Don Freeman here. A few years before I moved to Los Angeles to play keyboards and write songs for Bill Withers I was playing with Sister Sledge in 74’ and in 75 I wrote a song with Kathy Sledge that was an obvious nod to the Holland Dozier & Holland Supremes and when I got to the studio in NYC Bob Babbitt was there to play bass on it. Of course he played this feel many times at Motown and he made it sound so good it was as if he wrote it. Love Has Found Me on Atlantic Records. You can find it in TH-cam & google. Super nice guy and as good as it gets. Peace.
I'm not a bass player, and Im just being honest here. Growing up, I heard these songs, I sang the lyrics for years. For the past 10 or so years, I started humming James Jamerson's bass lines, and I tend to forget the late great Marvin Gaye is singing.
I’m a multi-instrumentalist and I’ve been playing & composing for 30 years. Used to be in a 60s cover band. Man the lyrics were such a challenge. I know so many 60s & 70s tunes. But the lyrics are just a blur, I hear vocals almost as if they are trumpet or flute. I know what you mean about where your focus is on music. You’re feeling the pure music…beyond words. Love it.
Bobbit never gets the name drop that Jameson gets. So many people automatically assume that JJ played on songs that Bob had to clarify to so many over the decades. This bassline has been covered way more than anything JJ did on this album. Much respect to both of these icons. 🙏
I don’t know man, What’s Going On has also been covered a ton and also a masterpiece. JJ tracked it lying on his back either hung over or drunk which is pretty amazing
@@bassadelica I'm not disputing the amount of times "WGO" was covered, I'm saying the BB's bassline had been used more, which was the point of the video, especially when Hip Hop got a hold of it. I'd never dismiss JJ's contribution but no one talks about BB enough.
@@LonnellRich Absolutely right, but imagine if you were Bob Bobbit and no one calls your name even though were that bass player who played those lines.
I got into Motown in the early 70s, not long after I took up the bass and for obvious reasons. Unlike the bassists of the sixties who were influenced by Jamerson long before they knew who he was, I was aware that all those great basslines were the work of James Jamerson. My favourite was "Tears of a clown" and that's the first one I took the trouble to teach myself. It wasn't until many years later that I realised I wasn't copying the work of James Jamerson at all, because Babbit did that one. Both guys were great.
Bob was the nicest guy too. I had an idea for a major VI vendor to do a sample library using Bob’s iconic playing. Bob had his phone number posted on his website so I called him up to see what he thought about it. We talked for about and he was so kind! Sadly, Bob passed before it came to fruition.
Bob Babbitt is so underrated. I'm not sure if he was protégé of Jamerson, per se; but he matched Jamerson's style perfectly and has fooled some of the best. Some of my favorite Babbitt recordings are Gladys Knight and the Pips' 'Midnight Train to Georgia', Jim Croce's 'I Got a Name', and Stevie Wonder's 'Signed, Sealed, Delivered...'. Thank you for sharing another great video.
They were friends and often tracked many of the same songs on different days. Each could copy the other's playing style perfectly. Bob was also a pro wrestler, for real.
What y'all think of Donald 🦆 Dunn. Between him and Bob, it's hard to pick who's more soulful or funky. 🤷🏾♂️🤦🏽💯 I know Bob played on more hits. But Dunn was just immaculate.
One of my absolute favorite bass lines ever. Scratch that, it is my favorite. Had no idea that it was 2 basses. No wonder every time I heard someone cover it I was like, sorry, that's not it. LOL.
That album was a MONSTER ! I remember my older brother and cousins just hanging by the Lafayette stereo system in my cousins house and just grooving to this album. It was like nothing we’d ever heard before and it’s still unmatched.
On the What's going on album, James jamerson played on all the songs up to God is love and Bob Babbit plays on the rest of the album from "mercy, mercy me" onwards. A very musically satisfying album! A masterpiece!
