TuneGroove #2: Marvin Gaye "What's Goin' On"

I started working on this bass line again when we got back from tour, and have realized even more since traveling the country what an amazing song this is. Here's a few thoughts I have on the recording itself. I love the alternate percussion congas, they are an essential part of the groove on this track. I love all of the background party vocal tracks, gives it a really laid back vibe. Great use of auxiliary instruments as well like vibes and strings. I recommend this whole album, unlike other Motown songs which are single based this album works as a whole and has an amazing vision, concept, and message behind it. Now to that bass line. I think this is one of James Jamerson's best. It is extremely difficult to play not because it's shredding all of over the place, there all some technically challenging lines, but it doesn't at any point sound hard because his right hand attack and over all phrasing are so smooth. I think this moves aboves the average Motown single, James Jamerson and Marvin Gaye really seem to have made a deeper connection on this single and entire album for that matter. This sounds less like a studio musician with solo singer, and much more like a full time band. To me this one of the cornerstone songs of that era, a true masterpiece.