2015 Reader Favorites – #8: James Jamerson
No list would seem complete without the great James Jamerson – who is an annual favorite here on No Treble, for obvious reasons.
This year, we enjoyed another one of Jack Stratton’s “visualization” videos, showcasing once again Mr. Jamerson’s genius. We also featured some footage of the master bassist laying it down for Martha Reeves on a 1974 episode of “Don Kirshner’s Rock Concert”, and a reader favorite isolated bass track.
I Was Made to Love Her: James Jamerson’s Bass Line Visualized
Back in February, Vulpeck’s Jack Stratton just sent me his latest visualization video. This time around, the tune is Stevie Wonder’s “I Was Made to Love Her” – once again showcasing the genius of James Jamerson. Here’s what Jack said: “Jamerson is the Schoenberg of getting from the I chord to the IV chord…”
The Four Tops: Reach Out (I’ll Be There) (James Jamerson’s Isolated Bass)
As with past Isolated Bass Weeks here, we’re closed this one out with the legendary James Jamerson. Here’s his isolated bass track on The Four Tops’ “Reach Out (I’ll Be There)”, from the original Motown master tapes…
Martha Reeves with James Jamerson: Live on Don Kirshner’s Rock Concert 1974
There’s not a whole lot of live footage of the late, great James Jamerson, but the bits that we have are fantastic. Here’s a clip of the master bassist laying it down for Martha Reeves on a 1974 episode of “Don Kirshner’s Rock Concert”…
