The tempo and feel of this performance are more closely related to Donny Hathaway’s version, but it’s definitely essential to go back to the source if you want to be a truly well-rounded bass player. If this is a song that you’re not intimately acquainted with already, then make it a priority to get James’ bassline into your musical DNA as soon as humanly possible. The main groove is anchored by a line directly ripped from (in this author’s opinion) Jamerson’s finest hour: Marvin Gaye’s classic ‘What’s Going On’. Bruno Mars – ‘Just The Way You Are’ (Live) Bass Transcription PDF Analysis of his part on this live performance reveals a heavy debt to James Jamerson coupled with a more modern, gospel-tinged approach. Whatever your feelings might be regarding the musical output of Jamareo Artis’ employer, some things are clear: the man can certainly play, and he’s definitely done his homework. This live version, however, is barely recognisable as the same song suddenly we’re treated to a swing 16th groove, brass section and a bass player who definitely knows what’s going on (see what I did there?). Let’s start by clarifying one point about what is clearly Jamareo’s Motown moment: the studio version of ‘Just The Way You Are’ you’ve heard on the radio a million times and played as a first dance at hundreds of wedding gigs is a shining example of one of the most banal, over-produced pop ballads of the last decade.