I believe Bob Babbitt is given credit alongside Jamerson in Marvin's liner notes on "What's Going On", but the credits are given for the whole album, so you don't know who's playing on each track. But you give us a great analysis of "Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)", as you always do, Paul. I always look forward to your next video.
Great video as usual, Maestro. Bobby was a bad man, and I was fortunate enough to meet him and see him perform a few times when he lived here in Nashville. He definitely laid down some icon basslines with the Funk Brothers.
Marvin and the artist of that era were MASTERS of SOUND! Hearing this story and the others from the FUNK BROTHERS describe this production and how the finished product came about is beyond BRILLIANT! It is a testament to the craft of how it’s done RIGHT, into CLASSIC history.
I'll admit it, it's been awhile since I've watched one of you videos but DAMN they're good. So clear, so direct, I love hearing you speak to all the amazing bass content out there. Always a pleasure hearing you speak and listening to you play!
This actually explains a lot. I recall trying to play this from memory at one point and thinking to myself … Also, thank you for spotlighting the song even if just to point out that it was Bob Babbitt on the record. I had definitely assumed it was James Jamerson!
My memories of this album are my maternal grandmother having the vinyl in her home when I was a child and almost how "mythical" the cover seemed to me... I can't explain why. There was a quality to it that seemed unreal. That's the best I can put it. I always associate it with the sound and the warmth of the grooves on that album. It brings me a feeling every single time I see that cover. I see colors and feel the warmth, but I'm wired kinda funny, so don't try to think too hard about it... 🤣
That groove on inner city blues sounds hauntingly like Jaco Pastorius! That same baseline he uses several times through his solo album where he played multiple R&B tunes! I love your videos!
Jamerson actually played this live during Marvin Gaye's tour in 1974 I believe. A recording of Jamerson's version can be heard on Marvin Gaye's "Live!" album recorded at his show in Oakland. Linked here: th-cam.com/video/4e0hv0EZE-4/w-d-xo.htmlsi=Hzz8OH0LlzN55aMJ
This was great! I recognize Bob Babbitt as well from one of my favorite songs,“Scorpio” by Dennis Coffee and the Detroit Guitar Band. His solo on that song must be (close to?) the longest bass solo on any hit record and is just great. A future video on that?
Thank you for this channel. I was inspired to buy a beginner base after watching many of your videos. I was a sax guy, but I cannot deny the funk. One of the first bass lines I want to learn is from Fred Wesley. The name of the song is Damn Right, I'm somebody. I don't know if you ever heard it, but it is funky as all get out. I also want to learn the bass line from Michael McDonalds I keep forgettin'. This was sampled by Warren G on the Regulators song. Again thank you for all the videos and I can't wait to see what you have coming up next!
I wonder if there’s a possibility of a two handed areangement of these parts, I am going to dig into this. Babbit had such a deep pocket, it’s hard to describe, it’s slippery and perfect at the same time.
Very good. You seem enthused. I've been enthused by everything MG ever did. This might be an early 'discovery' that two bass lines were needed. But when they recorded the high bass line, my best guess is there might have been one or two people in the room who knew there would be an eventual callback to add a second bass. And now, anytime a bass takes a melody or high counter-melody, there's two bass lines, and it's known ahead of time. The best example I can think of is Stanley Clarke, who typically uses a fretless for his lead instrument. And it might be an easy conclusion to draw as to who inspired him. What's interesting is that there is a common belief that two basses could cause destructive interference and mud up a song, which may be why the two bass lines try to stay out of the way of each other on that MG recording. Whether that is the case or not, it's constructed that way, and as you say, is brilliantly done.
Bob Babbitt is so dope -- different style from JJ in that his lines were more repetitive and less flowing/ linear - but so satisfying to listen to and just as musical IMO
Hello my friend. Excellent synopsis here on this high-water mark recording. I always walk away learning something after watching your clips here. Today, I heard an obscure classic and it got me thinking: “PD Man needs to be reminded of this one! It was Nightshift by Commodores! Now, I’m hearing synthesized bass in there but I’m also hearing fretless too. Maybe your ears can further determine what’s goin on in there. Thank you friend!
