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Favorite MoTown basslines

Discussion in 'Recordings [BG]' started by WildBill, Jul 28, 2003.

  1. Jul 28, 2003 #1
    WildBill

    WildBill

    Jul 7, 2002
    Massachusettes
    I was wondering what your favorite basslines of the Motown era are, please include artist and song title.

    I want to do this thread for somewhat educational purposes for the younger bass players that come to this site. I think it would be a great way to share some favorites and give a sense of history to bass playing.

    Thanks,
    Bill
     
  2. Jul 28, 2003 #2
    20db pad

    20db pad

    Feb 11, 2003
    I been everywhere, man...
    None. At all.
    This changes all the time for me, but here's a few:

    "I'm Gonnna Make you Love Me" - Temptations
    "For Once in My Life" - Stevie Wonder
    "Ain't no Mountain High Enough" - both the Marvin Gaye and Diana Ross versions
    "What's Going On" - Marvin Gaye
    "I Was Made to Love Her" - Stevie Wonder
    "Darling Dear" - I forget :oops:
     
  3. Jul 28, 2003 #3
    baba

    baba

    Jan 22, 2002
    3rd stone from the sun
    Bernadette........James Jamerson
     
  4. Jul 28, 2003 #4
    P. Aaron

    P. Aaron Gold Supporting Member Supporting Member

    Sep 16, 2002
    Livin’ on a slab in Plano, TX
    "I Heard it through the Grapevine" by Gladys Knight and the Pips.

    I dig the bassline on the Jackson's version of "Never can say Goodbye". I don't know why. It's probably because I dig the song.

    "Cloud Nine" by the Temptations.

    Heck, I like Motown music because they are great songs! The basslines are dessert!
     
  5. Jul 28, 2003 #5
    IAMERICCOCHRANE

    IAMERICCOCHRANE

    Nov 29, 2002
    Arvada, Colorado
    "Heatwave"-forgot the original artist but was sung by Joan Osborne in the Standing in the Shadows of Motown video

    "Whats going on"-Marvin Gay

    "Cool Jerk"-Again, I forgot the original artists name but was done by Bootsy in the Video.
     
  6. Jul 29, 2003 #6
    DWBass

    DWBass The Funkfather

    Jan 24, 2003
    Newport News, VA via NYC
    Darling Dear was done by The Jackson 5 and Smokey Robinson, I think! I can confirm The Jackson 5 because I have it on wax. That is a nice bassline. "I Wanna Be Where You Are" by The Jackson 5 is also another tune with a funky bassline!
     
  7. Jul 29, 2003 #7
    bass87

    bass87

    Dec 7, 2002
    wherever it takes me
    Already been mentioned before, but for me it has to be:

    "What's Going On" - Marvin Gaye
    "I Heard it Through the Grapevine" - Marvin Gaye and Diana Ross
    "Bernadette" - The Four Tops
     
  8. Jul 29, 2003 #8
    NJL

    NJL

    Apr 12, 2002
    San Antonio
    "What's Happening, Brother" - marvin gaye (track right after what's going on)
     
  9. Jul 29, 2003 #9
    Davehenning

    Davehenning

    Aug 9, 2001
    Los Angeles
    "What's going on?"

    and

    "My Girl" I think that has to be one of greatest basslines ever. An almost zen-like simplicity. Take away that line and the whole song falls apart.
     
  10. Jul 30, 2003 #10
    Kid Charlemagne

    Kid Charlemagne

    May 29, 2002
    Europe
    My faves change often, but this summer it has been:

    Stevie Wonder - "I was made to love her"
    The Detroit Spinners - "It's a Shame"
     
  11. Jul 30, 2003 #11
    billys73

    billys73

    Apr 25, 2003
    I love Jamerson ! However, check out the bass on Jackson 5's "I want you back" That is Wilton Felder tearing it up. He is a very interesting musician. Worked with the Jazz Crusader or the Crusaders as they were later known. Very funky player and group. I believe he also played Sax.
     
  12. Aug 1, 2003 #12
    berklee46

    berklee46 Supporting Member

    Dec 19, 2000
    MA
    Cast another vote for "Darling Dear" :D :D