james jamerson jr.

I just got through listening to "I'll Be There" as arranged by James Jameson Jr., son of the late, great James Jamerson, a towering American music figure who played all that bass on Motown Records hits during its heyday, from 1959 through 1971.
This is the Berry Gordy song that was a hit for the Jackson 5 in 1970.
The tune is set to be released next month but I got a preview through an MP3 sent to me by James' cousin, my friend and colleague, Anthony McKnight.
Anthony and I, along with others, have been preaching and promoting Jamerson Sr.'s work for about 15 years now, sharing with the world that this son of the South Carolina Lowcountry changed the face of popular culture with his music.
Listen to any Motown record from this time period and you will hear - and feel - Jamerson's indelible stamp, a progressive, complex, soulful, rendering of modern music that sings to your heart and mind.
Two of Jamerson's children, Jimmy Jr. and Derrick, and many of his cousins, including Anthony, play music and sing professionally. For a while now, Anthony has been working on a recording of tunes composed and performed by Jamerson family members.
The record I was checking out will be added to that compendium. Jimmy Jr., a renowned studio bassist in his own right, is reviving his career and just sent Anthony a take of "I'll Be There."
It's fabulous.
It romps with the signature Jamerson propulsion, underpinning the lush tracks of vocals, drums and saxophone.
Ever the innovator - just like his dad - Jimmy Jr. plays here a six-string bass that facilitates his playing melody like a guitar, a real tour de force. The soaring feel is reminiscent of the stuff Jamerson Sr. used to do on his 1962 Fender Precision after he put down his upright.
Fender, which just inducted Jamerson into its Hall of Fame, has made a custom version of the famous instrument and sent one to Jimmy Jr.
Anthony tells me he loves it. Jimmy Jr. told him he can't put it down.
Good for us.
Jimmy Jr.'s return to the scene is an important step in Anthony's project.
Jimmy Jr. told me in a telephone conversation tonight "I'll Be There" is a contemporary jazz tune, the direction in which he's taking his playing.
After all, his dad was a jazz bassist.
We all feel we're a major step closer to the fruition of the best way to honor James Sr.'s legacy, a family recording.