Just received this wonderful book authored by John Webster, published in November 2024 by John Webster Publications in Oxford, UK. Doing this blog has enabled me to encounter many wonderful authors during my tenure here. Spotting the blog one day, the author of this title, THE CLOSEST THING IN HISTORY, John Webster, contacted me by email and suggested I would enjoy reading his book that approached discussions of the Beatles from a distinct and unique perspective by comparing elements of the history of the musical band to four early Romantic era writers.
John Webster is a scholar of the Romantics and has been studying their writings for nearly 50 years. This book does not only have an academic approach in the comparisons being offered, but it is also extremely informative and entertaining as well. John’s book helped to further educate me in the history and contributions of the Romantics to the world of literature as well as expanding my horizons of how I now view the importance of the Beatles in world history and culture.
You will be amazed at many of Webster’s anecdotes like how John and Yoko took their walk at St. Pancras Church on the Mad Day Out in 1968 near where Percy Bysshe Shelley and his wife Mary Shelley once walked many decades earlier. How ironic that in the Beatles movie “Yellow Submarine” released in the same year of the Mad Day Out walk of 1968, the Frankenstein monster (a Mary Shelley creation) would transform into John Lennon in the animated classic. I do believe that Mary had much more of a sympathetic attitude towards the creature than Hollywood did, however!
“Frankenstein is the monstrous form of John Lennon. When Ringo and Old Fred first met him, he is lying down on a contraction. After the monster gets up, he drinks a beaker with a purple potion, which makes him transform himself into John. He then says to Ringo that he had the most strangest dream.”
Thank you, Mary Shelley for the inspiration provided to the writer of that YS scene!
The actual historical comparisons put forth by John Webster in his title are not far-fetched as some skeptics might assume. Many of the parallels he draws in his book are quite frankly, astounding. I was very happy and pleased to purchase this book for my Beatles library. This book echoed a few words of wisdom that I like to use as a personal motto: “The day you stop learning, is the day you stop living.” With this book I like to believe that I learned a lot. Not only about the Beatles as a cultural phenomenon, but about the significant contributions of the Romantics to English literature.
This title is available at Amazon Books!!! Check it out!
This book was published in London by Purnell & Sons in 1964 featuring the photos of many celebrities of the day. From 1963-64, it did not take long for the publishing industry to discover that pictures of the Beatles on the cover of both books and magazines was virtually a surefire way to ensure healthy sales! With music magazines even under current times, that continues to be a good recipe!
Terry Southern was a very important writer to both the Beatles and to the counterculture during the 60’s. From Southern’s background as a writer of The Magic Christian, Candy, and Easy Rider as well as the classic screenplay for Dr. Strangelove, Southern’s cultural contributions are truly legendary.
A lesser-known association of Terry Southern with John Lennon was during John’s Lost Weekend in the 70’s. During that time Terry Southern taped John Lennon, and Mick Jagger along with a third celebrity on an hour-long cassette tape jamming on old Buddy Holly songs and other assorted oldies. That tape survives today and is owned by Terry Southern’s son, Nile.
It was not uncommon for the Beatles or solo Beatles to use parts of childhood nursery rhymes to compose songs. In this title below, are the lyrics to a childhood rhyme that helped McCartney compose the song “Queenie Eye.”
This book was published by Wolfe Publishing LTD in 1970 in London and was compiled by Frank Shaw with a foreword by Peter Opie.
John Lennon with the encouragement of childhood friend, Pete Shotton, reminded John of another childhood nursery rhyme to write parts of “I Am The Walrus.”
Yellow belly custard Green snot pie All mixed together with a dead dogs eye slap it on a butty, nice and thick wash all it down with a cup of cold sick.
An alternate version supposedly favored (favoured) by Liverpudlians was the following:
Yellow matter custard, Green slop pie, All mixed together with a dead dog’s eye. Slap it on a butty, ten foot thick, Then wash it all down with a cup of cold sick.
Love this book by one of John Lennon’s favorite rock photographers, Bob Gruen. This copy was signed and inscribed by Bob.
Bob’s signature from 2007:
See what being an obsessive collector will encourage you to accumulate/collect. This is Julian’s tour itinerary from his very first tour. It details the tour personnel and the shows where they were scheduled to perform. I saw Julian with my good friend, the late Bill Maura at one of the Beacon Theater shows in New York City. I purchased the tour itinerary from Ebay!
