Jameson vs. Kaye-who was the hottest session bassist?
Howdy Doody:
I am a big fan of Carol Kaye's bass playing on so many of her brilliant hot vintage sessions. But recently I've been wondering just who has been more of a pioneering individual stylist in the shaping of pop culture and bass technique Carol Kaye or James Jameson? Who has had the greater cultural impact? I have been listening to some of Marvin Gaye's music that Jameson performed on(and I feel he should have got a tad more creative credit for) especially "What's going on," and quite frankly I feel he has had more of an impact on the sound of modern-era bass and it's applications in the recording studio. Don't get me wrong however Carol Kaye is, and always will be remembered fondly. Ray Pohlman as well was a fine musician IMO. What is your favorite songs Carol Kaye performed on? As well if you dig Jameson what songs are your favorites of his? Pet Sounds is a given for Carol as some of her best contributions to BW's legacy. I love most of Carol's more well-known sessions but a discussion of any and all bass meisters would be a fun trip for fans of the beautiful BASS guitar. I think BW told Carol exactly what to play though she acts like BW begrudged he of creative credit.
HighOnLife:
Jamerson, to me.
The playing on 'What's Goin' On' is downright stunning.
jazzfascist:
I would say James Jamerson too, it's like he created and institutionalized a whole style of bassplaying by himself, I wouldn't really know what songs Carol Kaye played on if somebody didn't tell me. She and the other session musicians of the "Wrecking Crew" probably did more than they were credited for, but on Brian's sessions it seems, that they more or less played what they were told, and didn't have so much creative input, even though Don Randi suggested the stacatto playing on "GOK", but still. Maybe the creative environments of the LA studios and Motown were different so that the studio musicians on Motown contributed more, I don't know.
Søren
Aum Bop Diddit:
I am no expert on bass guitar, but it would seem clear in terms of "impact", James Jamerson is on the list you count on one hand (who else -- Bootsy, Entwhistle, McCartney, Jaco? I speak only from my frame of reference.). Possessing the greatness of ability as well as the individual style that for whatever reason moves things and connects in terms of influence.
But that does not diminish Carole Kaye's extraordinary playing (I know there are murky waters to navigate with her sometimes -- but didn't she play on Motown stuff too?). Also she is in a sense a band member -- take her in the context as a part of the Wrecking Crew and all those great records. As with Jamerson -- he an absolute monster on his instrument -- but he is also playing with one of the greatest drummers ever (Benny Benjamin) and rhythm guitarists and keyboardists and writers and arrangers.... And these guys were somewhat interchangeable -- there are great Motown tracks you think have him on it but don't.
But he was the best! And I trust you all saw "Standing in the Shadows of Motown". Flawed (Ben Harper? Etc.?), but worthy. These guys deserve so much more recognition and bucks (ten dollars a song!).
Jason:
James Jamerson by a long shot.
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