the Late Great James Jamerson..

[Wasim]

Another rarity... this was apparently one of Jamerson's favourite tracks of all the ones he played on.... I'd never heard of it!

Witchcraft - Marvin Gaye

Very jazzy upright part, I guess that's his Paul Chambers influence showing through

 

[One Drop]

Wow, thanks for the clips, guys!

That Joan Baez concert is a gem, just to hear his live tone.

 

[Wasim]

I was browsing a Jamerson discussion on another forum, and someone posted these Jackie Wilson songs - apparently Higher & Higher wasn't the only Wilson track JJ played on while moonlighting away from Motown.

Because of You

This Love is Real

You Can Count on Me

 

[Lo.]

Thanks Wasim.

I can't find any credits, but my ears tell me Jamerson was on Jackie Wilson's 1972 album "Beautiful Day"

Beautiful Day

If anyone can confirm I would appreciate it.

 

[BassLand]

That would be Jamerson's last year in Detroit before moving to California. I have been reviewing hours of footage taken at the 2003 Tribute to Jamerson at the Charleston South Carolina Avery Center "Back to the Source, The Life and Music of James Jamerson" I wish I had the time and funding to produce that work into the documentary he deserves (Actually if I had the funding, I would make the time LOL).

Below is a link to the only published video from that Tribute.

 

[Lo.]

That would be Jamerson's last year in Detroit before moving to California. I have been reviewing hours of footage taken at the 2003 Tribute to Jamerson at the Charleston South Carolina Avery Center "Back to the Source, The Life and Music of James Jamerson" I wish I had the time and funding to produce that work into the documentary he deserves (Actually if I had the funding, I would make the time LOL).

Below is a link to the only published video from that Tribute.

 

[jb63]

I would sure love to see that footage. The impact JJ had has got to be deserving of some kind of arts grant. Maybe even Motown should help out - it would benefit them, after all.

My discography is now up to 335 Albums - still a work in progress. If anyone can help out with additions and corrections, please let me know.

Jamerson Discography

Thank you so much Lo. for all your hard work in continuing the work the Brodies started. I'm sure it's a labor of love.

I noticed you haven't included the early non-Motown sides, in particular the "moonlighting" sessions at Golden World and the other Detroit area studios, though I realize comfirming those tracks is next to impossible. My contribution to this section on the Brodies list was "Just Like Romeo and Juliet" by The Reflections. The thing that tipped me off with this song wasn't the bass, but the guitars, by my ears it could've only been the Oreo Cookie Guitar Section. I surmise that if they were on that session, chances are James was as well.

Another point I'd like to make is the ommision of Carol Kaye from the players list. While I no way in agree with her claims (I have my own theory concerning that issue), she did in fact record for Motown. In particluar, "Never Can Say Goodbye" by The Jackson Five. Again, I'm solely relying on my ears in making this judgment, but it sure sounds like the bass was played with a pick on that one. Maybe some of the other players on the list played with a pick, I don't know. Maybe yourself, Bob, or any of other experts can verify this.

Perhaps all of us Jamerson fans could analyze disputed or questionable tracks and form a consensus as to who played bass. Just a thought.

Please don't take any offense to my comments, I'm just (as they say in Texas) pickin' nits.

Again, thanks to you and Bassland Bob for your dedication and work in honoring the man who continues to inspire me and countless other bass players.

Jb63

 

[alexgeddy]

only problem with this whole Motown debate is how much of the songs were recorded in LA...Gives rise to the question to who the bassist was?????? and what MOTOWN was trying to push////no wonder Carol kaye has been so pissed

 

[Lo.]

No offence taken at all. Thanks for the comments. Carole Kaye is a giant of bass. Simple as that. I find it sad that a few tracks have been argued about for a long time - it detracts from how much other stuff she did.

If I had to pick just two, the bass players closest to JJ's sound for me were Michael Henderson and Eddie Watkins - I REALLY wish Eddie would set about making claims for his Motown work - it would help me correct the discography I'm sure. Also Scott Edwards is another giant of groove that I would love to study more.

Check out Michael Henderson's incredible homage to Jamerson on this Johnnie Taylor track - he really was a major part of Jamerson's legacy, and he changed the musical world with Miles Davis, too.

Michael Henderson

I hope to expand the discography to include the non-motown singles, thanks for the reminder!

 

[Wasim]

only problem with this whole Motown debate is how much of the songs were recorded in LA...Gives rise to the question to who the bassist was?????? and what MOTOWN was trying to push////no wonder Carol kaye has been so pissed

The songs that defined Jamerson's legacy - your Bernadettes, What's Going Ons, and the like - were all recorded in Detroit.

 

[Wasim]

Another point I'd like to make is the ommision of Carol Kaye from the players list. While I no way in agree with her claims (I have my own theory concerning that issue), she did in fact record for Motown. In particluar, "Never Can Say Goodbye" by The Jackson Five. Again, I'm solely relying on my ears in making this judgment, but it sure sounds like the bass was played with a pick on that one. Maybe some of the other players on the list played with a pick, I don't know. Maybe yourself, Bob, or any of other experts can verify this.

I don't agree with that all. I've heard the stripped down version of the track (basically Michael's voice and the bass) and I don't hear any evidence of a pick being used. In fact, if I didn't know any better I'd say it could have been Jamerson, although it was probably someone like Wilton Fender.

 

[MonkeyBass]

Man! Yeah...

Thanks for that.

