Latest squeeze

Anything to do with the things that make the music we listen to.
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Dave the bass
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#211 Re: Latest squeeze

Unread post by Dave the bass »

OK, it's not so much how he played, but his note choices. He was very creative in making his bass parts melodic.

Here's a clip of his bass isolated in Stevie Wonder's 'For once in my life'.

See how it sings it's own little song alongside the lyrics and melody?




That's what he was so clever at. It's more about his note choice than the technique IMO with JJ.

The 'odd' single finger (hook) style he used was just the way he chose to play those lines. Other bassists may use a plectrum or fingers or thumb technique that creates a very different sound. Marcus Miller and Mark King are both very distinctive Thumb slap style players. Their approach and sound is very different to what JJ did.
"The fat bourgeois and his doppelganger"
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Nick
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Location: West Yorkshire

#212 Re: Latest squeeze

Unread post by Nick »

Any song suggestions to appreciate his virtuosity?
Sometimes (a lot of the time), its not about being a "virtuoso". Sometimes what is important is playing what supports the music. YouTube and a lot of social media stuff can make you think that doing something just because its hard is the goal.
Whenever an honest man discovers that he's mistaken, he will either cease to be mistaken or he will cease to be honest.
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The Stratmangler
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Location: Rossendale, Lancashire

#213 Re: Latest squeeze

Unread post by The Stratmangler »

Here's Martha Reeves in 1974, and a certain James Jamerson in the band and tastefully going about his business supporting the song.

Chris :happy3:
jiril388
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#214 Re: Latest squeeze

Unread post by jiril388 »

Jamerson’s basslines were all about vibe, not flash. He had this way of making the bass sing and support the song, without needing to overdo it. That’s why his playing still stands out.
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