James Jamerson: An appreciation

[Alex E]

I know most of you know far more about this genius of the bass than I do. I always liked many, many of the great Motown hits of the 60’s and early to mid-70’s, but until fairly recently, I never knew how much just one bassist had contributed to numerous hits that even today, so many people still know the songs instantly by their titles… or bass lines.

I had read vague passages on Jamerson here and there throughout the years, but it wasn’t until I read a Paul McCartney interview where Paul cited Jamerson as that “one guy at Motown who had played on so huge a number of hits.” If I remember the interview correctly, McCartney, at the time, didn’t even know Jamerson’s name. He was simply citing a wonderful bassist at Motown who was a big influence on him.

It was a revelation to find out it was primarily one guy on Motown’s hits from the early 60’s up to the early 70’s. Re-listening to lots of those old songs and trying to learn them, I came to read more and more about JJ’s musical knowledge and amazing technique.

For those wanting to improve tremendously, I highly recommend learning this bassist’s great works. There is an embarrassment of riches in his portfolio. Try learning “Bernadette”, “What’s Going On”, and “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” as just three examples of monster, classic bass lines…… and then realize Jamerson played with very high action (similar to an upright bass) old, dead strings and most amazingly, he plucked with only his right index finger, which was the famous “hook”. Not only could he play fast, syncopated, complex-all-over-the fretboard bass lines with one finger, but he was very much on-time and smooth. That is a jaw-dropper.

What a talented bassist this man was. It’s a shame that he didn’t live longer and it is a travesty that he wasn’t better known for what he contributed to Motown and R&B starting 40+ years ago.

[kirkm24]

Probably one of the greatest players of our time. People can be wowed by the slap masters like Victor Wooten but I'm personally more impressed with Jamerson for his impeccable timing, tastefulness and smooth groove. I also really dig his tone.

[JimK]

Originally Posted by kirkm24

People can be wowed by the slap masters like Victor Wooten...

Vic played in a Jamerson-style back in the '70s in The Wooten Brothers...saw it & didn't believe it.

[Willy2911]

Originally Posted by Alex E

I know most of you know far more about this genius of the bass than I do. I always liked many, many of the great Motown hits of the 60’s and early to mid-70’s, but until fairly recently, I never knew how much just one bassist had contributed to numerous hits that even today, so many people still know the songs instantly by their titles… or bass lines.

I had read vague passages on Jamerson here and there throughout the years, but it wasn’t until I read a Paul McCartney interview where Paul cited Jamerson as that “one guy at Motown who had played on so huge a number of hits.” If I remember the interview correctly, McCartney, at the time, didn’t even know Jamerson’s name. He was simply citing a wonderful bassist at Motown who was a big influence on him.

It was a revelation to find out it was primarily one guy on Motown’s hits from the early 60’s up to the early 70’s. Re-listening to lots of those old songs and trying to learn them, I came to read more and more about JJ’s musical knowledge and amazing technique.

For those wanting to improve tremendously, I highly recommend learning this bassist’s great works. There is an embarrassment of riches in his portfolio. Try learning “Bernadette”, “What’s Going On”, and “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” as just three examples of monster, classic bass lines…… and then realize Jamerson played with very high action (similar to an upright bass) old, dead strings and most amazingly, he plucked with only his right index finger, which was the famous “hook”. Not only could he play fast, syncopated, complex-all-over-the fretboard bass lines with one finger, but he was very much on-time and smooth. That is a jaw-dropper.

What a talented bassist this man was. It’s a shame that he didn’t live longer and it is a travesty that he wasn’t better known for what he contributed to Motown and R&B starting 40+ years ago.

Amen

[stewart8980]

i, too, recently delved into Motown. Any let me tell you, it is a bottomless pit of happiness for me (im bad at analogies)

[bassnutj]

He was The Father Of The Groove.

[Johnny Crab]

if you like Jamerson:
http://www.ricksuchow.com/press-group-112.html

Enjoy folks.

Thanks Rick Suchow!!!!

[sflajimmy]

Absolutely a master. I could listen to his grooves all day. Still trying to master his licks and may spend the rest of my life doing so.....