It features precise transcriptions of Jamerson's most famous basslines.
James Jamerson - Standing in The Shadows of Motown | PDF - Scribd
Reading the PDF or book is only the first step. To truly sound like Jamerson, you must focus on his "feel."
Dr. Licks includes detailed instructions on where to play on the neck (positions), which finger to use (strictly the index finger for most notes), and how to handle the "ghost notes" (the percussive, muted notes that give Motown its texture). james jamerson standing in the shadows of motown pdf
"Standing in the Shadows of Motown" is an important document of 20th-century popular music. It masterfully restores a legendary artist to his rightful place in the spotlight and provides an essential educational resource for bassists. Thanks to the Internet Archive, this wealth of knowledge and inspiration is just a free loan away for anyone with an internet connection.
Before this book's release, Motown Records rarely credited its session musicians. The house band, known as "The Funk Brothers," created the iconic "Motown Sound" in a tiny basement studio called the "Snakepit."
His story is also a tragedy. Despite creating millions, Jamerson was kept out of the spotlight. Motown didn't list session musician credits until 1971, meaning his name wasn't on the records that defined a generation. When Motown moved from Detroit to Los Angeles, Jamerson, struggling with alcoholism and refusing to adapt to new studio technology, was left behind and died in 1983 at the age of 47. It features precise transcriptions of Jamerson's most famous
For decades, his revolutionary bass lines were uncredited. That changed with the release of Allan "Dr. Licks" Slutsky’s landmark 1989 book,
If you are a bassist, musician, or simply a lover of Motown music, you have likely heard the term "The Funk Machine," or you’ve felt that irresistible, melodic groove on hits like "My Girl," "What’s Going On," or "I Heard It Through the Grapevine."
Musicians seek out digital PDF versions of this book for several key reasons: Licks includes detailed instructions on where to play
An aggressive, driving performance where the bass acts as the primary lead instrument.
The first section of the transcription book is a brutal warm-up. It presents three fundamental grooves (A, B, and C) played in all 12 keys around the cycle of fourths. This teaches you Jamerson’s hand shape and finger permutations .
For decades, his genius remained uncredited on global hits. The landmark book and documentary, Standing in the Shadows of Motown , finally brought his legacy into the light.
Due to the complexity, the transcriptions must be broken down and practiced at lower tempos before matching the record's speed. Where to Find the Book