My copy of an Ebay purchased RIngo Starr tour itinerary from 1995 followed by a listing of the tour personnel on this tour:
Tour Personnel:
A hardback comic book about RIngo Starr that I purchased from Amazon:
A very large format magaine from the UK. I love these special magazines that were in a much larger-sized format than most other magazines:
A dear friend of the Beatles, but of George Harrison in particular, Joe Brown. He was a contemporary of the Beatles but he was well known before their rise to fame as he was a very popular musician in the 1950’s as well. Here is an an early recording of Joe Brown doing “A Wonderful Picture of You” which the Beatles were to later cover at their BBC radio sessions.
He frequently visited his pal George at Friar Park. I purchased this signed biography from Ebay. Not too many people could keep a dry eye to his performance of “I’ll See You in My Dreams”‘ performed at the Concert for George.
Was so happy and proud to acquire this great title from a couple of Beatle friends who were around to enjoy the Beatles as they rose to power in the early years. I refer to Mike and Bernadette (Bernie) Byrne. I love this book and so will you…..
You can find the book at Amazon:
Mike and Bernie’s wonderful inscription: Thank you!
Back cover of the book:
A signed photo of Double Fantasy bass player, Tony Levin, and the other group of musicians playing onJohn and Yoko’s LP. The photograph was taken by photographer David Spindel. I purchased this signed photo on Ebay as I did not have the Levin signature in my collection.
I love THE BIG ISSUE magazines that had solo Beatles cover shots and stories:
A great story about George but this magazine was difficult for me to find. I do occasionally see the issue advertised in Ebay.
An issue of this magazine which I know must be in Dan Ealey’s collection as it deals with Paul’s musical excursions in Tennesseewith Wings!
To end this post, I have chosen a special book. A limited edition book of 2500 copies in a slipcase of one of the Beatles favorite all-time photographers, Robert Freeman. This edition comes with a signed print of Freeman of the rejected album design submitted by Freeman for the Revolver album. The design the Beatle ended up using was the Klaus Voormann design.
The back cover of the book:
The note from the people handling the publication of this stunning book:
An ad advertising the special edition of this book:
My copy of the signed print and design of Robert Freeman:
A QUESTION FOR YOU
Would you book collectors out there like to see a book of photography of all the alternate album covers that the Beatles were contemplating using over the years, both as a group and in their solo careers? Would a book like this be a big seller or marketable in your opinion? Why or Why not?
Also, need more of your input as to what you would like to see more of or less of on the blog. You have a direct impact on the blog content by giving us the feedback that can help us to direct the direction in which we should be heading based on your interests. Thank you!
In the latest episode of “Tell Me Why” with Jude Southerland Kessler, she interviews Beatles historian and author (and creator of the Beatles Bookstore, David Bedford.
Set against the backdrop of the emerging “Merseybeat” scene in Liverpool, Detective Inspector George Rocke investigates murder in the heart of the city amidst the nightlife and cosmopolitan mix that was Liverpool in the early 1960s. It is about clashes of race, religion, culture and music in one of the most vibrant port cities in the world. It is the only city that can tell this story.
The Beatles were only just getting started: was this going to be the end before it started?
£11.99Original price was: £11.99.£9.99Current price is: £9.99.
What an impressive series of books this is!!! Truly, there are not enough superlatives or adjectives in the English language to adequately capture the admiration for the work of authors Allan Kozinn and Adrian SInclair in this mammoth task they have undertaken to examine Paul McCartney’s solo catalog and of his musical works in progress since 1969.Just pondering the work Paul has officially released over the decades is a lengthy and comprehensive task, but to also explore the still hidden gems that may be lurking in the McCartney vaults must be both a very pleasant experience and yet simultaneously a difficult one.
McCartney’s productivity over the years is virtually second to none and if someone is undertaking the exhaustive cataloging of his material, you are making a commitment to keep yourself busy for several years! The two authors have spent 10 years working on the first two volumes of this series.
Both Mr. Kozinn and Mr. Sinclair have shown the dedication and drive to do this project and to do this project in the exhaustive manner that they have made the decision to pursue. Their work in my opinion as a collector of Beatles-related print material classifies this series of books in the same breath as the Mark Lewisohn trilogy biography of the Beatles in both its depth and scope and attention to detail. Their research and the ability to tie in known McCartney events with an established time frame is impeccable! This series of books I await with as much anticipation as any books that I have ever ordered for my Beatles collection.
