Is this the GREATEST bass line of all time?

[@DeadWaxShow]

If you haven't seen Vulfpeck's visualizations of James Jamerson basslines, they're a thing to behold. Just type "Vulfpeck James Jamerson" into a youtube search field.

[@skineyemin4276]

Yeah..., I'll pass.

[@wobblybobengland]

@@skineyemin4276I suppose the kids need a link to the funk bros, that's all, the funk bros are timeless, that's why this shit will be going on and on and on, Bernadette! Mosotogam, RIP John Perrone

[@jessegibson7734]

One of Jameson’s best bass line performances was on Stop In The Name Of Love by the Supremes

[@Magumba_State]

Vulfpeck are gods among men

[@accuser_of_the_brethren7816]

Hey I thought that might have been you from pomplamoose. Glad to see you're still around man. Last I checked in on you and Nat you guys were just trying out putting all the tracks together in order for live shows which was monumental to say the least. "Experation Date" "Book of Love" and another original of yours are still on one of my playlists from back in the day man. The way you guys were able to mash up styles with covers while isolating certain riffs to work with others like that "Herbie Hancock/Watermelon" song that's mixed with I think it was Stevie wonder or something close. Either way, it's great to see you guys are still around and active. Take care and much love from an old school fan from way back in the 2010's. "Single Ladies" is still my jam the way Nat monotones with a melody 💙 you're a truly great musician and percussionist. Haha found it just in case anyone wants to give a quick listen kzbin.info/www/bejne/bYKvhIGte6d5r6s

[@donaldrandolph3250]

From reading several books on the history of Motown, yes it is true and well documented that Marvin Gaye encountered difficulties with several bass players getting the groove to "What's Going On" he sent out numerous people to locate James Jamerson who was intoxicated and hung over from a two day drinking binge, so much so he couldn't sit up straight, so he laid on a sofa and created the bassline in that position, the rest is history...

[@cavaleer]

WOW. Thanks for that confirmation.

[@martinmartinmoone3104]

Watch the film ' standing in the shadows of Motown ' Jamerson lay on his back on the floor of the snakepit and played a flawless bass, others have tried to replicate but couldn't, I reccomend the film it's beautiful and inspiring

[@NavarinoDC]

Awesome!

[@christophergregory1]

No it was actually the floor he laid out on. It’s in the documentary about Motown’s house band, The Funk Brothers, called “Standing In The Shadows Of Motown”.

[@carter84262]

@David Fragale yes it is. This is well known & confirmed by all the Funk Brothers.

[@eggy68]

It makes my heart smile to see young musicians appreciating Jamerson.

[@larrymccoy793]

PERHAPS THERE IS HOPE FOR REAL MUSICIANSHIP AFTER ALL!!

[@2010mattyg]

broke my heart that that lady hadn't even heard of him. terrible

[@portauthority888]

@@2010mattyg Its never too late.. :)

[@gaelmargrace]

I'm aspiring to be a musician and I really love motown I love the vibe and everything I hope I can be as big as those stars someday

[@lawrencebenjamin502]

Preach !

[@chunkyneptune]

"Standing In The Shadows of Motown" is such a good documentary!

[@conradford7493]

That was a whole bunch of Soul. I was so glad they showed the white artist. It showed Motown was all about talent. That's why they were so successful.

[@ericanderson7059]

The Wrecking Crew and Muscle Shoals were excellent as well .

[@sterlingfury]

Absofreakinlutely 😁💜😁

[@raynic1173]

Thanks for the recommendation , that was a great documentary.

[@crazyelf62]

And it is still free to watch on KZbin as of 9-23-21.

[@davidrogers4922]

James Jameson and all the Funk Brothers some of the greatest sessions players ever. Most of them are gone now but their legacy lives on. The Funk Brothers should never be forgotten.

[@jeanclaudebossonney7520]

I believe they never will be forgotten (as long as "handmade" music is performed)

[@terrinhamilton4856]

The Funk Brothers are an awesome talent hidden musician legend makers!

[@terrinhamilton4856]

It sounds like these guys are trying to analyze and figure out the Funk Brothers soul, and the skill that they were born into from the Creator. You can analyze their sound of soul all you want, and you still ain't got it, and you still can't hit it! Get it! Soul, rhythm and R&B are endowed from on high by The Most High, yet some people are so amazed with black people have the lions share of it.

