Standing in the Shadows of Motown: The Life and Music of Legendary Bassist James Jamerson [Paperback]

Dr. Licks (Author), James Jamerson (Author), Berry Gordy (Foreword)

Book Description

Release date: May 1, 1989

(Guitar Book). Bassist James Jamerson was the embodiment of the Motown spirit and groove the invisible entity whose playing inspired thousands. His tumultuous life and musical brilliance are explored in depth through hundreds of interviews, 49 transcribed musical scores, two hours of recorded all-star performances, and more than 50 rarely seen photos in this stellar tribute to behind-the-scenes Motown. Features a 120-minute CD! Allan Slutsky's 2002 documentary of the same name is the winner of the New York Film Critics "Best Documentary of the Year" award!

Product Details

• Paperback: 191 pages
• Publisher: Hal Leonard; 00698960 edition (May 1, 1989)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0881888826
• ISBN-13: 978-0881888829
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 1 x 12 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (52 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #24,686 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #4 in Books > Arts & Photography > Music > Musical Genres > Soul
  • #51 in Books > Arts & Photography > Music > Instruments > Guitar
  • #80 in Books > Arts & Photography > Music > Songbooks

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

58 of 59 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Inside the mind of a genius July 25, 2002

By Mark Wieczorek VINE™ VOICE

Format:Paperback

While at one time he was simply known as "The Motown Bassist" to thousands of aspiring bass players around the world, including more famous and world class bass players than you can imagine, James Jamerson is now a legend of immense proportions. If you don't know who Jamerson is by now then you simply must get this book.

If you do know who James Jamerson is, then this book is a no brainer. Quite possibly the most influential musician of the past 50 years. If it weren't for him, the Beatles, Led Zeppelin, and countless of others in the rock and r&b genres wouldn't sound the way they do.

The biography is compelling and I read it straight through over a several hour period when I first received this book. The lessons are difficult, and definately not for the beginner.

For a beginner who wants to learn classic R&B style bass playing I'd reccomend the Duck Dunn book (What Duck Done) followed by the James Brown book (Funkmasters). Donald "Duck" Dunn was the house player at Stax and has also played on countless classics from Wilson Pickett, Otis Redding and many other Memphis Soul artists. More recently he's played with The Blues Brothers and even Neil Young. His lines are much more straightfoward than Jamersons and are easier to learn. When you get through that book you can go on to Funkmasters and learn some classic James Brown grooves.

Finally, when you've graduated from those books you can take a crack at the Jamerson book, though I think it should be on your shelf from day 1 to give you inspiration, and so you can listen to the tracks with the bass prominently mixed. Just to get it into your ears, so to speak. You might also hear a Motown tune you think you can pick up and will want to reference this book.

James Jamerson, legend, towering genius of Bass, has challenged countless bass players exposed to his playing. This book will challenge you, it will push you, and it will humble you. Be sure to look for the movie and CD's by the same name in the fall of 2002.

21 of 23 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars An absoute must! May 27, 2000

By Michael

Format:Paperback

I owned this book once before some years ago, and, unfortunately, after my fellow bassist got "hip" to it being on my shelf, it disappeared. While I was happy to pass on the knowledge of James Jamerson's work to others, several days ago, I realized this is a "must have" for anyone serious about learning the art of developing fluid, yet inventive and distinctive bass lines. Hence, I have purchased another copy. Even a cursory analysis of the material presented in this book reveals that Jamerson was a master of the unexpected and the beautiful with regard to not only rhythm, but also harmony (check out his use of "passing" tones!). It also was enlightening to learn the depth of his musical background, including his work on the double bass - some of which occurs on his Motown work. Although my own tastes tend to lean toward "free jazz," James Jamerson's work, as presnted here, reminded me that the music - no matter what genre - always must be infused with the pulse of life to truly move people and transform the world.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A Portrait, a Tribute, a Learning Tool, & a Great Listen June 5, 2004

By Daniel Leibovitz

Format:Paperback

To comprehend James Jamerson's work, listen to the beautiful bass lines of the hits. Whether you're a student of bass or a seasoned player, playing those lines is no easy task! "Bernadette", "Reach Out",.... Envigorating sounds! Jamerson's story is here. Hear re-creations of his work minus vocals by the best of the best of today's bass players. Most of the sheet music is included!
Sitting without tribute, quietly and anonymously in the audience at the Motown 25th anniversary TV special performance in California, Jamerson had been akin to the elder Indian in the old "Keep America Beautiful" TV ad who sheds a tear with grief at the spoiling of his pristine land. This book was a great first step at righting that wrong.
This book went on to inspire a similarly titled movie on the Funk Brothers. This book and the 2 CDs that accompany it are a one-of-a-kind find for the bassists and all who crave the Motown and soul sound of the sixties and seventies. Thanks to its author for assembling the treasures and for inspiring such good will in the music community!