I’m watching right now episode 83 of Midnight Special. The Blues episode. You must look it up! Lots of upright players in this one! At 33:38, Bobby Blue Bland steps up and his bassist is here (on fretted ‘72 or 3 Natural Precision Bass) is frickin KILLING IT! You must see/hear this!
I always thought it was TWO basslines at once (maybe that was just me making excuses for why I can't play it!!) BUT I always believed it was Jamerson doing both...😮
My friend, can you please please please do a video on the base line for Marvin Gaye - Heavy Love Affair. It's my most favourite baselines of all time and it's a rare groove classic that many don't know. It's syncopated and fits on a standard time signature. It's genius. Here in London UK it was a big rare groove tune.
I only tried to play a 3/4 bass for a couple weeks, but since I have a shoulder problem (FURS Syndrome) I had to stop. But I still have a left hand on the piano. I was amazed at how low the notes were, and I have lots of R-E-S-P-E-C-K-E-D for bassists. Maybe I should install Spell Czech?
I often wonder which bassist played on what. On Motown songs from the early 60’s to about 1968, I usually credit Jamerson, but afterwards it’s a mix of him and Babbett. I usually play like Jamerson on Motown songs, just the one finger, which took me close to two years to achieve.
Don Freeman here. A few years before I moved to Los Angeles to play keyboards and write songs for Bill Withers I was playing with Sister Sledge in 74’ and in 75 I wrote a song with Kathy Sledge that was an obvious nod to the Holland Dozier & Holland Supremes and when I got to the studio in NYC Bob Babbitt was there to play bass on it. Of course he played this feel many times at Motown and he made it sound so good it was as if he wrote it. Love Has Found Me on Atlantic Records. You can find it in TH-cam & google. Super nice guy and as good as it gets. Peace.
❤❤❤
I'm not a bass player, and Im just being honest here. Growing up, I heard these songs, I sang the lyrics for years. For the past 10 or so years, I started humming James Jamerson's bass lines, and I tend to forget the late great Marvin Gaye is singing.
I’m a multi-instrumentalist and I’ve been playing & composing for 30 years. Used to be in a 60s cover band. Man the lyrics were such a challenge. I know so many 60s & 70s tunes. But the lyrics are just a blur, I hear vocals almost as if they are trumpet or flute. I know what you mean about where your focus is on music. You’re feeling the pure music…beyond words. Love it.
This is the definition of iconic. I love hearing your experience, as a bassist for nearly 40 years.
Bobbit never gets the name drop that Jameson gets. So many people automatically assume that JJ played on songs that Bob had to clarify to so many over the decades. This bassline has been covered way more than anything JJ did on this album. Much respect to both of these icons. 🙏
I don’t know man, What’s Going On has also been covered a ton and also a masterpiece. JJ tracked it lying on his back either hung over or drunk which is pretty amazing
He doesn't get it bc James paved the way for Motown success as a bass player.😊
Great video!
@@bassadelica I'm not disputing the amount of times "WGO" was covered, I'm saying the BB's bassline had been used more, which was the point of the video, especially when Hip Hop got a hold of it. I'd never dismiss JJ's contribution but no one talks about BB enough.
@@LonnellRich Absolutely right, but imagine if you were Bob Bobbit and no one calls your name even though were that bass player who played those lines.
Babbitt's Bass line from "Right on" is my favorite
God, I wish I understood what you were talking about!
I got into Motown in the early 70s, not long after I took up the bass and for obvious reasons. Unlike the bassists of the sixties who were influenced by Jamerson long before they knew who he was, I was aware that all those great basslines were the work of James Jamerson. My favourite was "Tears of a clown" and that's the first one I took the trouble to teach myself. It wasn't until many years later that I realised I wasn't copying the work of James Jamerson at all, because Babbit did that one. Both guys were great.
