Favorite James Jamerson

[Albert Smith]

Originally Posted by Ronson Hall

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.

For all those that seek to listen to the the magic of James Jamerson, you can pick up the DVD or the CD at you local Wally World (better known as Wal-Mart)