James Jamerson, a legendary pioneer of bass guitar, is revered by nearly every bass player who has emerged in the last five decades. Known for his groundbreaking approach and undeniable influence, Jamerson’s legacy remains as enduring as his work with Motown’s greatest hits.
In a 2001 interview with Bass Player, Jack Bruce, the iconic bassist from Cream, recalled his first encounter with Jamerson. The meeting occurred in 1974 at the Record Plant in Los Angeles. Bruce was working on his album Out of the Storm, specifically a tribute track to Stevie Wonder titled Keep On Wondering.
“I was overdubbing my bass part in the control room when the door suddenly burst open,” Bruce recounted. “It was James Jamerson, who had mistakenly entered the wrong room while running late for a Stevie Wonder session. He listened for a moment and said, ‘No, no, that’s not the way you do it.’ Then, he grabbed my EB-3 bass and demonstrated how it should be played!”
Bruce shared that the two spent significant time together during his recording sessions. “I was there for months, so I got to know him well. He was a nice guy, though a bit bitter about feeling sidelined by Motown. He even asked if I wanted to take on some of his session work,” Bruce said.
Jamerson’s frustration stemmed from not receiving proper recognition for his contributions to Motown. Despite being the driving force behind countless iconic tracks by artists like Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder, his role was sometimes obscured. “He played on 30 number-one hits, which is incredible, but they’d occasionally try to credit other bass players,” Bruce noted.
Bruce’s own illustrious career reached a milestone in 2010 with the release of his authorized biography, Composing Himself. The book recounts his experiences with influential bands such as Alexis Korner’s Blues Inc., the Graham Bond Organisation, John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers, and, most famously, Cream.
In Cream, Bruce found his creative stride, redefining the role of the bassist in rock music. Reflecting on his early years, Bruce said in a 1993 interview, “I was trying to find different sounds and approaches. I wanted to play the bass like a guitar.”
This philosophy transformed Bruce’s bass playing into a melodic and dynamic force. His progression can be traced through recordings like The Sound of ’65 with the Graham Bond Organisation and Cream’s Fresh Cream. By the time Cream recorded live tracks like Spoonful and Sweet Wine, Bruce’s innovative style had fully blossomed, often blurring the line between bass and lead guitar.
One standout example of Bruce’s approach can be heard during an eight-minute jam on Sweet Wine, where Bruce and Eric Clapton swap roles—Bruce playing intricate lines high on the bass neck while Clapton lays down bass-like patterns on guitar.
Bruce’s career could have taken a very different path. In 1965, Marvin Gaye invited him to join his band. Reflecting on the offer, Bruce said, “At the time, I faced a lot of criticism for playing too many notes or being too unconventional. But Marvin loved my playing, so I must have been doing something right.”
When asked if he regretted not taking the opportunity, Bruce admitted it was tempting. “It would have been groundbreaking to see a white bassist in that scene. It might have changed a lot of things,” he said. However, Bruce was young, and the decision ultimately led to the formation of Cream. “What happens, happens. I’m not too sorry about it in the long run.”
Both Jack Bruce and James Jamerson are celebrated for their transformative impact on music. While Jamerson’s contributions to Motown remain unparalleled, Bruce’s work with Cream elevated the bassist’s role in rock to new heights. Their chance meeting at the Record Plant serves as a testament to the shared passion and artistry that connect music’s most innovative minds.
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