Bob was the nicest guy too. I had an idea for a major VI vendor to do a sample library using Bob’s iconic playing. Bob had his phone number posted on his website so I called him up to see what he thought about it. We talked for about and he was so kind! Sadly, Bob passed before it came to fruition.
What's Going On is one of the greatest albums of all time hands down thank you Paul
My favourite LP of his.
Come Live With Me Angel is my jam.
Bob Babbitt is so underrated. I'm not sure if he was protégé of Jamerson, per se; but he matched Jamerson's style perfectly and has fooled some of the best. Some of my favorite Babbitt recordings are Gladys Knight and the Pips' 'Midnight Train to Georgia', Jim Croce's 'I Got a Name', and Stevie Wonder's 'Signed, Sealed, Delivered...'. Thank you for sharing another great video.
They were friends and often tracked many of the same songs on different days. Each could copy the other's playing style perfectly. Bob was also a pro wrestler, for real.
What y'all think of Donald 🦆 Dunn. Between him and Bob, it's hard to pick who's more soulful or funky. 🤷🏾♂️🤦🏽💯 I know Bob played on more hits. But Dunn was just immaculate.
Bob was a monster!!!! He was really good friend with my uncle Melvin Ragin aka Wah Wah Watson!!! TIP to Bob a Wah Wah Watson!!!!
Super cool breakdown. Thank you. Great album with lots of great bass work by both BB and JJ!
Bob also played on Gladys knight and the Pips Midnight train to Georgia, released in 1974, and I don't want to do wrong.
I knew you were gonna talk about Babbitt and Inner City Blues
One of my absolute favorite bass lines ever. Scratch that, it is my favorite. Had no idea that it was 2 basses. No wonder every time I heard someone cover it I was like, sorry, that's not it. LOL.
Same I tried playing every note and always thought wtf! Now I know why lol
PD, great job as usual! I would really love it if you did a video on Bob Babbitt’s awesome bass solo on Dennis Coffey’s hit single, “Scorpio.”
That album was a MONSTER ! I remember my older brother and cousins just hanging by the Lafayette stereo system in my cousins house and just grooving to this album. It was like nothing we’d ever heard before and it’s still unmatched.
On the What's going on album, James jamerson played on all the songs up to God is love and Bob Babbit plays on the rest of the album from "mercy, mercy me" onwards. A very musically satisfying album! A masterpiece!
Bob Babbit is so underrated
I believe Bob Babbitt is given credit alongside Jamerson in Marvin's liner notes on "What's Going On", but the credits are given for the whole album, so you don't know who's playing on each track. But you give us a great analysis of "Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)", as you always do, Paul. I always look forward to your next video.
Great video as usual, Maestro. Bobby was a bad man, and I was fortunate enough to meet him and see him perform a few times when he lived here in Nashville. He definitely laid down some icon basslines with the Funk Brothers.
You blew my mind! I've loved this song for so long but get to hear it anew.
Marvin and the artist of that era were MASTERS of SOUND! Hearing this story and the others from the FUNK BROTHERS describe this production and how the finished product came about is beyond BRILLIANT! It is a testament to the craft of how it’s done RIGHT, into CLASSIC history.
I'll admit it, it's been awhile since I've watched one of you videos but DAMN they're good. So clear, so direct, I love hearing you speak to all the amazing bass content out there. Always a pleasure hearing you speak and listening to you play!
This actually explains a lot. I recall trying to play this from memory at one point and thinking to myself …
Also, thank you for spotlighting the song even if just to point out that it was Bob Babbitt on the record. I had definitely assumed it was James Jamerson!
I have to go back and listen to that again. Thanks for another great breakdown
My memories of this album are my maternal grandmother having the vinyl in her home when I was a child and almost how "mythical" the cover seemed to me... I can't explain why. There was a quality to it that seemed unreal. That's the best I can put it.
