Is this the GREATEST bass line of all time?

Today's episode is slightly different as we dive into one of the greatest bass lines of all time. James Jamerson's performance in MARVIN GAYE's WHAT's GOING ON is a masterclass in the electric bass and I hope you enjoy our take on it.
I'm Jack Conte the CEO of @Patreon and one-half of the bands @ScaryPockets and @Pomplamoose.
Joining me today are 3 of my best musician friends;
Ryan Lerman, a professional guitarist the other half of @Scarypockets
Lauren O'Connell, a professional singer-songwriter who plays in a band with my wife called @Myterriblefriend
Nick Campbell, a professional bassist who plays in my bands @Scarypockets and @Pomplamoose
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I will be making a lot more videos so if you like this one, so please ding that bell and hit the subscribe button. You can subscribe here:
/ @deadwaxshow
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You can find Marvin Gaye's channel here:
/ @officialmarvingayemusic
What's going on:
• Marvin Gaye - What's G...
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We also feature other music in this video which we will link to below.
Marvin Gaye - Ain't no mountain high
• Ain't No Mountain High...
Jackson 5 - Darling Dear
• Darling Dear
Stevie Wonder - Superstition
• Stevie Wonder Supersti...
Stevie Wonder - For once in my life
• For Once In My Life
We also talk about a book in this episode:
Standing in the shadows of Motown
www.halleonard...
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Please leave us a comment below and tell us what you would like us to react to.
Before we film episodes we ask the Scary Pockets Discord and Patreon members for questions on certain episodes, you can find the communities here;
Discord:
www.scarypocke...
Patreon:
/ scarypockets
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Instagram www.instagram.....
#Bass #MarvinGaye #JamesJamerson #JackConte

[@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

[@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.

[@avidgolfer65]

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

[@raggaeldestro8609]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!

[@jamesvaughn1715]

James Jameson, also played bass on the Jackson Fives , I WANT YOU BACK. I have been a bass player/guitar player/ and Keyboards player since early childhood. I have been playing professionally since the early 70's. I had the pleasure of meeting Marvin personally back in 1976,, alone with James Jameson ,doing a sound check for a concert he had that night.

[@FUNKINETIK]

A few years ago I watched a Motown documentary in which Wilton Felder (Sax player with The Crusaders) said that he had played bass on J5’s ‘I Want You Back’. Memorable moment meeting Marvin and James.

[@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.

[@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.

[@AmosAmerica]

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

[@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.

[@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...

[@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.

[@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.

[@danielpool2039]

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

[@ncalovini]

WOW! Totally enjoyed your take on Jamerson with my all time favorite, Marvin! Look forward to more of your sessions ✌️❤️🎶

[@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!

[@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!

[@mrmusic248]

Growing up in the Detroit area, Motown wasn't just music, it was FOOD. Food for your spirit, that is. It's too bad Jamerson had such a bad case of the "Brown Bottle Flu". It is so great that 50+ years later, we have kids like this talking about these iconic musicians. They will study Jamerson in perpetuity, and still not grasp how great he was.

[@crkproductions5000]

Enjoyed it guys.

[@richardharris8745]

These breakdowns are awesome feel like I'm learning more every video

[@troynewly]

Thank you for acknowledging James Jamerson, a true Funk Brother. It's noted near the end of this tribute that Marvin sang two voices, his natural tenor and his sultry bass underneath. In fact, as noted in his biography, "Divided Soul, The Life of Marvin Gaye," by David Ritz (a friend and book collaborator) Marvin Gaye recorded in three voices on the album track. He loved singing falsetto as well as his other registers, and layered himself accompanying on top of and below - listen closely. Of note also is that the background calls and handclapping were Marvin's assemblage. As told, Berry Gordy wanted studio people but Marvin insisted on his posse, and the song became Motown's top grossing album ever! Thanks again for your look into the music of the baddest, meanest, nastiest, sweetest, deepest, hippest, smoothest, most prolific bass player in r&b/soul, James Jamerson.

[@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.

[@TheAnnaFisher]

Thank you for this discussion and research!

