisaacs2340]

@@GamerDude779 if you really want to be a stickler, I believe it was “the *JUNK keep the funk”, according to James Jamerson Jr.

[@waynerogers2007]

The funk Brothers were the Best. some of the greatest of session players. In the industry. They're gone now but their legacy lives on.

[@clausm2203]

Great playing and those squires sound great my favorite James Jamerson bass line is heard it through the grapevine

[@selwynandrews9665]

"What's Happening Brother" from What's Going On is my favourite James Jamerson bass line, followed closely by "For Once In My Life". Your enthusiasm is infectious, keep up the good work!

[@emmanuelacharithayamim3627]

Thank you Julia! Jamerson also plays on the Diana Ross version of “Ain’t no mountain...” “Darling dear” is also fantastic. Also worth mentioning that Mr Jamerson used “La Bella” deep talking heavy flats, which he never changed. There is a book and cd available “Standing in the shadows of Motown” which is very informative, not just on JJ, but the funk brothers too

[@Joel-dj1ix]

Duck Dunn used La Bella heavy flats as well. I got 'em on my P-bass and they deliver the goods.

[@bobsnyder7765]

I'm a non musician, so thanks for really helping me picture the physicality of music.

[@Omonk6]

Currently learning 'What's Going On'. Super fun song to play on my Squier CV 70's P Bass. Just need to get a sponge.

[@lanetahunter1767]

Favorite James Jameson bass line "Standing In The Shadow of Love".

[@kosmicwizard]

TI Flats, foam and an Ampeg B-15 = Heaven

[@virgilioherrera]

'FOR ONCE IN MY LIFE,I CAN'T HELP MYSELF,WHAT'S GOING ON...to name a few, but you do it better than me.bravo Julia!I enjoy learning from you.

[@albertallicock8218]

This is awesome my favorite "Ain't That Peculiar"

[@homeworldmusic]

I don't remember ever before learning that James used one finger. Wow, as a pick-style casual bassist that stumbles over fingerstyle, this is a huge motivation!

[@chazharris8143]

My fave: "For Once in My Life"- Stevie Wonder

[@TheFunkman]

I’ve been a bassist since 1964. I love your channel because you seem to love the old soul music like I do. My favorite bass line is the original Grape vine by Gladys knight. Keep it up Julia. Btw you have a great smile. That always helps on stage.

[@K0thill]

Absolutely Funkman.....It's brilliant.

[@expatg2]

Loved watching you play the bass line for "Ain't That Peculiar". I'm actually enamored with "What's Going On" and "That's The Way Love Is".

[@igmaribanez]

speaking of bass line following the singer i think that "darling dear" with the jacksons is a very good example of james's genuis :) ty julia !

[@rcjr.7725]

I can't pick a favorite James Jamerson line I'm sorry I love them all way too much and you do a great job God bless

[@joechilds9448]

Just picked the bass back up haven't played in 19 years. My life is now complete thanks!! New sub for sure

[@richieprimoretro]

There's just way too many for me to choose a favorite - many have been mentioned here. One of his lesser known but superb bass lines is from 'It's A Shame' by the Spinners. Pure sweetness!

[@stuartmoore6310]

Yeah! That's the one i keep going back to!! That song has an amazing vocal track and killer bass groove. Stevie Wonder co-wrote and produced it! Good pick!!!

[@baydog]

@@stuartmoore6310 Fun Fact: G. C. Cameron sang both leads, the emotional pleading falsetto tenor contrasting with the baritone which near the end of the song becomes an emotional raspy gospel like shouty baritone. I thought the leads were done by 2 different singers until recently.

[@josephzummo9685]

Signed sealed and delivered I think is Jamerson. Used to play that one in my cover band. So much fun to lock in with the drums.

[@pcread]

Darling Dear, This Old Heart of Mine, but above all How Long Has That Evening Train Been Gone. Pure genius.

[@boyonbass]

All the songs he played on are Sooper-KILLER! I love that there,are many faves bt us all! All his playing is great on all!

[@KenTeel]

Oh man, not only does she play great bass, she'll steal your heart. Good job !!