[@jowsmith1904]

ahhh the funk bros, rnb's answer to the wrecking crew.amazing.

[@jeffreyramsey4538]

Agree ttly but the late louis Johnson of the famed Brothers Johnson's bass line on Stomp ranks right up there with the best for me , it was/ remains among the greatest bass lines in my humble opinion, i know there are those who will disagree but its how much i love this piece of mastery on stomp ,R.I.P LOUIS J you were an awesome talent

[@groofay]

Jamerson was a goddamn legend. Thank you for giving his playing more exposure like this, he deserves far better than what he got.

[@cd6243]

Amen I agree 💯

[@novacorps2468]

I agree. What makes it worst is that his name isn't mentioned on a lot of top bassist of all time list on KZbin or other list.

[@tonyallen6510]

To me his best bassline is shotgun 👍👍👍🎸

[@michaelhardwick8382]

Man you are 1000 percent right they always talks about all the other bass players but never talks about the ji I hendrix of the bass guitar which is Mr Jameson I love the sound he made on the 4 tops song bernedette

[@glenngalligan6604]

There is never a good enough reason to use Gods name as a curse word. Not judging you , just warning you. Ask him for forgiveness while you still can!!

[@robertlevy4591]

You know when the bass player has "Jam" in their name twice that it's gonna be fire

[@mrmusic248]

robertlevy4591 : Good observation.

[@JoseAv-tx4yl]

Jajajaj

[@MrLee773]

As a student of James Jamerson when I was young. I studied every bass line he did on all the Motown records he played on. James Jamerson was so busy with sessions that Motown hired another bassist (Bob Babbitt) to study Jamersons style and copy his style for other sessions Jamerson was too booked to play on. Jamerson in my honest opinion is the father of modern bass players. Prior to James Jamerson coming to Motown, most bass players where doing root and 3rd patterns on record. Jamerson changed it up when he started recording 8th, 16th and even 32nd note patterns ON record. “Standing in The Shadows of Motown” is a great documentary on not just James Jamerson, but all the musicians who where the “Funk Bros”.

[@aquamarine99911]

Babbit did the classic bass lines for "Inner City Blues", 'Signed, Sealed, Delivered" and "Scorpio". He didn't improvise as much as JJ did, which makes those songs actually easier for a mediocre bass player (like me) to cover.

[@timbishop9062]

Just curious, @MrLee773, what do you think of Jaco? He loved Jameson.

[@LeviBulger]

Jamerson is the greatest bass composer of all time IMO. Massive influence in Paul McCartney. I'm surprised nobody mentioned anything about My Girl and how James essentially formed that entire song with just that riff. Arguably one of the most famous Motown songs of all time. The story of that riff is hilarious.

[@AfferbeckBeats]

I love the intro to My Girl, when the guitar and snaps come in, it sounds like Jamerson changes his rhythm and accenting, but he actually plays it the same and it only sounds like it has changed due to being reframed by the other instruments.

[@tonytiger7079]

THAT WASN'T JAMERSON WHO DID THE RIFF. IT WAS ROBERT WHITE, ANOTHER FUNK BROTHER.

[@djbrady]

@@AfferbeckBeats I literally just listened to the intro, thought the same, then read your comment which describes exactly what I thought. 😊

[@71bbattle]

From a drummer…. HE’S A PURE LEGEND! “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough “ is my favorite. AND ITS ALL 4 STRING!!!!

[@AfferbeckBeats]

You should also check out the live 1970 Diana Ross version, that song is a masterclass on tension and release from Jamerson.

[@silasmarner7586]

I agree. Master Jamerson's work on 4 strings and THEN think about being pretentious enough to use an extra string.

[@michaelb.42112]

James Jamerson was called "The Hook" because he played with one finger, but I never thought of the double meaning... He wrote hooks !!! LEGEND.

[@msgflava]

Paying respect to the legend that is Jamerson. Bravo.

