James Is The Man!
I've been mesmerized by Mr. Jamerson since I was 10 years old.
In 1968, at the age of 10, I heard "Ain't Nothing Like The Real Thing" with Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell, and it was my first memory of REALLY being aware of the beauty of a bass line.
Years later, after I began to play bass and to fully appreciate the folks who did it well, I started to listen to Mr. Jamerson more carefully. "I Was Made To Love Her" by Stevie Wonder is a magical playground for James! I don't believe he plays anything the same way twice in that tune, except for the hook. It's hypnotic!
Listen to "Ain't That Peculiar" by Marvin Gaye or "Going To A Go Go" by Smokey & The Miracles. The genius of Mr. Jamerson is undeniable!
Of course, "Bernadette" by the Four Tops is classic, and my emotional bass-playing favorite is "What's Going On?" by Marvin Gaye.
There will never be another James Jamerson.
|