I always associate it with the sound and the warmth of the grooves on that album. It brings me a feeling every single time I see that cover. I see colors and feel the warmth, but I'm wired kinda funny, so don't try to think too hard about it... 🤣
Same album, same feeling going to my aunts house, MG was her atf!
thank you for this, yet again such a high quality video, in 4 minutes more than others in 20+ minutes, love this channel, keep rockin'
That groove on inner city blues sounds hauntingly like Jaco Pastorius! That same baseline he uses several times through his solo album where he played multiple R&B tunes! I love your videos!
you should react to Black sabbath - war pigs ! killer bass and would love to see your reaction/insight
Had no idea it was Bob!
Jamerson actually played this live during Marvin Gaye's tour in 1974 I believe. A recording of Jamerson's version can be heard on Marvin Gaye's "Live!" album recorded at his show in Oakland. Linked here: th-cam.com/video/4e0hv0EZE-4/w-d-xo.htmlsi=Hzz8OH0LlzN55aMJ
woah awesome, thanks for sharing. their arrangement is all over the place lol!! Still so killing and fun to listen to
Omg this is my fav bass line of all time, thanks so much for the deep dive.
Bob Babbitt The Man!
Another great Video Paul! Thanks👍🏻
Another great and informative video! Thank you
I was hoping it would be that track. One of the most creative, iconic lines ever.
Genius
I am just loving your videos. These are pieces of heaven! Love that hass.
One of my favorite albums, thanks for all the info!
Thank you.
Always concise, brilliant, and informative on this channel; love, respect, and gratitude from across the pond!🙏🏽
Excellent Video Bass Content !!!
Thanks so much for showcasing this song in particular as well as Bob Babbitt in general. I love learning from your videos, it's such a pleasure.
I had no idea, mind blown.
U should listen to Jamerson's live interpretation on the deluxe version of What's Going On.
Very interesting, I never knew about the overdub!
Both parts are great by themselves.
Thanks for the great video. I hope you get over your cold soon.
Never heard this line in details. thanks for the story !
Killer episode as always 👌🏽
I live in DC. Always reminded of this but you’re sooooo right. I haven’t listened to the whole album. Omg.
What a year 1971 was for music. What's Goin'g On, Led Zeppelin IV, Blue, Who's Next, Pearl, Meddle, just to name only a few.
Also, I was born.
Congratulations! More inspiration and bass food for thought!
What a great bassline and album!
pure magic ❤
A great great bass player, hypnotic basslines in this one. Thank you for sharing the secret !! 🤩
Brilliant! Thank you so much
❤. Recording magic. I remember when I was young trying to figure that line out.. Wasn’t for several years that I realized it’s 2 tracks 😂
This was great! I recognize Bob Babbitt as well from one of my favorite songs,“Scorpio” by Dennis Coffee and the Detroit Guitar Band. His solo on that song must be (close to?) the longest bass solo on any hit record and is just great. A future video on that?
I always thoroughly enjoy your videos.... 👍
I just love your channel. You always learn something new. I'm glad I subscribed instantly. ❤😊
thank you! more to check out 👀
love ur work mate..thanks again
Thank you for this channel. I was inspired to buy a beginner base after watching many of your videos. I was a sax guy, but I cannot deny the funk. One of the first bass lines I want to learn is from Fred Wesley. The name of the song is Damn Right, I'm somebody. I don't know if you ever heard it, but it is funky as all get out. I also want to learn the bass line from Michael McDonalds I keep forgettin'. This was sampled by Warren G on the Regulators song. Again thank you for all the videos and I can't wait to see what you have coming up next!
Thank you for all the bass history and context!
Thank you!! 🙏🏽
Just a fantastic job on this video (as usual for you)!
This channel is incredible
Another great video lesson!
I love your videos. Being a so-so bass player myself I learned A LOT in your channel.
Thanks.
Pittsburgh legend Bob Babbit!
Has anyone heard this album as the Detroit mix? Gosh listen with headphones and it's such a lush layered sound! The soundstage is incredible!!