[@thelonious-dx9vi]

He's basically the Charlie Parker of the Fender bass, one of my all-timers on any instrument. Actual genius, not just throwing the word around. The list of H-bomb perfect moments is endless. Try the second track on this record, What's Happening Brother. At the moment where Marvin's vocal enters, he turns loose a phrase in sixteenths, like, stepping all over the vocal entrance. You're so not supposed to do that, and it is perfect. Or little things, like in Ain't No Mountain, top of the first chorus, at "Ain't no Mountain ...", he bottoms out open E on three! I could go on ... obviously 😉

[@midkingsteve]

James Jamerson is a legend and pioneer. So good. I just wish motown engineers mixed the music for more bottom end the way Stax did. Stax was always more raw. Also, my vote for best bass line is Wilton Felder on the Jackson 5's "I want you back".

[@jacksonsthumb]

Wilton was the iconic tenor player from 'The Crusaders'. I think they dragged him in to play bass on the way home from another session. They shoved a bass in his hands and he sight read the part and it's given every bass player grief ever since! Respect!

[@ampthebassplayer]

The tragic thing about Jamerson is that his career petered out because he didn't continue to change with the times. As the 80's rolled in, his style stayed rooted in the past and his inability to adapt (along with his substance addiction) cost him gigs.

[@skineyemin4276]

Well, during Motown's heyday, radio and radio sized speakers was Gordy's standard goal, sonically, air play. Now, when James Brown, Sly and the Family Stone and, other more modern funk based music.., that's when the bottom came through a little more, "maybe?).

[@transformationgeneration]

I Totally Agree - J5's bass line is absolute.

[@jfefan97]

"What's happenin' brother?" (the song following "what's going on?") Is the ultimate to me.

[@kingrayog]

Love this. Marvin Gaye was one of my favorite artists and so was that song. I played bass and could never play like that because I played by ear, not by music sheets. Makes me want to pick it back up as an elder.

[@LavendJames]

Jameson wasn't reading either he was playing by heart- so bro you're never too old to pick it back up- Listen to Donny Hathaway's version with Willie Weeks playing bass! Head and shoulders over Jameson' performs...

[@Pimpwindu]

@@LavendJamesold statement, both are incredible in their own way.

[@jimmyadams6635]

They never mentioned that James Jamison started out playing the piano..that’s why he was able to fill in all the empty pockets of a song as compared to other bass players not having as many notes to play….he played twice as many notes as most bass players. He was actually playing the piano on his bass guitar!

[@thekingsplacegospeldjc4847]

Wow..Amazing INSIGHT..🤔

[@3willyd]

The bass line to "What's Happening Brother" TOTALLY blew me away!!! The tune starts like the bridge of "What's Going On". The way he weaves through the tune is legendary.

[@glennbrown6020]

That's my favorite Jamerson bassline of them all.

[@ActionJotaPe]

What’s so great about that song and the album as a whole is the way they always return to that first bridge motif, like it also happens at the end of Mercy Mercy Me (this time with Bob Babbitt on bass)

[@jackmack7533]

You guys (and of course the wonderful Lauren) have bottled some magic with this channel and format. Love the acutely knowlegable breakdowns of the songs and their production and lyrics combined with some unpretentious opinion, the ocassional story and the humor (I'm lookin' at you Ryan - you're a f*cking funny guy). I love the cuts and inserts to explain terms and theory, it's all so enjoyable. Excellent work everyone and I recommend - just keep doin' what you're doin' - it's working.

[@DeadWaxShow]

Wow, thank you!

[@frankcarter6427]

agree

[@10lassie]

Jamerson was still playing Upright Bass on the song " Heatwave " by Martha and the Vandellas in 1963. Give it a listen.

[@allengje]

What about Jimmy Mack? Love that bass line.

[@dghinderliter]

I would love to get a Paul Simon breakdown, comparing his development across his Simon and Garfunkel work with Graceland and with current tunes over time. I could see a Paul McCartney episode doing the same type of comparison!

[@DeadWaxShow]

I love this idea, great suggestion!

[@BabbleBebble]

Honestly, I expected to find Paul McCartney already in this comparison and btw he popped up lately!

[@BabbleBebble]

@Brian Gee I know that, many bass players did the same.

[@BabbleBebble]

@Brian Gee But P Mc defined a new personal style to use it in music and this style influenced many musicians.

[@BabbleBebble]

@Brian Gee I'd love tobwatch this footage about american bass players

[@TheBlack-my5yf]

The "Standing in the Shadows of Motown" documentary is a must see for anyone who loves music.

[@lightaces]

Hell to the F'EN YES!!!!!