 

[jb63]

I don't agree with that all. I've heard the stripped down version of the track (basically Michael's voice and the bass) and I don't hear any evidence of a pick being used. In fact, if I didn't know any better I'd say it could have been Jamerson, although it was probably someone like Wilton Fender.

Man that must've been a treat! I love hearing stuff like that from hit songs, rough mixes, isolated tracks, etc.

Maybe I'm hearing some of the kick drum blending with the bass guitar. Plus I'm not very familiar with the LA bassists who cut tracks for Motown. But, Highly doubt it was Jamerson on that one. For one, the bass tone is nowhere as fat as Jamersons tone, and the part itself sounds like someone playing a part influenced by Jamerson's style.

 

[jb63]

only problem with this whole Motown debate is how much of the songs were recorded in LA...Gives rise to the question to who the bassist was?????? and what MOTOWN was trying to push////no wonder Carol kaye has been so pissed

Yep, the time between '70 and '72 tapes were being flown back and forth. So there are tracks out there with a combination of Detroit and LA players.

 

[jb63]

No offence taken at all. Thanks for the comments. Carole Kaye is a giant of bass. Simple as that. I find it sad that a few tracks have been argued about for a long time - it detracts from how much other stuff she did.

If I had to pick just two, the bass players closest to JJ's sound for me were Michael Henderson and Eddie Watkins - I REALLY wish Eddie would set about making claims for his Motown work - it would help me correct the discography I'm sure. Also Scott Edwards is another giant of groove that I would love to study more.

Check out Michael Henderson's incredible homage to Jamerson on this Johnnie Taylor track - he really was a major part of Jamerson's legacy, and he changed the musical world with Miles Davis, too.

Michael Henderson

I hope to expand the discography to include the non-motown singles, thanks for the reminder!

WOW! That's a cool tune! And that tone is real close to Jamersons.

 

[bassist4dalord]

very cool vid, Sam, i think that it's really nice to get names like Jamerson's out there to the younger crowds, who may not have heard about him

I agree. I'm 18 years old and from the Detroit area, and I absolutely LOVE Motown music. I'm proud to say that I live so close to place where such awesome music was made. Too many bassists (and musicians in general) my age are idolizing modern musicians. Now, there's nothing wrong with that (I greatly enjoy a lot of modern music as well) but nothing sounds quite as awesome as a P with heavy-gauge flats played by The Hook

 

[Lo.]

"Never Can Say Goodbye" was the wonderful Tony Newton - he's number 3 on my sounds-like-JJ list!

Check him out doing his thing on a cover of NCSG track with Dennis Coffey:

Tony Newton - Never Can say Goodbye

 

[Wasim]

"Never Can Say Goodbye" was the wonderful Tony Newton - he's number 3 on my sounds-like-JJ list!
Check him out doing his thing on a cover of NCSG track with Dennis Coffey:

Tony Newton - Never Can say Goodbye

let's hear it then!

 

[Lo.]

let's hear it then!

...see post 310...the 2 others are Michael Henderson and Eddie Watkins.

Wonderful new article with Anthony Jackson and JJ Jr:

Jamerson article - Bass Player Mag

Good to see they talk about this one - it's not my favourite JJ line but it's one hell of a work out played with one RH finger!

Amazing JJ line - Jimmy Ruffin - If You will Let me I know I Can

 

[BassLand]

Another point I'd like to make is the ommision of Carol Kaye from the players list. While I no way in agree with her claims (I have my own theory concerning that issue), she did in fact record for Motown. In particluar, "Never Can Say Goodbye" by The Jackson Five. Again, I'm solely relying on my ears in making this judgment, but it sure sounds like the bass was played with a pick on that one. Maybe some of the other players on the list played with a pick, I don't know. Maybe yourself, Bob, or any of other experts can verify this.

Please don't take any offense to my comments, I'm just (as they say in Texas) pickin' nits.

Again, thanks to you and Bassland Bob for your dedication and work in honoring the man who continues to inspire me and countless other bass players.

Jb63

------------------------------------------------------
A couple of points. First off thank you regarding comments on my efforts. A better idea would be to go and watch what the people at Motown had to say regarding their glory years in Detroit.

Link Removed

Link Removed

there is a whole series of 50 interviews at:

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

"Perhaps all of us Jamerson fans could analyze disputed or questionable tracks and form a consensus as to who played bass. Just a thought."

I have had over 14 years of debates on this subject and I honestly believe they don't achieve anything substantive at this point.

There will always be someone who "hears" a pick sound on Bernadette... Perhaps people will hear what they want to hear.

Go read some of her arguments/attacks on her detractors and it will become readily apparent why no one wants to debate it with her any further. The only place to do that would be on her website and she has a tight reign on any conflict with her version of events.

Stick a fork in this one guys, it's done... I will always reserve the right to modify my thoughts/opinion on this matter but not at this time.

"Another point I'd like to make is the omission of Carol Kaye from the players list. While I no way in agree with her claims (I have my own theory concerning that issue), she did in fact record for Motown."

Yes, she at does deserve recognition for her work but IMO she is the type of "bass" celebrity whom many no longer take serious. The more she holds onto the story line regarding Motown claims that are seriously suspect at this point, the less she is believed on that subject (or various subjects) by many people.

I feel bad for Tiger Woods but he set himself up for a fall...

"Please don't take any offense to my comments, I'm just (as they say in Texas) pickin' nits"

This is the part that floors me sometimes. There is the notion that I hate Carol/women in general/female bassists in particular (etc) and nothing could be further from the truth. I have 3 daughters, 11 grand daughters and recently have been blessed with my first great grand daughter... I have a girlfriend. 'Nuff Said.