Standing in the Shadows of Motown: The Life and Music of Legendary Bassist James Jamerson (book and CD) Paperback – Music Book, 31 Dec. 1899

This book is ideal for bass players or anyone interested in the history of popular music. Half history of Motown and Jamerson's role in 60s pop music, other half sheet music of his bass parts with online link to recordings.

James Jamerson was arguably the first electric bassist who really explored the potential of the Fender bass. As a member of the Funk Brothers he played on just about every Motown track up until the early 1970's. At some point during late 1966 better recording technology (a sixteen track desk!) pushed his lines further forward in the mix and seemed to coax him into creating syncopated 16th note flurries that few other players could match. Although well paid he did not receive a single credit until Marvin Gaye's 'What's Going On'. Motown's move to L.A. and a well documented alcohol problem hampered his later career and after his death in 1983 another well respected bassist, Carol Kaye made spurious claims that she was the originator of much of Jamerson's work. This book contains a biography as well as transcriptions and recordings of Jamerson's best lines and should be essential reading for anyone who loves Motown or bass guitar. Be aware there are no tabs; you'll need to be able to read from the bass clef.

This is a very interesting book. The story of Motown and James Jamerson is very well told. The sheets for the songs are great. And it's fun to hear the stories about James, presented from a lot of different musicians on the cd's. I got very inspired by this book - and I'm not even that into Motown music. If you don't own it already, you should by it right away.

Great book for learning basslines and the story of James Jamerson , basslines in standard notation no tab in the edition I have .

Fascinating description of the master's life and good tabs...

A great tribute to a real musical genius, a must-have for every seriously-practicing bass player. The music is beautiful, and the transcriptions are accurate ! But this is not really for beginners though (and sight-reading is required)... Allan Slutsky, the author, did a great job on this one, and if you are a funk lover, you should check his book about James Brown music Funkmasters: The Great James Brown Rhythm Sections, 1960-73: For Guitar, Bass and Drums

I love this book for showing me what he used to play and why. You do need to be able to read music though. There is no tab just the sheet music. A good read as well.

Wonderful book for those players who are big fans of James Jamerson. I was put onto this by a fellow player, and he's dead right, it's a hugely useful book for sight-reading practice as well as studying the great man.