[@casey4602]

Unfortunately Berry Gordy pimped his studio musicians The Funk Brothers, he didn't allow them to moonlight with other recording gigs. And relocated from Detroit to LA w without them. Many of The Funk Brothers died in proverty.

[@natashawall8131]

@@casey4602 Berry has a lot of blood on his hands if we really want to peel back the layers...

[@claudiomarinocandianeto5684]

tbh, the Brothers Johnson also have some sick basslines, but Jamerson's line is one of the greatest for sure

[@JamesSmith-ym1fc]

Don't forget Verdeen White.

[@dariussuite1605]

The Baseline on" Good Times" by Chic is way better than the one they're exaggerating.

[@Hudson1910]

Brothers Johnson are out of this world!

[@FlansLand]

Yup...Queen stole that bass line for "Another One Bites the Dust" and gets credit for the GOAT bass line.@@dariussuite1605

[@galetinm]

​@@dariussuite1605Bernard Edwards is 2nd only to James Jamerson. You can't say that Good Times bass line is so much better. What's Going On has one of the most iconic bass lines ever. They're both great.

[@jimipalmer5041]

This is one of the most important songs ever. And yes, that bass grooves. I grew up on Motown, been listening to Marvin since I was a kid, I'm 65 now.💖💖💖

[@debiear]

Marvin and his 4 octave range. RIP.

[@Joey0367]

I would say Jamerson but with Stevie Wonder’s,” I Was Made To Love Her.” That’s the greatest baseline in my opinion.

[@Stevieboy130664]

So many special ones - I would find it hard to choose.

[@bigbodydarren1825]

sir duke or i wish

[@jamesk167]

No argument my brother

[@mizrelmizrel]

Great choice

[@RossLGould]

Even though it's a hard choice, I wholeheartedly agree. Jamerson was a grandmaster.

[@raggaeldestro8609]

It's sad that I've been listening to this legend's musicianship and never knew his name until now.

[@avidgolfer65]

You guys need to give recognition to The Funk Brothers from 1959-1972. They are the backbone of Motown music.

[@donaldedmunds9867]

James had quite a few famous bass lines.One of my favorite bass lines was Gladys Knights version of HEARD IT THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE.

[@natsix4857]

Marvin has marvellous ways of feeling things and a creative way of putting it all out. Surrounded by amazing players, crafters and creative minds also. 👌 👏 🙌

[@stickythings3973]

The "plonk" (racquetball) sound in "Mercy Mercy Me" is actually a muted medium-size cowbell struck with a soft mallet. Also, Jamerson actually muted his bass with a slice of sponge under the strings.

[@brianschoner3350]

Jamerson was a peerless pioneer, and "What's Going On" is a brilliant example. My personal #1 is Wilton Felder's bass line on the Jackson 5's "I Want You Back" (which I think was ALMOST referenced in this video), but this is great analysis of a world-class bass line.

[@barryblack5562]

One of my favorites. I played this note for note in a soul funk band for 10 yrs it was one of the only songs I didn't ad lib on. It's a magnificent example of support for the harmony, groove and a line that stands on its own. It's one of the best lines he navigates through the changes and never loses the groove. Although there are many changes it's as though it's a one chord groove the harmony never breaks his groove or direction. This guy connected the jazz and soul like no one before him he was a master composer on bass inmho. Love it. 👏👏👏👏Rip James jamerson.

[@markwilliams352]

Barry: I could not agree with you more strongly. Mr. Jamerson's musical genius was-and remains-TOWERING-and not just on the "What's Going On" single. What he does with the bass on the "Save the Children/God Is Love" cut on that same album ("What's Going On?") is astounding-sheer musical magic.

[@barryblack5562]

@@markwilliams352 willy weeks does a nice job onit too.

[@jeffrytrefry5425]

Barry, no one sees this but me. Jamerson is floating us up to heaven like Beethoven did in hi last sonatas. With this knowledge you will see how he creates the tension to do just that. Ron Carter and Tony Williams couldn't do that but Jamerson and Coltrane could!

[@jeffrytrefry5425]

Jamerson stands within the MOST select group of musicians

[@davorjovanovic88]

9:50 I experienced that moment with a note hold like, he was actually deeply moved by the lyrics when he heard it actually for the first time. He maybe listened to the demo to know the chord progressions in front, but when record that bass line in one take, I think he just went sad for a second or two in a moment, and remembered all the brothers that died, and by that quietness with note hold, he paid a tribute to those poor souls, and then he got to move on..