[@salz.7167]

Julia, you play very well, and better than most demonstration videos on You Tube. He played notes where he felt like, so each line may differ from the previous, however, they were identical and consistent each time he played that particular song. Bernadette and Reach Out I’ll Be There are classic Jamerson baselines.

[@danajohnson1128]

Two of my favorite James Jameson bass lines are My Girl and What's Going On. Both are classics,,

[@hubertlynch9931]

Darling dear by the Jackson 5, great bassline by James Jameson! And I was made to love her by Stevie Wonder.

[@garymcaleer6112]

Julia's happy spirit is contagious.

[@dirkjanklijn9949]

What I don't get is how or why anyone would dislike this video, great info, great demo.

[@johnfelser1164]

Excellent job! Caused me to pull out my trusty P-Bass with the flats and throw a piece of foam back under the strings!!! I could listen to anythimg Jameson plays. Always been a hook player and appreciate your positive spin on it. Thanks 😊

[@johnfelser1164]

Finally stumbled upon my favorite! Classic Jamerson; not too much or too little; just right!!! (Spinners; It's a Shame) kzbin.info/www/bejne/a6OWh2OherKooJo

[@Squares1960]

Keeps me hanging on ' Disna Ross and the Supremes

[@tedpertzborn1480]

"What's Goin' On" is Jamerson's absolutely perfect masterwork of bass composition. And he played it drunk out of his mind, laying on his back, because he was too wasted to sit in a chair, on the floor of Studio A, from a chart, in one take. James Jamerson was THE best bass player of all time.

[@stephenpwilson1930]

excellent video. I watch you playing with Marcus Miller yesterday. funky lady, I love it.

[@selwynandrews9665]

"What's Happening Brother?" from What's Going On? is my favourite, but I also really love "For Once In My Life". Thanks for a great video!

[@qdaveq6597]

That is a great sounding Squier.

[@miquelangelbujosaferrer2733]

I actually bought it like, less than a year ago and I couldn't be happier... I totally recommend it, if you look for an affordable p bass with good sound!

[@junedbassman1549]

@@miquelangelbujosaferrer2733 classic vibe?

[@fredbrockman319]

@@junedbassman1549 I don't have one, but I'm almost certain it is. If I'm not mistaken, it's the new 2019 model of CV, which is here on their website. shop.fender.com/en-GB/squier-electric-basses/precision-bass/classic-vibe-60s-precision-bass/0374510500.html

[@T3L3cast3r]

I actually think it is a great sounding bass player.....

[@qdaveq6597]

@@T3L3cast3r You are entirely correct.

[@figgybass]

I remember as a youngster singing along with the Jamerson basslines as much or more than the melodies of those songs.

[@mdp303]

My favourite... It’s a Shame by the Spinners

[@mv9787]

mdp303 I heard that song few days ago for the first time on radio. Immediately liked it. Didn’t know it’s Jamerson on bass

[@stuartmoore6310]

Nothing definitive here, wikipedia attributes The Funk Bros on It's A Shame. The liner notes from the cd The Very Best of The Spinners has Stevie Wonder playing piano bass and drums on that track, as well as producer and co-author as he was promoting his own prodigious talents as he was growing and about to sign a new contract. He loved the Spinners and wrote that song specifically for them. Whoever plays it it's a killer bass line.

[@SDesWriter]

His up tempo version of Heard it Through the Grapevine is my all-time favorite bass line from anyone, but he has so many great songs that you could have 20 different favorites.

[@rickkline2887]

I’d have to say “What’s Going On” by Marvin Gaye, especially after hearing the story about how Jamerson recorded it.

[@jeremymckinney2269]

Yeah.....he did that song drunk, laying on his back on the floor with his bass.....and in one take.....freaking unreal.....

[@Roomer645]

By far ‘I was made to love her’ ... so much going on and the bass really makes the song. Mind you that the bass plays the catchy Riff that constantly returns but also supports the groove. You simply don’t see that very often with bass. This song alone is worth a deepdive on this channel.