In my opinion, I enjoy these books far more than the McCartney Lyrics books because even though the Lyrics book has Paul as the main source of the material, the song choice is selective and does not deal with the comprehensive “big picture” of all of Paul’s material since the Beatles breakup. I can guarantee that at the completion of this project, that this will be the solo McCartney Bible.(Count on it!)
Allan Kozinn and Adrian Sinclair both have distinguished writing and communication careers from participating in numerous Beatles-related internet blogs, to Sinclair’s stellar video production and documentary skills, to Kozinn’s excellent writing accomplishments both as an author and a music critic for the New York Times!
VOLUME 1–The first McCartney title: Please Note-these books are very large in both size, weight and scope, and are in excess of 700 pages each. Be prepared to be enlightened, informed, educated, entertained and surprised…
The McCartney Legacy: Volume 1: 1969 – 73
Published by(Dey Street Books)December 13, 2022 by Allan Kozinn (Author), Adrian Sinclair (Author)
A special episode of the superb podcast “Talk More Talk” that features both authors discussing their first book:
Published-December 10, 2024 (Dey Street Books) by Allan Kozinn (Author), Adrian Sinclair (Author)
My bookplate signed copy just arrived from the Fest. This book will trace Paul’s solo recording career up to his arrest In Japan in 1980 for marijuana possession:
A wonderful 2 Legs podcast concerning The McCartney Legacy Volume 2:
One can only imagine what lies ahead for the McCartney legacy Volume 3!!!
More Beatles-related titles from expert Allan Kozinn:These can be found on Amazon and on Ebay and also book search services like Abe Books
Allan Kozinn Beatles title from 2010:
The Beatles: From the Cavern to the Rooftop Paperback – 23 Oct. 2010
by Allan Kozinn (Author)
Release Date:October 1995
Publisher:Phaidon Press-Author Allan Kozinn
Back Cover:
Book Description page:
Allan Kozinn’s e-book “Got That Something” the story about the importance of the song “I Want to Hold Your Hand” in the story of the Beatles invasion of America:
To close this post Iwould like to do a poll, though a non-scientific one.
How many of you prefer digital e-books over the print format?
If so, why? Is it strictly a storage saving space issue in your homes? Would love to know what is the most important appeal of the digital format to those who use it extensively or exclusively! Thank you! Hope you enjoyed this post!
John Blaney is another one of the Beatles book authors who has built quite an impressive and numerous list of Beatles-related book titles.
Here is a sampling of John’s work. Most if not all of his titles are available through Amazon or Ebay. You can also find his books on the Abe books site! I have all of John’s Beatles titles in my collection and I have yet to be disappointed!
Paul McCartney: The Songs He Was Singing Vol. 1 Nov 11, 2013 Publisher- Paper Jukebox
The stories behind every song written by Paul McCartney from 1967 to 1979, and who played on them. This is the first volume of John Blaney’s discussion of McCartney and his very impressive solo career.
John Blaney Volume 1
Paul McCartney: The Songs He Was Singing Vol. 2 Paperback – November 11, 2013
by John Blaney published by Paper Jukebox This title emphasizes Paul’s work in the 80’s.
Paul McCartney: The Songs He Was Singing: Vol 3: The Nineties Paperback – June 1, 2012
By John Blaney Published by Paper Jukebox
The Songs He Was Singing Vol. 3 covers the years 1990 to 1999.
Paul McCartney: The Noughties Vol.4: The Songs He Was Singing Paperback – November 1, 2012
By John Blaney Published by Paper Jukebox. This volume deals with Paul’s 90’s productions leading up to 2010 as that is where his fifth volume of the book series picks up from:
John’s most recent addition to his McCartney discography
The Songs He Was Singing Vol. 5 2010-2019 Paperback – October 20, 2023
by John Blaney (Author) Published by Paper Jukebox
John Lennon: Listen To This Book Paperback – October 6, 2017
by John Blaney (Author) Published by Paper Jukebox-A John Lennon discography includes the releases up to 2017.
Beatles For Sale: How everything they touched turned to Gold Paperback – Illustrated, May 5, 2008
By John Blaney Published by Jawbone Press
Deals with the many Beatles business ventures:
Lennon and McCartney: Together Alone: A Critical Discography of the Solo Work Paperback – March 28, 2007
by John Blaney (Author) Published by Jawbone Press. Deals with the comparative Lennon/McCartney post Beatles work.
