JAMES JAMERSON /// Ain't No Mountain High Enough

Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell's version of Ain't No Mountain High Enough, written by Nickolas Ashford & Valerie Simpson, bass by James Jamerson, graphic score by Jack Stratton.

[evilmushroom]

I love that the visualization is of mountains and valleys.

[elixdab]

I never realized how intricate the bass was on this song.

[wizardmix]

This is possibly one of the best ways to teach and explain James Jamerson's approach I have ever seen.  As an ear player, this is a delight to behold.

[Pladderkasse]

The man literally played constant counter-melodies and kept the groove going without ever over-stepping.

[TenThumbsProductions]

If a James Jamerson bass line was your heart beat I would recommend going to the doctor right now. #Legend

[pedrobaeztorres]

I had the honor to meet J.J. in 1978 while I was the bassist for the Pointer Sisters at a weeklong stint at Six Flags Magic Mountain, he was classy, humble and funny, one of my all time inspirations, thank you Mr.Jamerson

[LyonsArcade]

The way he purposefully moves off the beat towards the end is ground shaking! Unbelievable talent.

[HarrilMullany]

JJ's melody is as amazingly articulate and heartfelt as the vocal melody, but more astounding is the way it drives the whole record right from the start! This man inhabits/creates the universe of bass in a way that no one else can. Thank you Maestro for illuminating a path only you can tread.

[bruceleemagomaev]

the funniest thing is that when you listen to a normal mix this part doesnt seem so busy and overplayed! i would never ever took away a single note from it! such a great sinergy with the vocals and harmony! true genius!

[PLively]

Every time I try and play along I think to myself
"James Jamerson was a genius"

[dh]

The “whoo” at 1:39 is my favourite part of any song ever.

[bradenraines]

This is actually what goes through my head anytime I listen to any given song. I’m so glad someone could visualize it.

[NickPanoutsos]

This is why we love Vulf. And James Jamerson.

[davidholloway]

Not only does this visual representation show the pitches and rhythm of notes, but it also shows which beat he emphasizes through the sizes of the dots. Love it.

[nicholascristoforo]

James Jameson did all of this with just one finger

[frankruss]

This is a beautiful way to illustrate Jamerson's playing. Masterpiece.

[gliblyaware]

Hallmark of genius. When its jumping all around, creating a groove and feel, room for the melody and you never even really notice it's there conciously. Its just a part of the song. Yep, genius!

[unc]

TGE! His mind was beyond that of mortal men. Abstract yet conventional. He would read the sheet once then toss is. All he needed was the changes and he took care of the rest. Master of the song within the song technique. The courage to even attempt some of this was valiant. His ability to play anything gave him the freedom to think far ahead into the arrangement. The guy is doing call and response against his own riff. I can name countless songs where he uses this technique. A sort of musical conversation with himself. But very articulate. Hans Zimmer says music is a question and answer session. He plays the first part, pauses, then answers with the second. James does this relentlessly on every song. Even "simple" songs like "still water runs deep". Never plays it the same way twice. That's so boring to him. Like someone saying the same thing over and over in a intimate conversation. Unless the song called for it. He's as much of a genius as any other genius. It's fun to watch

[martinmartinmoone]

My hero, I'm from Liverpool and without Jamerson, there is no McCartney

[huwgriffiths]

Flippin heck, Tammi Terrell is really screaming on that last chorus. Gives yer chills. Like Twist and Shout (Beatles).