Hey friends, I was honored to sit down with the ‘Groovemaster’ Jerry Jemmott.
Jerry is one of the greatest session bassists of all time and his style has majorly influenced modern bass playing. With credits ranging from BB King, to Ray Charles, Herbie Hancock, Aretha Franklin and many more, his resumé is packed with the finest artists in Blues, Jazz, Soul and R&B.
Jerry has a fascinating musical journey. He tells us about his early musical influences and discusses what he believes to be essential to his success: Being constantly surrounded by great musicians and playing many different styles of music, including Orchestral, Jazz, Funk, Blues and Latin Music, greatly shaped his taste and understanding of music and helped refine his feel for groove and rhythm.
“You have to get while it’s fresh. Whatever is around me, I try to feel that and make it a musical statement. That has been the key to my success in a sense.”
Jerry talks milestones in his career, working with King Curtis, BB King, Al Kooper, Eddie Gòmez, Jaco Pastorius and touring with Aretha Franklin.
“[With BB King] It wasn’t about being a star, it’s about making the music sound good.“
He also shows off his favourite basses and amps, including the bass he used with BB King, and discusses several modifications me made to that bass throughout the years.
Jerry is not only a great bassist, but he also contributes his knowledge to educate bass players and musicians around the world: Check out his books and training materials online!
Please leave a bunch of comments and questions below.
Have a marvellous time recording and mixing,
Warren
Great interview! What an inspiration, a great player and tells great stories.