Did Jamerson Play on MJ's GIRL DON'T TAKE YOUR LOVE FROM ME

paul_wolfe · #1 10-21-2009, 02:24 PM

Hey everyone

I was asked by a student if JJ played on Michael Jackson's track Don't Take Your Love from me.

I didn't know the song, so had a listen. There are some parts of the song that sound Jamerson-esque, but the tone is a bit thinner than Jamerson's and there are some parts of the song that don't sound like Jamerson.

I've checked via google and stuff like the Phil Brodie band discography.

Anyone shed any light?

paul_wolfe · #2 10-23-2009, 10:24 AM

CamiloDíaz · #3 10-24-2009, 10:45 PM

it's tricky, cause of the date. was he moved to LA in 71 yet? That could at least tell us if he worked in the city where the album Got to be there was recorded...

deaf pea · #4 10-24-2009, 10:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CamiloDíaz

...was he moved to LA in 71 yet?...

nope . . .

IIRC, it was '74 or '75 . . .

Bluesy Soul · #5 10-25-2009, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CamiloDíaz

it's tricky, cause of the date. was he moved to LA in 71 yet? That could at least tell us if he worked in the city where the album Got to be there was recorded...

Even that isn't dispositive. Motown recorded many songs and tracks in both Detroit and L.A. before the switch to the West Coast was complete. That practice and poor recordkeeping regarding recording (supposedly to avoid union rules) has created a lot of confusion and uncertainty, including the long-standing debate over whether James or Carol Kaye played certain bass parts.

CamiloDíaz · #6 10-28-2009, 08:02 AM

or Bob Babbit, for that matter...

anyways, the song the OP asks about is definitely JJ style, and that should suffice for teaching purposes, methinks

paul_wolfe · #7 10-28-2009, 12:57 PM

It it was recorded in LA there were other guys too. Was Welton Felder still playing bass for Motown in 72? And a guy called Ron Brown recorded for Motown too (he helped transcribe the bassline to I CAN'T GET NEXT TO YOU in September 04 Bass Player Mag).

I've had a good, close listen and to me it sounds Jamerson-esque. But not Jamerson.

It's no big deal either way, but I'd kind of like to know. I'll ask Bob Babbitt, see if he knows. Thanks for all the input so far.

paul_wolfe · #8 10-30-2009, 09:26 AM

Just got this from Beverley - who runs the Phil Brodie band website, with the great Jamerson discogrpahy:

I think it is Wilton Felder's bass lines. He played on J5's ABC, ‘I Want You Back’ and many other of their tracks, Wilton was very JJ influenced. At that time (early '70s) Hal Davis was producing The Jacksons and also Michael's early solo career and Wilton Felder (great sax player too) definately seemed to be his prefered bass player.
Hope this is a little bit of help.

Steve · #9 10-30-2009, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by paul_wolfe

I've had a good, close listen and to me it sounds Jamerson-esque. But not Jamerson.

I'd have to agree. His notes, not quite his sense of time.

paul_wolfe · #10 10-31-2009, 05:58 AM

Bob (Babitt) said it wasn't him. And that he thought it was recorded in LA. So probably Wilton Felder.