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Best of James Jamerson?

Progfan44

Progfan44

Aug 4, 2012
104
36
29
Guelph, Ontario, Canada
#1
I've been really digging into some of James Jaerson's playing lately, and want to put some of his classic motown material on my ipod. However, seeing as the releases with him featured were released by multiple artists, I am having a hard time finding a single tome with all of Jamerson's most memorable songs on it that isn't just a "best of motown". Is there some kind of collection with his best material on it, or will I just have to settle for the "best of motown" collections?

Thanks for any and all help
 
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#2
Progfan44 said:
I've been really digging into some of James Jaerson's playing lately, and want to put some of his classic motown material on my ipod. However, seeing as the releases with him featured were released by multiple artists, I am having a hard time finding a single tome with all of Jamerson's most memorable songs on it that isn't just a "best of motown". Is there some kind of collection with his best material on it, or will I just have to settle for the "best of motown" collections?

Thanks for any and all help
Click to expand...
Unfortunately, nobody has put together an album of what they would consider to be Jamerson's best efforts, and even such a project would be subject to debate based on what was considered his best work. As a key member of a legendary ensemble, The Funk Brothers, I imagine guitar enthusiasts could wish the same thing for classic Eddie Willis, Joe Messina, or Robert White parts, etc...although Motown did give Earl VanDyke the opportunity to release some albums where he played B-3 leads over stock Motown tracks...
 
#4
Progfan44 said:
I've been really digging into some of James Jaerson's playing lately, and want to put some of his classic motown material on my ipod. However, seeing as the releases with him featured were released by multiple artists, I am having a hard time finding a single tome with all of Jamerson's most memorable songs on it that isn't just a "best of motown". Is there some kind of collection with his best material on it, or will I just have to settle for the "best of motown" collections?

Thanks for any and all help
Click to expand...
Oh, btw... If you do a best of Motown make sure you research the bass player because James Jamerson did not play on every Motown tune.
Hope this helps
 
#7
…then how about something non-Motown?

"Outrageous (The Mind Excursion)"- Dennis Coffey
...back in the day, this woulda been called a psychedelic jam. Hopefully, you'll get past the 1st minute or so.
 
#11
Since I try to adhere to the 11th Commandment (Thou Shalt Not Diss Motown)-
Last night, I pulled out The Motown Sound: The Complete Albums & More by Earl Van Dyke.
Jamerson is all over this (including 3 of his own tunes).

OP-
Add "Fever In The Funkhouse" to your list.

Amazon also has a Funk Brothers album...for $4.99. It's too short, IMO.
 
#13
Hey OP
If you got Spotify, someone has made a playlist of songs Jamerson has played on. Some controversial; Sign Sealed Delivered etc.

Just type in James Jamerson in the search and you should find. Really good playlist. Lots of gems in it
 
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#15
Thanks to JimK I looked this up on Wiki. This can help you get started...
The Funk Brothers
#1 hit singles
1961

"Please Mr. Postman"
1963

"Fingertips"
1964

"My Guy"
"Where Did Our Love Go"
"Baby Love"
"Invalid Link Removed"
1965

"My Girl"
"Stop! In the Name of Love"
"Invalid Link Removed"
"I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)"
"Invalid Link Removed"
1966

"You Can't Hurry Love"
"Reach Out I'll Be There"
"You Keep Me Hangin' On"
1967

"Love Is Here and Now You're Gone"
"The Happening"
1968

"Love Child"
"I Heard It Through the Grapevine"
1969

"Invalid Link Removed"
"Someday We'll Be Together"
1970

"War"
"Ain't No Mountain High Enough"
"The Tears of a Clown"
1971

"Invalid Link Removed"
1972

"Papa Was a Rollin' Stone"
1973

"Invalid Link Removed"
 
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#18
gjohnson441496 said:
Thanks to JimK I looked this up on Wiki. This can help you get started...
The Funk Brothers
#1 hit singles
1961

"Please Mr. Postman"
1963

"Fingertips"
1964

"My Guy"
"Where Did Our Love Go"
"Baby Love"
"Invalid Link Removed"
1965

"My Girl"
"Stop! In the Name of Love"
"Invalid Link Removed"
"I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)"
"Invalid Link Removed"
1966

"You Can't Hurry Love"
"Reach Out I'll Be There"
"You Keep Me Hangin' On"
1967

"Love Is Here and Now You're Gone"
"The Happening"
1968

"Love Child"
"I Heard It Through the Grapevine"
1969

"Invalid Link Removed"
"Someday We'll Be Together"
1970

"War"
"Ain't No Mountain High Enough"
"The Tears of a Clown"
1971

"Invalid Link Removed"
1972

"Papa Was a Rollin' Stone"
1973

"Invalid Link Removed"
Click to expand...
Wow! these are some of songs I 1st learned to play aiong with,but not all note for note.MAN these bring memories.AS of just last week I was 90% thru the basslines for " I heard It through the grapevine''. The other 10% might eat my lunch. JJ Is doing a couple things in this song I'LL have to woodshed.
 
#19
btmpancake said:
Wow! these are some of songs I 1st learned to play aiong with,but not all note for note.MAN these bring memories.AS of just last week I was 90% thru the basslines for " I heard It through the grapevine''. The other 10% might eat my lunch. JJ Is doing a couple things in this song I'LL have to woodshed.
Click to expand...
I know right! Isn't it fun? The more you play the better you get!
 
#20
gjohnson441496 said:
I know right! Isn't it fun? The more you play the better you get!
Click to expand...
gjohnson It's your fault that I got more homework to do.I almost forgot about where I came from.I got lazy,reiaxed,and comfortable playing the modern stuff that's easy to play(vocal group wise).THANKS for your thread and yes=much more fun
gjohnson441496 said:
I know right! Isn't it fun? The more you play the better you get!
Click to expand...
1OO% Agree It's fun with a challenge,how rare.Thanks for thread!
 
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