[@trustnugget280]

I still can't get over the fact that this is called musicias _react_ but unlike anywhere else it's filled with so much knowledge and such a nice atmosphere. Loved the episode! And I must admit, especially on What's Going On I've never paid close attention to the base. Double the fun focusing only on that :D

[@trustnugget280]

But I thought you wanted to make a video on several influencal bass tracks...?

[@terrinhamilton4856]

If one has never paid attention to the dope baseline to What's going on, then perhaps your pineal gland is calcified and non functional. That you cannot perceive, and feel soul, rhythm, blues in and throughout you.

[@terrinhamilton4856]

So glad that these four people had no influence whatsoever over 70's soul music. Whoo,so thankful for that!

[@attichatchsound-bobkowal5328]

"What's Going On" and "Mercy Mercy Me" (I see them as non-identical twins) are two of the greatest recordings ever to grace the airwaves. "The Best" can be subjective. But Jamerson IS the most important bass guitarist.

[@klangobjekt]

Bob Babbitt, not Jamerson, played the bass on Mercy Mercy Me.

[@Megajaoui]

It is all set then. I didn't realized it but I was waiting for this format ! Every illustration, exemple, stories and laugh are just so good ! Please please continue this channel ! You are making KZbin a better place to hang around

[@DeadWaxShow]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jamesmauliolakeakastonejr.1709]

How is it possible that Lauren had not heard of Jamerson? Every professional musician performing popular music today stands upon the shoulders of giants, in particular the Motown house band, the Funk Brothers their incomparable bas player James Jamerson.

[@colorona8456]

That's quite some overstatement and quite pretentious.

[@Tambo_Jay]

Im so glad u guys focused on james jamerson, definitely do more musicians plsss

[@lisica8458]

Jerry Jemmott

[@Jamestele1]

This video was like Christmas morning - Thank you for making this! I love everything Jamerson, and this gets so esoteric about his note choice, style, etc. I never wanted it to end!

[@LoicReviews]

I don't really know how but I never really paid attention to basslines on other Motown classics... like when I read the title I thought you guys were about to talk about my favourite bass line which is Bernard Edwards' "Good Times".

[@DeadWaxShow]

James Jamerson was so influential, he was the architect of so many great bass lines.

[@LoicReviews]

@@DeadWaxShow I looked him up after your video and his catalog is incredible! Thank you for this!

[@kyriesampson7781]

Bernard Edwards idolized James Jamerson

[@Frisbieinstein]

Damn, I never knew Rapper's Delight stole that.

[@charleyit]

I am so happy to see young musicians appreciate what the Funk Brothers, particularly Jamison contribution to music.

[@troubleondemand7703]

Thank you! I mentioned this on your discord when that list of best basslines was posted and I was more than surprised this was not in the list! That's when I was informed this would be a 'special episode'. Just awesome!

[@DeadWaxShow]

Glad you like it! The bass lines compilation is in the pipeline, watch this space!

[@donaldandireneyoung3089]

This is the first time ever seeing an episode of this PMR. As a teacher, this has got to be one of the most carefully explained, demonstrated, and informative segments I've witnessed concerning instrumental play of some of the greatest musicians that ever played. Well done! All of you did an excellent job in the demonstration, explanation, and feedback on what each of your heard and understood about James Jamerson's greatness as one of the greatest bassists to ever play. Thank you...

[@susanthompson7371]

Love the reactions!! Jamerson was a great bass player !!! I heard those wonderful stories of how he was key to making a record become a hit!!! What a great musician!!! So missed!!!✨ The late great Marvin Gaye a phenomenal Vocalist is greatly missed✨✨✨❤️❤️

[@BIGGSEAY]

James Jameson and all the Funk Brothers some of the greatest sessions players ever. Most of them are gone now but their legacy lives on. The Funk Brothers should never be forgotten."' Right On !

[@43cjd]

Oh, this makes me so sad to think of how Marvin left this world. He was and always will be one of my very favorite musicians. His voice was like butter, smooth. I play his music all the time in my car.