[@trevorfarrell8776]

Yes Sergio, you are absolutely correct. I have read that he and the drummer always started of the track when they were presented with a new song. The rest of the music was then built around his bass line. Can you imagine the bravery and confidence that takes. You put yourself and your ideas out there in front of the top rhythm section waiting to be shot down. Apparently it never happened.

[@pgm3013]

Bernadette, Reach Out I’ll Be There, For Once In My Life, Love Child, Reflections, Can’t Get Next To You, Ain’t No Mountain High Enough, I Was Made To Love Her, What’s Happening Brother, Flyin’ High In The Friendly Sky, and like 50 others probably

[@PeteCarlton]

Definitely Bernadette!

[@TURNERWORKS]

Without a doubt, Marvin Gaye’s PRIDE AND JOY. He starts with his usual hook then just before the last chorus he does the walk... ‘nuff said!

[@TranquiloTrev]

His bassline on "Rock the boat" by The Hughs Corporation makes the song very danceable.

[@homeworldmusic]

Seriously? That's him too? The man got around...

[@lilmelvin11]

A great Bass player, with eccentricities in his style. When I was younger and he was alive, he was always referred by McCartney and others stating their influences as "Jamie Jamerson" which fit his humorous playful style. He was the Boss of the Bass! Combination of Chops and Cool. Thank you!

[@ppilasiewiczz]

Great lesson💙🎶🙌🏽 My favorite bass line of Mr Jamerson is „Darling Dear”. Best for You, Julia. Respect for Your playing and teaching skills. It’s fantastic🔥🌸

[@ThomannsGuitarsBasses]

Thanks a lot Patryk! // Cheers, Julia

[@hasake8873]

My favorite Jamerson bass lines are "Still Waters" by the Tops and "Smiling Faces Sometimes" by the Temptations, as well as "Save the Children," by Marvin Gaye. I could go on an on--wow! I loved that man's playing.

[@anthonycucchiara4118]

Love your videos! I always learn something. I think you are a killer player with a very humble attitude. Keep on putting these great vids out.

[@carlbowles1808]

I was just a young boy during that Era, whats going on is my favorite Jameson bass line. He didn't copyright his content and died broken hearted and broke after Berry Gordy moved to LA . Despite the abuse james Jameson's legacy lives on. Thank you for video and your excellent bass playing.

[@foxbat2549]

"Rock The Boat", - by the Hughes Corporation (1974). One of the few times he ventured out of Motown with a big hit. "Boogie Fever" and the "Theme From S.W.A.T" were other Jamerson hits outside of Motown. The master of ghost notes, a fancier La Bella of flatwound strings and the fattest sound pound-for-pound in the history of R & B music . . .

[@CarlosAraujo-mt8hj]

Foxbat25 I love your description of the different playing style of this monster of a bass player Mr. James Jamerson. Thank you.

[@foxbat2549]

@@CarlosAraujo-mt8hj - Mahalo Maximo, Carlos! I can tell that you're a Jamerson disciple as well, sir . . .

[@carlosaraujo2944]

@@foxbat2549 Yes I am very much. I believe that he was the right bass player for the music he played. If you hear his lines, when played the verse was different than in the intros. Sometime he would set s pattern throughout the songs only with minor changes. That to me is a true accompanist.He treated the melodies along with the arrangements rythmically melodious and palatable. I can mention a few of his lines like Steve Wonde's "For Once In My Life" Diana Ross "Love is Here " Marvin Gaye's What's Going On" and others that If continue it would be abusive on my part due to the limits of this platform. I do however, like to mention a few of his admirers like: Paul Mccartney John Entswstle, Jaco Pastorius and others as good as the ones I mentioned. I congratulate you on your amazing capability in playing that instrument. You are just incredible. Thank you.

[@carlosaraujo2944]

@@foxbat2549 Also one bas line that stand out is the Four Top's "Bernadette" Absolutely brilliant.

[@BrianFMusic]

Love the sound of those Squier Classic Vibe 60's P-Bass. One want so bad! Send me one to Spain!!! Lol

Great stuff, Julia.

[@CalvinMoore-sq9pn]

I really enjoyed this video about the great James Jameson. My favorite song by him is Inner city blues, Marvin Gaye.