New Jamerson Documentary!!!
The search for the Holy Grail of all instruments — Jamerson’s legendary Funk Machine — is continued in this landmark documentary, which explores the story of one of music history’s most important missing artifacts. The film is currently in production, so visit the page and help spread the word! https://www.facebook.com/findingthefunkmachine UPDATE: Check out the kickstarter … Continue reading
The Hook in Action: Jamerson Live with Martha Reeves & the Vandellas
Just stumbled across this the other day. Martha Reeves live on Don Kischner’s Rock Concert (1974) being backed by non other than Mr. Jamerson. Extra special moment at 6:10. The entire concert is available here: http://www.historicfilms.com/tapes/13999 Would love to see this whole show someday, but unfortunately the membership fee is beyond my financial means.
What’s Happening Brother Jamerson Bass Transcription of the Week
Last week’s transcription was a live, 1973 performance of What’s Happening Brother. This week I wanted to compare and contrast the live performance with the original 1971 version from Marvin Gaye’s Whats Going On album. Jamerson’s ability to create variations on bassline motives and progressions is unlike any other bass player. Check out his comping … Continue reading
Part II: Marvin Gaye’s What’s Happening Brother (Live)
Part II of the Marvin Gaye medley – What’s Going On/Whats Happening Brother, this weeks Jamerson bass transcription features the second half of Gaye’s performance. What’s Happening Brother from the 1972 Save The Children album/film. Please note in bar 104 it sounds as though Jamerson might be playing D naturals over a Bb minor chord. … Continue reading
Marvin Gaye’s What’s Going On (Live) – Jamerson Transcription of the Week
There is a video floating around the internet of Marvin Gaye Performing Whats Going On/What’s Happening Brother live with none other than James Jamerson backing him. This footage from the 1973 film, Save The Children, gives a rare glimpse of Jamerson’s “hook” technique in action. This weeks transcription is Jamerson’s line from the What’s Going … Continue reading
Standing In The Shadows Of Love – Jamerson Transcription of the Week (Standard Notation & Tab)
Here is Jamerson’s line on the 1966 Four Tops hit, “Standing In The Shadows Of Love.” I’ve only provided the first run through the form, but you can see here how Jamerson uses the open strings to tackle shifting from one position to the next and his use of rakes to deal with string crossings … Continue reading
Electric Bass Mute 101: The “Magic” Sponge
There is a beautiful decay in James Jamerson’s sound. Just listen to the intro of Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell’s “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”. With a foam mute under the strings of his 1962 Fender P. Bass, Jamerson was able to achieve that perfectly tapered decay. This mute, which use to come stock with … Continue reading
Fever in the Funk House 