[@williamdavidcraigjr7841]

Gaye also invited the Detroit Lions players Mel Farr and Lem Barney to the studio and, along with Gaye and the Funk Brothers, added in various vocal chatter in the background, in a mock conversation. Musician Elgie Stover, who was later a caterer for Bill Clinton, was the man who opened the song's track with the words, 'hey, man, what's happening?' and 'everything is everything'.

[@lesleycooper8966]

For me it's I Was Made to Love Her. That bassline is sick

[@rientsdijkstra4266]

It is all sooo tastefull... Perfect timing, outlined chords, offbeat climbs and other interesting details, but never obstrusive or intrusive and perfectly supportive of the music and the melody...

[@idaslpdhr]

James Jamerson is a god, he played on nearly every Motown record right up until Motown moved to LA, his bass play inspired Paul McCartney

[@JTD472]

No that was me

[@lightaces]

He played almost all the earlier stuff, but latter on his alcoholism forced them to bring in the incomparable Bob Babbitt a lot of the time, and the move to California happened much more gradually over time than it is often depicted in popular culture, so even by the late sixties a lot of stuff was being done by the Wreaking Crew out in LA. I've talked to one of their old mastering engineers who talked about having three or four different versions of the same song, some from the Snakepit (the studio in the house in Detroit), some from LA. But both Carol Kaye and Bob Babbitt will (or would have) tell you, it all came from Jamerson. Hell, there were times when Jamerson's bass lines were transcribed, and Carol Kaye (amazing in her own right, and don't ever doubt it!!!!) was asked to read them at sessions in LA!!!

[@djonfonsteen6331]

@@lightaces sorry but Babbitt was awsome on Bass.

[@lightaces]

@@djonfonsteen6331 oh, no doubt. I mean, that mastering engineer I was talking about? He started at Motown. For years, the only bass players he had worked with were Jameson and Babbitt. The first time he did a session outside of Motown, he couldn’t figure out why the bass sounded so bad. Babbitt was a monster.

[@iconoclastic12007]

@@djonfonsteen6331 and Bob was the kindest, sweetest, most generous guy. A true prince!

[@calvinliang5477]

I really enjoyed watching Nick explain all the things, you can really see how excited this makes him.

[@JonConstruct]

Fun fact: The party people in the back were the Detroit Lions. Marvin thought about retiring from music and trying to play professional football.

[@wilsire456]

He made sure Mel Farr and Lem Barney received Grammys he he got his for their backround voices

[@bernadettecarter8946]

There was a time like in the 70’s that I didn’t listen to nothing but the bass. Didn’t know one word in a song . But the bass was like hypnotic for me.😊

[@ImpliedMusic]

Great choice, and as fun as always to hear your thoughts. Since you're asking, I'd love some Steely Dan/Fagan chord voicing reactions.

[@a2ndopynyn]

Aww shit, how about taking the whole Aja album, track by track? One video per song. I've come to the conclusion that not only was Steely Dan in a genre by themselves, just like the Grateful Dead, but that Aja was actually in its own special genre as well. Don't think so? Okay, cool. Name me another album that truly and rightfully belongs along side it, in terms of tone and timbre, in terms of feel and expression, in terms of its overall vibe. No, take your time; it's cool. Name more than one if you can, but I'll settle for one album that truly belongs in the same category, from first track to last. Just hit reply to this post so it shows up in my notifications and I see what you wrote.

[@jorymil]

I really like the little explanatory blurbs: I've been playing music most of my life, so I'm glad that you're bringing folks into the conversation.

[@Sams911]

the 1970 recording of Ain't no Mountain High Enough with Diana Ross, is literally his greatest bass line... take a listen to it.. really.

[@JemmyJoeAGoGo]

Good to see Lauren in the mix!

[@cynthialangley7338]

James Jameson is a legend!!! 🎼

[@micdavis-c6l]

Loved this video. I'm 69 yrs young, thanks to the US Army, I grew up listening to James Jamerson on Motown. We were living in El Monte CA. Such a Groove back then. Thank you. From the Desert of New Mexico.,. since 1912 it's been a State. lot of love Brothers. Dead Wax is Great.

[@steffentirendi8071]

Thank you guys for this „bass special episode“. And Nick, your bass playing is awesome ;)

[@iloveumyra]

Thank you guys for what you do....ITS SO IMPORTANT

[@rainmate9242]

Thank you for all the tremendous information you share doing these videos and the link to Vulfpeck's vizualizations - very much appreciated. It is madness how many hooklines Jamerson came up with and did not earn any royalties or got mentioned in the credits of the album. A good example we all know being the classic major penta hook line on "my girl". In the book/documentary it was mentioned, back in the day, amongst the bass community, he was considered a traitor for switching to the electric bass.

