Groove-per-buck: Standing in the Shadows of Motown

[tonejunkie]

Hey guys,
I just read the James Jamerson sticky. Wow! That inspired me to get Standing in the Shadows of Motown but I'm not sure whether to get the DVD or the CD. I dig seeing performances but does the DVD have lots of live performances or just people talking? Which has more groove-per-buck?

Thanks!

[Blackbird]

The most groove for the buck will come from neither the DVD or the CD, but from the book itself.

The DVD is based on the book and the CD is based on the DVD, so the order of importance is: Book, DVD, CD.

The DVD is very entertaining and a good documentary with the real guys plus some interesting cameos like Bootsy Collins and MeShell Ndegeocello. It all started with the book, though.

[Vandelay]

The book and the DVD are both excellent. Just be aware that the book focuses on Jamerson, where the DVD tells the story of ALL the Funk Brothers, especially those who were still alive at the time of filming.

Also note that the book comes with two fantastic CDs of its own: they're full of recordings of many well-respected bassists covering Jamerson's stuff. To me, that's the coolest part of the whole package.

[DocBop]

The DVD is a tribute to the Funk Brothers which James was a part of, the music is played by the Funk Brothers that are still with us. It is an inspiring DVD. I would suggest like Blackbird said get the book it has the transcriptions of James playing to learn and study. Then if you can find it there was a second SITSOM CD called the Deluxe Edition. It has a second CD with original Motown hits without the vocals so you can hear the genius of that rhythm section. That is a Master Class in rhythm section playing.

[tonejunkie]

Thanks. This sounds great. It sounds like the book & DVD would be dynamite(or is it Dolemite?).

If I *really* wanted to get the most groove-per-buck I would get the original LPs... ba dum ching.


Thanks!

[Blackbird]

Or this:

[Cristo]

If you really want to "study" the bass parts, get the book which comes with transcriptions (notation) and CD's.