George Harrison: Soul Man Volume 1 February 25, 2016
by John Blaney(Author) Published by Paper Jukebox George Harrison: Soul Man Vol. 1 is a critical review of the musician, songwriter and producer. It maps his career from 1968 to 1979.
George Harrison: Soul Man Vol. 2 February 24, 2017
George Harrison: Soul Man Vol. 2 is the companion to Vol. 1 which was published in February of 2016. George Harrison: Soul Man Vol. 2 is an in-depth illustrated review of George Harrison as it traces his career from 1981 to the release in 2002 of the posthumous LP ‘Brainwashed.‘
John Lennon: In His Life Hardcover – September 7, 2010 Published by White Star Publishers
by John Blaney (Author), Valeria Manferto De Fabianis(Editor), Yoko Ono Lennon (Preface)
This is a photo biography. Contains a preface by his wife, Yoko Ono Lennon.
AND THE NEW ONE:
Publisher-Paper Jukebox 2024 “1973 The Last Year The Beatles Were Fab” by John Blaney. John Blaney’s latest title, highlighting the importance of 1973 in the solo Beatles career, and that year’s relevance to the band’s rich musical legacy. You do not want to miss this title!!!
1973: The Last Year The Beatles Were Fab
Cover of the new Blaney title:
Back Cover of the book:
What is your favourite Solo Beatles album? Let me know in the comments.
One of my collecting passions other than collecting books specifically about the Beatles is to collecting books and other print material about musicians that were chosen to back the solo Beatles in their careers beyond Abbey Road.
This post will combine a few books about some of the musicians who backed the group in their solo years but also a few signed print items by some of those musicians as well. Hope you will enjoy this lengthy post!
MUCHO JESSE
“Mucho Jesse” was the term John Lennon used in the beginning/opening of an early demo take of John’s song Mucho Mungo for the Harry Nilsson Pussy Cats LP. To me, it helps to highlight the respect and admiration John held for Jesse Ed Davis. From the book by Douglas Miller presented below it seems that Jesse Ed Davis also admired and respected John Lennon and was emotionally crushed when John was assassinated. There are existing photos of John Lennon and Jesse Ed Davis taken at Disney World in front of a statue of a Native American.
The title below holds a particular fascination for me. It is a book about Native American lead guitarist, Jesse Ed Davis. Jesse died in his 40’s due to problems with addiction but despite his tragic loss, he left a rich legacy of beautiful guitar solos in the rock realm. His talents were not limited to rock as he loved both jazz and the blues as well. This superb biography by a history professor at Oklahoma State University details Jesse’s life in music and some of his personal demons that contributed to his short life. I loved this book.
Jesse’s personality and respect for John Lennon helped to crush his spirit once John was assassinated. Jesse not only played with George Harrison at the Concert for Bangla Desh but he also played on John’s Walls and Bridges and the Rock ‘n’ Roll LP sessions. He also played at the Rolling Stones Rock ‘n’ Roll Circus backing Taj Mahal who he played with for quite a few years. He also performed on Harry Nilsson’s Pussy Cats album. I recommend you seek this book out.
You can find it at Amazon on Ebay and many other book search services:
Washita Love Child The Rise of Indigenous Rock Star Jesse Ed Davis
Published in 2024 and published byLiveright
Written by:
Douglas K. Miller, PhD
Associate Professor
History Department
Oklahoma State University
BACKGROUND INFO ABOUT THE AUTHOR AND THE WRITER OF THE FOREWORD
Douglas K. Miller is a professor of history at Oklahoma State University.Douglas Miller‘s academic specialty is twentieth-century Native American history. He is the author of Indians on the Move: Native American Mobility and Urbanization in the Twentieth Century.
Joy Harjo is a member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. She is the author of nine poetry collections and two memoirs, most recently Poet Warriorand has earned many significant literary accolades!
The back cover of the wonderful new book about Jesse Ed Davis:
The Jesse Ed Davis cover of George Harrison’s song “Sue Me Sue You Blues” from YouTube:
The YouTube pieces by Professor Miller inspired me to seek out Jesse’s first 45 ever with the group New Breed.This record was made either in Jesse’s late high school years or early into his college years. I was able to find a copy of the record on the search service of Discogs:
On Ebay, I was able to locate a copy of Jesse Ed’s high school yearbook from 1962. There are many photos of a young Jesse contained within. The high school was Northeast High School in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma!