[@carter84262]

The ball bouncing sound is in fact a ball bouncing modified in an echo chamber, which was a recess in the ceiling of an room upstairs from the studio. The guys talking at the beginning of the song were 2 Detroit Lions who approached Marvin & became friends with him, Lem Barney & Mel Farr.

[@markcollins457]

I'm not a musician but dissecting Motown is a language unto itself. Being a Motown fan I could listen to every song one note at a time thank you!

[@bigwhig3126]

I absolutely loved your analysis! It's so cool to revisit these tune and get insight into the musicians, instruments, and techniques involved in recording them. This was a special time in American musical history and it's so awesome to see people rediscovering this era and learning about these unsung heroes of Motown! Great Job!

[@blktoschool]

This is the greatest ALBUM of all time, not a single bad song, but THAT bass is the greatest bass playing period

[@AmosAmerica]

Great post! Appreciate how you break down the songs and share knowledge. Looking forward to the next!

[@2dalight1]

His performance on the Jackson Five’s “Someday At Christmas” is the greatest bass line of all time!!!

[@robertshuruncle9619]

"What's Going On" is one of my favorite songs. I remember Miles Davis praising it to the sky in a Downbeat interview. Then one day I was browsing the local library and took home a Folkways LP of Cambodian Folk Songs. There were some dream like ascending and descending scales that appear in the background of "What's Going On" which I assume were used because they give it the haunting sound of the SouthEast Asian countryside to add a genuine Viet Namese flavor. I've heard other artists cover the song but they don't bring that and it changes the whole vibration.

[@FriendofDorothy]

The bassline that really stands out to me is Bernard Edwards on "My Forbidden Lover" by Chic. It's amazing. Every time I hear it I think "How did he do that?"

[@galetinm]

Jamerson was definitely an influence on Bernard. This lady, a 'professional musician', having never heard about him is weird.

[@gwynforhood]

My fav singer, bass player, album, song. When my daughter was born i left the hodpital at 4am. Turned the ignition on the car and the radio blasted the sax intro. I burst into tears.

[@jayabacromby675]

I've got to give a vote to the opening bass line to the Temptations Ball of Confusion. It sets the pace for the whole song.

[@MrTwon1610]

I found this channel today and within 2 videos I've become a major fan of you. Such a wealth of knowledge for music lovers and music nerds

[@seancronin4638]

And legend has it, he was so drunk that he couldn't sit up. He played it laying on the floor. Another reason no one can ever compete

[@captureyourphoto]

Excellent commentary guys! I love the break down and back story of Jamerson, I was totally engaged with every part of the video.

[@Drpepper99uk]

Darling Dear is probably one of the most musical bass lines ever, if you've not heard of it check it out!

[@tonytiger7079]

ONE OF MY ALL TIME FAVORITES!

[@thomasgooding8579]

As a bass player who has played this tune hundreds of times, it’s so amazing a performance, because he seemingly never plays the same phrase twice. Some things can’t be replicated and this bass line is one of them. So many songs of that Motown era wouldn’t be hit records without his bass lines.

[@TerminusVox]

Well, the other Titan of bass in the era was Carol Kaye. And there were other bass players working for Motown because Jameson was an not always available due to other commitments. The studio was his "day job" and he was gigging as often as possible.

[@mikeglassburn]

Just found this and didn't know how much I needed it. Thanks everyone!

[@robertbesta6067]

I really enjoyed the comments about imagining that you were a teenage musician at the time and the electric bass being viewed as a new thing, and the innovation that went along with it. It's fun to try to imagine that. I started playing gigs in 1981, about 30 years after Fender came out with their innovation. I know Rickenbacker had them out in the early 30's, and it took some time to catch on. How fun!

