James Browns bassists basses.

[grrg63]

I would think its a pretty safe bet that even when James had the Vox endorsement deal, for recording sessions, Bernard Odum or whoever else may have been on the job, was sticking with a Fender.

 

[P. Aaron]

I picked up the Vox here. Check it out its a kicker.

MARVA WHITNEY & The JB's - It's My Thing 1969 - YouTube

That groove is most awesome!

 

[cdef]

I would think its a pretty safe bet that even when James had the Vox endorsement deal, for recording sessions, Bernard Odum or whoever else may have been on the job, was sticking with a Fender.

Can't find the page anymore, but a few years ago I saw a piece on this. JB suspected the chart success of the 'British Invasion' had something to do with the gear, and wrangled a deal with the Thomas Organ Co. to supply his entire band with Vox equipment (even Clyde Stubblefield got a Vox drum set, made by Trixon). The players hated it, and only used this stuff for publicity, as per the agreement.

 

[P. Aaron]

Great thread. It would be great to get some sort of track listing showing which instruments were used. It's so fun trying to cop that tone and style at home.

Playing along to James Brown keeps one humble.

 

[Brad Johnson]

Thanks guys. Edting the OP.

To you guys who were around at the time... Do you think the Fender Jazz became the more 'fashoinable' bass in the early 70's?

Yep... after all, in addition to everything else, you could play Jazz on it.


They were everywhere pro-wise and they worked. What's not to like? Lots of chrome (that ashtray was humongous), TWO pickups, block inlays and not ridiculously out of reach pricewise (trust me, $300 was still a lot of money for most guys at the time) but every Tom, Dick and Larry didn't have one. I wanted one, got a Western Auto Telecaster copy instead, I'd been playing several years before I could afford a real Jazz bass.

So along comes Stanley Clarke and...

 

[Brad Johnson]

Playing along to James Brown keeps one humble.

Especially guys who thought it would be easy. For many, playing "Sex Machine" was like trying to catch a fly blindfolded.

 

[Munjibunga]

Here he is in '71 with Bootsy on a Jazz Bass.

 

[Munjibunga]

Another trivia tidbit: I named my son Maceo.

Just had to share.

wraub

That's "Oecam" backwards.

 

[Killerguitars]

Interesting question. I wonder what James Brown's bassists' bass amps were.

David Williams played a P Bass & a blonde Fender Bassman amp.

 

[Killerguitars]

David "Hook" Williams played the classic bassline on J.B.'s "I Got You (I Feel Good)". But I'm not sure what bass he was playing. Sure is a fun song to play though...

He used a P Bass & a Blonde Bassman, James bought for him when I gigged with him.

 

[markjazzbassist]

cool thread, going down the deepdive on JB bassists, love Bernard, Sweet Charles, Fred, Bootsy. I will check out that book recommended here as well, Great James Brown Rhythm Sections. Should be good reading.

 

[Ed Fuqua]

What, no love for David Weston?

 

[Ric Vice]

I can't add anything precise, but I am also interested. Vox folded at the end of the sixties, which may be why their involvement stopped

heres some more JBs / Vox footage

James Brown - Mother Popcorn (1969) - YouTube

This video proves the undeniable fact that the band was on fire when they played live.

 

[Ric Vice]

I would think its a pretty safe bet that even when James had the Vox endorsement deal, for recording sessions, Bernard Odum or whoever else may have been on the job, was sticking with a Fender.

Having played some of the Vox basses occasionally, /my guess is that they didn’t hold up well against the rigors of the road and James’ concert bookings. Originally,James guys were glad to have them because money was tight, but eventually Fenders were the only basses that would hold up night after night. Just my take

 

[Metal Sombreros]

To me its always Bootsy and his block Jazz