From what I remember, James played on the first half of the album and Bob on the second
Great video. Thanks.
i got that album. bob babbit i never knew.
I wonder if there’s a possibility of a two handed areangement of these parts, I am going to dig into this. Babbit had such a deep pocket, it’s hard to describe, it’s slippery and perfect at the same time.
Very good. You seem enthused. I've been enthused by everything MG ever did.
This might be an early 'discovery' that two bass lines were needed. But when they recorded the high bass line, my best guess is there might have been one or two people in the room who knew there would be an eventual callback to add a second bass.
And now, anytime a bass takes a melody or high counter-melody, there's two bass lines, and it's known ahead of time. The best example I can think of is Stanley Clarke, who typically uses a fretless for his lead instrument. And it might be an easy conclusion to draw as to who inspired him.
What's interesting is that there is a common belief that two basses could cause destructive interference and mud up a song, which may be why the two bass lines try to stay out of the way of each other on that MG recording. Whether that is the case or not, it's constructed that way, and as you say, is brilliantly done.
mega! THX.
Young man, you get what base planning is all about? I was a session base Player for 50 years.
WOW! You Da Man.
Bob Babbitt is so dope -- different style from JJ in that his lines were more repetitive and less flowing/ linear - but so satisfying to listen to and just as musical IMO
BRAVO!
Hello my friend. Excellent synopsis here on this high-water mark recording. I always walk away learning something after watching your clips here. Today, I heard an obscure classic and it got me thinking: “PD Man needs to be reminded of this one! It was Nightshift by Commodores! Now, I’m hearing synthesized bass in there but I’m also hearing fretless too. Maybe your ears can further determine what’s goin on in there.
Thank you friend!
Haha. That one is definitely on my list. Cool story with that bass line. Hope to tell it before the end of the year.
Excellent. Thank you in advance!
I’m watching right now episode 83 of Midnight Special. The Blues episode. You must look it up! Lots of upright players in this one! At 33:38, Bobby Blue Bland steps up and his bassist is here (on fretted ‘72 or 3 Natural Precision Bass) is frickin KILLING IT! You must see/hear this!
Sampled on The DOC's The Formula
I always thought it was TWO basslines at once (maybe that was just me making excuses for why I can't play it!!) BUT I always believed it was Jamerson doing both...😮
AND Frank Blair!!! 😎
I saw Frank Blair in the last clip with Marvin. Have you covered any of his work? He sounds great on Robert Palmer's Heavy Nova!
To my knowledge, JJ is on side A while BB is on side B.
Absolutely one of the greatest albums ever.
My friend, can you please please please do a video on the base line for Marvin Gaye - Heavy Love Affair.
It's my most favourite baselines of all time and it's a rare groove classic that many don't know. It's syncopated and fits on a standard time signature. It's genius.
Here in London UK it was a big rare groove tune.
Grab it, Babbitt!
Hey brother, what's happening.
Another great video, I didn't know this stuff! Cheers
Bob Babbitt is super underrated - everybody wants to give all the credit to Jamerson and forget about Babbitt.
I definitely could hear it was two separate bass tracks playing..... never knew who actually played it though.......
I only tried to play a 3/4 bass for a couple weeks, but since I have a shoulder problem (FURS Syndrome) I had to stop. But I still have a left hand on the piano. I was amazed at how low the notes were, and I have lots of R-E-S-P-E-C-K-E-D for bassists.
Maybe I should install Spell Czech?
Super cool video as always. What do you think of Sly's "in time"? Two bass tracks there also?
Bob Babbitt!
Dang never really knew this 😕
I often wonder which bassist played on what. On Motown songs from the early 60’s to about 1968, I usually credit Jamerson, but afterwards it’s a mix of him and Babbett. I usually play like Jamerson on Motown songs, just the one finger, which took me close to two years to achieve.
Is that sampled on The Next Episode by Dre?
Mercy, mercy, me.