[@positivechange2000]

It is true that he recorded this bass part on his back. It was in The Funk Brothers documentary. They were the band musicians that played on all the Motown hits. When it was time to lay down his bass part, members of the band went out looking for him. But when they found him he was so drunk he couldn't stand or even sit. They took him back to The Snake-pit (the name they called their recording room area at Motown) and he laid on his back and did the bass for this song. If you haven't seen the documentary, it really is good. My favorite story is about the bongo drum player. He always had a music stand set up in from of him, but he didn't read music. So one time they went behind him to see what he was looking it, and low and behold - he had a magazine with nude girls that he would be looking at while playing.😅

[@joey_bonin]

In '68 I was 17, had been playing bass for two years. Then I heard "For Once In My Life" and my mind was blown. I'd never heard bass lines like that before.

[@mattschreiber5074]

His work on innercity Blues is genius as well. He was just a genius.

[@SPAZZOID100]

That was Babbit, not Jamerson.

[@danielpool2039]

Oh, man. What a great show. I love this format. Great work folks.

[@derek5168]

The word genius gets used far too often but when talking about James Jameson he was definitely one an architect who influenced so many bass players especially his peer jack Bruce

[@PB-fo6dq]

I fell in love with the bass when watching "Standing in the Shadows of Motown". I had always heard bass in my head but was mistakenly playing 6 string. Jamerson and Babbitt became my heroes!

[@lucianopopo]

The Beatles song "Rain" is one of the best bass lines of all time.

[@Drinks4450]

@7:03 = Jam Session You guys do great breakdowns of those great songs from the 60's, and 70's and more. I, myself, am over half a century old and I enjoy these breakdown videos. Keep up the good work.

[@j.ericsandoval566]

Frankly, the bass line from Gotta Give it Up was THE actual greatest bass line of all time.

[@digeorgesiphone]

This is the first time I see your show, it was GREAT!! I love you noticing every detail!!

[@waynejrice]

That's a masterpiece as much as anything Bach or Beethoven ever wrote. What makes it more amazing is that some, if not all, of it was improvised in the moment.

[@labenbrittenum6934]

it's crazy how that guy played a few notes on the keyboard and i instantly went back to my 70's childhood!

[@RDubs15]

As someone currently studying bass, this is invaluable. Very excited to dig into some of his bass lines!

[@DeadWaxShow]

Enjoy!

[@LeviBulger]

There is no better bass player in the world to study, especially for new players. You can learn so much, not just technique-wise, but composition-wise as well. Most bassists end up being felt more than heard within a track, but JJ's basslines are so catchy that you can't help but listen to them. Sure, there are the virtuosos out there like Jaco and Les Claypool, where the bass is the entire focus of the song/band. But JJ might be one of the very few players that didn't ever intend to be the ear's focus on the tracks he played on, but still ends up being what the listener grasps onto in any given Motown record.

[@timweaver9773]

How do we suggest music to the channel? I love the fact that you guys are breaking down GREAT modern/pop music and telling folks why it’s awesome from a musical standpoint! This has been so sorely missing in the last couple of decades. Kids are not being taught anything about music in schools anymore. You guys are fighting the good fight here!

[@itheuserfirst3186]

"Father, father, we don't have to escalate." How prophetic.

[@JCox964]

Yesssss

[@youprobablyalreadyknow8947]

Was thinking the exact same thing.

[@oubrioko]

haunting

[@HM55-77]

explain.......I am very curious?

[@itheuserfirst3186]

@@HM55-77 His father shot, and killed him.

[@raaron4315]

Love Scary Pockets and i just discovered this channel. LOVE IT.

[@martinmartinmoone3104]

Paul mccartney's hero, much love from Liverpool

[@theresabrown8994]

I love this series; I learn and come to understand so much about creating music.

[@talkandeattv]

love seeing yall geek out over music

[@basswars7060]

James Jamerson is one of the greatest artists of the 20th Century. His work rivals Hemmingway, Picasso and Stravinsky in their respective fields.

[@tonisumblin2719]

They were Painters. But he definitely shared their excellence. I agree.

[@fifthbusiness1678]

@@tonisumblin2719 Huh? One was a painter. One was a writer. One was a classical music composer. Got one right tho.

[@tonisumblin2719]

@@fifthbusiness1678 😂🤣. I flunked that test badly. Writer, painter, musician. You’re right.

[@bzurgland]

I've been a bass player for 35 years. I've played Jaco's, Stanleys', Marcus' and so many great bass players... But i always felt that James Jamerson's bass lines can't be touched, copied or modified. I haven't even tried. It's so wonderful as it is...