• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Over the top bass playing or tastefully done?

Over the top bass playing or tastefully done?

  • Spot On/Perfect/Wouldn't change a thing

    Votes: 61 51.7%

  • Would change a few things but for the most part he nailed it

    Votes: 26 22.0%

  • Too busy for the most part but nice in parts

    Votes: 22 18.6%

  • He forgot the song is not about him

    Votes: 9 7.6%
  • Total voters
    118
#81
pocket_groover said:
I like it. You might have said Jamerson was "over the top" in the original recording but it really makes the song. Here's a live performance (with Jamerson in the video!) in which he embellishes his lines of the original recording. Sounds great! Also great lines in the second part (What's Happening Brother)

Also agree that the band left space for the bass player. It's great when a song sounds good with only drums/bass/vocals. You can hear this in some of the stripped recordings of Smokey Robinson where only Jamerson and vocals are on.

Click to expand...

Many people also don't realize that James Jamerson played What's Going on Live again with Marvin Gaye at Live At Oakland Coliseum, CA in 1974. He adds some twists to it. He is definitely a master of improvisation. Click on the YouTuber's channel for more bass boosted/isolated bass of Jamerson :)

 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: EliasA, pocket_groover and Akami

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back