[@deborahannterrell]

I am a woman subscriber that LOVES your musical guests who know what they are talking about and know how to show u on an instrument. TOTALLY COOL!

[@MrAllDay2u]

GREAT video guys, thank you 👍😎👍

[@betoalvarez1248]

Would love to hear you guys react to James Brown and the beginning of funk

[@DeadWaxShow]

Great shout!

[@videochannel389]

In the movie “Standing in the Shadows of MoTown” members of the Funk Brothers said that when they were ready to record the song they couldn’t find Jamerson. When they did find him he was so hammered he couldn’t sit on a stool so he played the recording lying down...

[@kevinpolito1529]

Paul McCartney, Brian Wilson, and Jack Bruce all mentioned James Jamerson as a strong influence. They all used the bass as a melodic instrument. Also in this school was legendary Wrecking Crew bassist Carol Kaye.

[@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.

[@tonytiger7079]

ANYONE REMEMBER "DARLING DEAR" BY THE JACKSON FIVE? HE BLEW THAT UP TOO!

[@Jose_diazlife]

amazing vid, love to see you guys talk about good music while comparing to today´s music and exploring stuff that most people don´t know about

[@DojoOfCool]

The story I heard about Jamerson on this was The Funk Brothers had been in the studio all day recording What's Going On and Marvin didn't like any of the takes. The Funk Brother besides recording had a regular gig at a local club so they left the studio to go play there gig. When gig was over they went back to Motown to continue recording, by that point Jamerson was drunk and pissed off. That's when he laid in the floor and they continued to record and got the famous What's Going On take that made it onto the record. Another thing was Marvin Gaye's album What's Going On was the first Motown album to include musician credits on the cover, Marvin insisted they credited the musicians.

[@drummer434]

My favorite Jamerson bass line is on "Got To Give It Up" by Marvin Gaye. Amazing. It's basically one long solo.

[@zanohoriamazo1]

Legato pertains more to the notes connecting which will yes, require more length, but a fast phrase can also be articulated in legato style. The connection is the thing. Respect.

[@seanstrickland3771]

James was amazing but a not so mentioned bass player was on the b side who goes by the name Bob babbit who played inner city blues

[@tres5533]

Mark Hennessy of PAW and I talked about James and he showed me that MOTOWN book. I was very surprised given his music. Mark said his work really influence his approach to writing.

[@mikeg888]

These lines are so masterful I picked up on that soon after this timelessly great song hit the airwaves! Jamerson was pure genius and this song perfect to showcase his talents!

[@charleswilliams8248]

This is great dissecting great musicians!

[@AlexAlexon3897]

What's Going On? first entered my consciousness when Whitesnake's David Coverdale dedicated Ain't No Love in the Heart of the City to Marvin Gaye, at a London show on 2nd April 1984, and sang the title at the end (sounding choked up). Sad way to hear of something, but what a great song - and the bassline is beautiful.

[@familytreemusic]

Great channel, I love to see musicians pay homage to one of the greatest of all times, often unsung. James Jamerson is still the sound of bass.

[@goldenrule1948]

Yay❣️Lots more please.

[@wmden1]

That old blue bass has a tone very similar to Jamerson's bass, on the E and A strings, especially. Nice.

[@patrickjoseph3618]

Can we stop here for a minute, and say how beautiful this song is?

[@DeadWaxShow]

It's a masterpiece!

[@beatsgordy]

I wanna say the song was either What’s Goin’ On? or What’s Happenin’ Brother? from the same album he played on his back.

[@dtf3rg]

Idk if anyone’s mentioned it…but …the finger he played with was affectionately called “the hook”

[@gustavolage7988]

This is THE bass line, I can play it every day and enjoy it always. Jamerson genial as usual! Plisss more talks about him.

[@sonnymaupin9267]

LOVE this song. My favorite by far by Marvin

[@skineyemin4276]

Well, it's not actually a "bass line", it's an improvised bass performance with a series of bass runs a few arpeggios over those chord changes, as he was a little tipsy if not more, and he played whatever he wanted throughout that take and maybe in one take... sitting or most likely laying on the floor or in some seat or couch in a very relaxed position. There is no "bass line", just, bass playing, truly great bass playing.

