Standing in the Shadows of Motown (Paperback)

Allen Slutsky

ISBN 10: 0881888826 / ISBN 13: 9780881888829

Published by Hal Leonard Corporation, Milwaukee, 1989

About this Item

Paperback. (Guitar Book). Bassist James Jamerson was the embodiment of the Motown spirit and groove the invisible entity whose playing inspired thousands. His tumultuous life and musical brilliance are explored in depth through hundreds of interviews, 49 transcribed musical scores, two hours of recorded all-star performances, and more than 50 rarely seen photos in this stellar tribute to behind-the-scenes Motown. Features access to 120-minutes of audio! Allan Slutsky's 2002 documentary of the same name is the winner of the New York Film Critics "Best Documentary of the Year" award! Songs include: Ain't No Mountain High Enough * Ain't Nothing like the Real Thing * Ain't That Peculiar * Bernadette * Come 'Round Here (I'm the One You Need) * Darling Dear * Don't Mess with Bill * For Once in My Life * Home Cookin' * How Long Has That Evening Train Been Gone * How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You) * I Heard It Through the Grapevine * I Was Made to Love Her * I'm Gonna Make You Love Me * My Guy * Nowhere to Run * Reach Out I'll Be There * What's Going On * You Can't Hurry Love * and many more excerpts and riffs. The audio is accessed online using the unique code inside each book and can be streamed or downloaded. The audio files include PLAYBACK+, a multi-functional audio player that allows you to slow down audio without changing pitch, set loop points, change keys, and pan left or right. Bassist James Jamerson was the embodiment of the Motown spirit and groove-the invisible entity whose bass playing inspired thousands of imitators, and made it impossible for anyone to sit still whenever a Motown record was playing. Shipping may be from our Sydney, NSW warehouse or from our UK or US warehouse, depending on stock availability.

Seller Inventory # 9780881888829

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Standing in the Shadows of Motown (Paperback)
• Publisher: Hal Leonard Corporation, Milwaukee
• Publication Date: 1989
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0881888826
• ISBN 13: 9780881888829
• Binding: Paperback
• Condition: new

About this title

Synopsis

Standing in the Shadows of Motown – The James Jamerson Bass Method is the ultimate tribute to the legendary bassist who defined the Motown sound. Perfect for bass players, music students, and Motown fans, this comprehensive method book explores Jamerson’s life, technique, and musical legacy through authentic transcriptions and exclusive historical content. Ideal for home study, performance practice, or classroom use, this book invites players to experience the grooves that revolutionized modern music.

This in-depth bass guitar method and songbook includes 49 note-for-note transcriptions of Jamerson’s most iconic basslines. Each transcription is paired with detailed background notes, artist interviews, and over 50 rare photos that bring the story of Motown to life. The book also provides access to over 120 minutes of online audio featuring professional performances of Jamerson’s original lines, with the ability to slow down tracks, loop sections, and change keys for focused learning.

Designed for beginners through advanced players, this method helps musicians master Jamerson’s distinctive rhythmic feel, tone, and groove-based phrasing. The structured lessons build core skills in timing, syncopation, and note articulation — essential elements for funk, R&B, and soul bass styles. Whether used for self-study or as a music teacher resource, it’s a must-have tool for developing confident, expressive playing inspired by the Motown era.

Full Song List: Ain’t No Mountain High Enough * Ain’t Nothing Like the Real Thing * Darling Dear * Don’t Mess with Bill * For Once in My Life * I Heard It Through the Grapevine * Reach Out I’ll Be There * What’s Going On * You Can’t Hurry Love * and many more.

Bring music to life. Experience the timeless groove of Motown through the basslines that shaped generations. Perfect for bass students, working musicians, and fans of soul and funk.