By Nish (66.119.33.167) on Tuesday, November 05, 2002 - 10:27 am:

All this Jamerson love is wonderful. But I think his bass work on those Motown ballads are underrated (probably because they are often a little simpler than the basslines on the uptempo stuff), but some of my favorite basslines from him are on songs like "Ooh Baby Baby," "Fork In The Road," "My Baby Loves Me," "You'll Lose A Precious Love." He could make his bass so fluid and melodic so that it is not ONLY a part of a rhythm section, but an actual featured part of the song, but he was still never taking anything away from the harmonies and tender leads that tend to be highlighted in those ballads.

I especially like on "Ooh Baby Baby" where he kind of acts as the fifth miracle "voice," "singing" the vocal bass with his instrumental bass. That's just pure genius to me. (Pete was in the military at the time this was recorded, I think).

The drums and vibes and strings on that song are a whole 'nother monster. Just BEAUTIFUL. The way the lead guitarist (Mr. Tarplin?) keeps playing the "ooh-la-la-la-la" part throughout the song. And if I go into the actual vocals, I'll be here all day ranting about it. As you can tell, "Ooh Baby Baby" holds a special place in my heart! :-) Most perfect record I've ever heard.

By Davie Gordon (193.122.21.42) on Tuesday, November 05, 2002 - 10:55 am:

Well said, Nish !

I've always felt that a instrumental part doesn't have to be complicated to work well, it's whether
or not it adds to the overall song. The wonderful
thing about Jamerson's work is that it adds so
much to the records without taking anything from
the singers. You make me want to get home to
listen to "Ooh Baby Baby" on headphones. This
forum is making me listen with fresh ears to
loads of my old records because the people
posting their comments about old favourites is
making me notice things I'd missed or didn't
understand. I always enjoy your posts - keep 'em
coming.

By LTLFTC (12.245.225.79) on Tuesday, November 05, 2002 - 11:50 am:

"Your Precious Love" is another great 'bass' ballad. The most amazing thing to me about Jamerson's bass playing is how much musical content he packs in to a song. On so many songs his part alone is worthy of listening to all the way through and yet he never seems to interfere with the vocal melody.
Another often 'heard but not HEARD' part is the drumming on "Baby I Need Your Loving". It amazes me that the drummer (Benny ?) could play that particular groove all the way through without speeding up like crazy. These guys are on a whole nother level.
Steve K.

By Vickie (64.236.243.31) on Tuesday, November 05, 2002 - 02:53 pm:

"Your Precious Love"

Oh man that just melts me everytime I hear that intro..

Vickie

By Nish (66.119.33.135) on Tuesday, November 05, 2002 - 02:54 pm:

I was JUST listening to "BABY I NEED YOUR LOVING" before going to my Civil Procedure class earlier and I was listening to what I presume to be "Papa Zita" playing drums. Also on certain parts of that song, Jamerson and Benjamin are grooving together so nice that it sounds like Jamerson's bass is just an extension of the drums. I especially like the part at the bridge immediately after Levi sings "will I ever be the same," BB does something a little different, like skips a beat or something, and I don't know if it was a mistake or if he just felt the groove a little differently that time, but it sounds gooooooood!

And Davie thanks, as I type this message, this is about my 15th time listening to "Ooh Baby Baby" with the phones. I discover something new, like how Claudette's voice almost seems to float in the air above the other miracles' harmony. Such a beautiful blend.

By TD (65.210.112.50) on Tuesday, November 05, 2002 - 04:35 pm:

ANOTHER GREAT BASS-NOT SURE IF J.J. IS WHAT DOES IT TAKE BY JR. WALKER.
AND OF COURSE JUST MY IMAGINATION
BEAUTIFUL

td

By Larry (216.23.183.2) on Tuesday, November 05, 2002 - 05:36 pm:

Vicky, right on about Precious Love. Just thinking of the tune affects me, specially with what happened to Marvin. I think I read on SD that it's Joe Messina doubling James Jamerson.

What a gift to have this song to listen to.

By john c (12.81.194.42) on Wednesday, November 06, 2002 - 12:45 am:

I'm Gonna Make You Love Me.. beautiful fill at the end of Eddie's first line (Oh Baby.. bass fill).