[@martinheath5947]

You simply defined what a "line" actually is as opposed to a "part" or a "riff". This bass line is a thing of beauty, a soulful gem of an accompaniment. I'm obsessed with playing this for its healing spirit

[@lyndamcardle4123]

Credit for Jamerson's bass playing on this goes to Marvin himself for not only insisting on Jamerson playing the majority on this album (along with Bob Babbit) was crediting all the musicians for their unique contribution to a seminal album.

[@arturoacosta6583]

I have heard that song so many times,I have lost count..... a bass masterpiece!!!!!!!!!!

[@carpemedia1936]

Great stuff! And I like the subtitle at 11:16 - „Jock up his story“ - new-english (or esperanto?) spelling for Jaco Pastorius 😂

[@willdobson6091]

The bass line on "Whats Happening Brother" is just as insane.

[@Kabanchik04]

I love your channel so much guys

[@det0x268]

I am a musician/producer/dj and just thank You so much for breaking down music theory Bc I know nothing in terms of that but definitely understand it when it’s taught properly thank you

[@fava7753]

Takes me waaay back to when the world was a better place . this true music will never ever be repeated . it was a time of change for the whole world . . the old saying of music to the ears was never truer than it could ever be back then .

[@sabledawn]

The party in "What's Going On "was performed by members of the Detroit Lions.

[@tomgarcia9200]

BLACK UHURU's Botanical roots takes the cake for me. Rip Robbie Shakespeare

[@gregbaker312]

Marvin Gaye was a huge Lion's fan and that is the Football team in the background.

[@77cobaltblue]

@3:35, reminds me of the bass from Archie Bell and the Drells "Tighten Up"

[@Zasu42]

Damn.....passionate, knowledgeable people. Props

[@shawndalynne6448]

Please react to Esperanza Spalding, I know you know, performed live in San Sebastián. From my understanding it is almost impossible for an artist to play base, and sing at the same time. And this young lady pulls it off effortlessly..would love to get you guys input….I’ll be staying tune..music lover 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@bridgettehiggins8710]

Miss you Marvin. James was excellent

[@dolenharden5346]

Excellent presentation on a great musician!!

[@signedup2462]

It's so odd how the actual message in the song is totally overlooked for the instrumental accompaniment

[@olesolja1407]

What’s Happening Brother bassline is so well.crafted and melodic

[@RockDocNeal]

I think James Jamerson was an groundbreaking bassist who played incredible bass parts on a multitude of hit songs (more than I realized) and I'm sure he influenced the style of many early electric bassists, but I think Nick is giving him a tad too much credit by inferring that the evolution of electric bass playing would have been markedly different without him (at least, that's the impression I got), but WTH do I know...I'm a keyboardist! I can appreciate that some of Jaco's rhythmic approach to bass lines was influenced by Jamerson (or the general Motown R&B feel), but the general style of his playing was so unique that he was also influential to future bassists. Alright, I'm blabbering...apparently, I need less caffeine and Adderall........... 😁😎🤘🎸

[@misterdoe]

Wilton Felder from the Crusaders played of lots of the Jackson Five's stuff. The Commodores backed them on the road in the early days so i wouldn't be surprised if they're on recordings too.

[@frankhanson9260]

that was pretty awesome... a look inside the music of music...

[@augustdupont2717]

There is a short video up on utub right now. The title is 'FUNK BROTHERS and DETROIT SYMPATHY ORCHESTRA. On the second track James Jameson goes absolutely crazy. You must listen to this. It rivals Darling Dear and I WAS MADE TO LOVE HER. I had never heard this before. I played it about 10 times in a row to try and wrap my head around this Master peace. This is Jameson at his best. You got to hear this.

[@randelcross]

i'm somewhat confident a comment was already made about this but... frequently Jamerson weaved a sponge in his bridge to deaden the notes... there is plenty of archive footage of that. Of course there is the Barry Gordy documentary on Amazon and the infamous "Standing in the Shadow of Motown" dvd!!

[@maartenarnou]

Quoting Nick Campbell: "It's sick as fuck, dude!" Well, this whole video is! Nice work! :-)

[@chrisquinn9104]

It’s funny, but it’s the bass on What’s Happening Brother, the next song on the album that gets me even more.

[@ozogula64]

What a legend, James Jameson…….’bad ass’ bass player. One of my other favourite bass lines is on Fela Kuti’s ‘Black Man’s Cry.

[@calculusadvancedodq4968]

They're trying to imitate him, but he will never be duplicated, no more talk, period!

[@dananthony6258]

Hey man now that's out of sight. I mean I really dig it.

[@charlesmauro5905]

I'm assuming the documentary you're talking about is, standing in the shadows of Motown. It's a great documentary of all the great musicians of Motown known as the funk Brothers. And if you'd like to hear James Jamerson's isolated Bass track from that song, it's all over the internet.

[@JorisPosthumus]

how can you not know James Jamerson....

[@zanohoriamazo1]

The ‘racquetball’ sound is not the drum kit, but the highest conga drum called, quinto, in this case tuned very high. Kudos to you guys featuring this segment on Jamerson. His mark is indelible to say the least. If you haven’t, might want to view a documentary called, ‘HITSVILLE: The Making of Motown’. On another note, would like to suggest another incredible basset who’s still with us, Anthony Jackson. As amazing for his personal sound as much as his versatility. He’s the creator & player of the funky bass line on the classic O’Jays hit, For the Love of Money. His work with Chaka Kahn is also incredible: What YouGonna Do For Me; Cloud; I Know You, ILive You, just to name a few. In addition, he’s an incredible jazz, fusion & Latin player as demonstrated with pianists, the late Michel Petrucciani & Michel Camilo. Anyway, great session. 👍

[@leewilson1577]

Wow , a fan of the music, but ignorant of me Jameson’s greatness.

[@jomtien123]

Just to add on the one finger thing I have read it from many places that he developed a bi-directional flick when he had to play really fast things say like the Jackson's I Want You Back.

[@kennyjeanful]

Watch the 2002 Doc, "Standing in the shadows of Motown". Great film about the Funk Bros, (including Jamerson) the house band for most of the Motown catalogue.

[@Richrads1]

The bass line on the song Inner City Blues on the same album is THE ultimate best bass line of all time. Played by Bob Babbitt. James Jamerson was no doubt a monster on bass. My strong opinion.

[@klangobjekt]

This was one of Joe Messina's last record sessions. He was Motown's longest-employed musician. He stayed in Detroit (lived in Warren) and retired from music mostly. I did see him play harmonica in the 90's and guitar with the Funk Brothers in 2002.

[@debiear]

Joe Messina passed away on April 4, 2022, RIP. Jack Ashford is the last living Funk Brother.

[@kevinbarrett9615]

Nice to hear the youngins appreciation of the Motown legends, this is music for the ages.tragically he had to get a scalped ticket to watch the 25th anniversary of Motown , sitting up in the rafters, so sad.

[@CECILCLAYTOR-vd7dt]

Quite educational and informative. Cecil C. aka Skeeter

[@robertpace4913]

A few bass lines noted were actually Carol Kay.

[@pinkytirao4717]

Jamerson also made the basslines of the song my girl of the temptations.

[@mouns4767]

Darling dear 👍🏻 Jammerson , thé best Of bassplayer

[@pablofranciscodelamotatori9180]

Just discover this fantastic channel and no other way to look than to the subscribe option. Huge thanks for sharing this interesting content on musical history :-) !

[@Rhythmicons]

Thanks. I'll never unhear the racquetball. haha

[@D84D]

Believe it or not, Hotel California has a sneaky dope baseline

[@jomtien123]

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!

[@yosquidd242]

That was dope!

[@z0n0ph0ne]

Beatles "Rain" Ian Dury "Hit me with your Rythm Stick". Rolling Stones "Sympathy for the Devil." The Who "We wint get fooled Again". (live)

[@tyraycurry8724]

Do you guys have a video about Welton Felder. The Motown bass player on the Jackson5 'I want you back'?

[@michaelthompson8352]

Have you guys did a video about Sharay Reed yet?