Jesse’s photo in his graduation yearbook:
A picture of Jesse Ed Davis on the football team:
Jesse Ed Davis on the cross country team. His photo is on the extreme left of the bottom row:
The photo on the left is Jesse Ed Davis playing guitar at a school function:
This photo of Jesse in the middle in the top row was on the 45 ad on Discogs when I bought the 45:
A few musical treats featuring Jesse Ed Davis on lead guitar:
The great lead guitar by Jesse featured in this classic song:
Though Jesse Ed Davis passed far too early in his life, his music will live on for a very long time…. A very talented musician!
I highly recommend the Jesse Ed Davis book. You will not only receive a musical education but a history education as well.
DAVE MASON–A BOOK OF MUSICAL MEMORIES
Was pleased to learn that Dave Mason has completed his memoir with the assistance of Chris Epting in this 2024 release published by DTM EntertainmentPublication date-September 10, 2024
From his work with Traffic and Delaney and Bonnie, to recording with Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, David Crosby, Leon Russell, and Paul McCartney, Dave has had a truly legendary career. He is a distinguished guitar player and a member of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame. I highly recommend this book with so many great stories by Mr. Mason!
To order copies of this great book of a musician with a great and voluminous resume, you can go to this link:
The inscription that I asked Dave to write in my copy of the book. He was so kind to honor my request which I am very grateful for:
A troubled session drummer who passed away in prison after being convicted of the murder of a family member. It is suspected from much erratic behavior exhibited by him over the course of his career that he unfortunately suffered from mental illness. Not only known for his superb drumming talents, he also supposedly played the classic piano part on “Layla.” He has backed Eric Clapton, George Harrison and John Lennon and numerous other prominent musicians.
This revealing biography written by author Joel Selvin in 2024 and published by Diversion books was a must read for me as it highlights what are often the EXTREMES of the entertainment industry. The highs and the incredible lows for some entertainers makes for interesting reading. Unfortunately, the sad part is the tragedy that often lies lurking in some of these talented entertainers lives on as resultof those highs and lows:
Warum spielst du Imagine nicht auf dem weißen Klavier, John ? Hardcover
I ordered this book from Klaus Voormann’s website and was glad that I did. He sent me a signed copy of the book. I have requested that he should get the book translated into English for the large market in the US. To date Klaus has not been happy to do that until he finds the right translator for the project. The title in German translates to English roughly as “Why don’t you play Imagine on the white piano, John?”
German Edition
Published by Heyne Verlag, Munich October 31, 2003
Unfortunately the book now appears to be out of print at his website:
One of the most difficult signatures for me to find for my collection was drummer, Jim Keltner. Was able to secure a couple of them on Ebay over the years. One of my favorites was the Imagine album cover signed by drummers Jim Keltner, drummer Alan White and bass player, Klaus Voormann. Here are the two items mentioned. That is followed by a very rare Nicky Hopkins signed LP.
Imagine LP signed by Klaus Voormann Alan White and Jim Keltner:
Nicky Hopkins signature. Nicky’s signature is very difficult to find!
Dream Weaver: A Memoir; Music, Meditation, and My Friendship with George Harrison Hardcover – October 2, 2014
PublisherTarcher Perigee – My signed copy of this book was purchased at the Fest for Beatles Fans. Gary unfortunately passed away in 2023. Gary played with the group Spooky Tooth and was also featured on several George Harrison LP’s. He also backed Ringo Starr and played in Ringo’s All Starr band as well. He also played with Splinter, the duo who recorded for Dark Horse Records. Gary was respected and loved by many of his musical peers and his musical contributions were significant. The book is available on Amazon and Ebay and numerous other sources.
Mark Rivera who was to back John Lennon at the Sir Lew Grade benefit show in NY, also has played with Ringo Starr on many of the All Starr lineups. He also has backed many other rock luminaries over the course of his illustrious career.
Sideman: In Pursuit of the Next Gig: Hardcover – February 7, 2023
Sideman: In Pursuit of the Next Gig Hardcover – February 7, 2023 by Mark Rivera (Author), Mike Poncy, Ringo Starr (Foreword)
Publisher: Matt Holt
I purchased my signed copy of this book from the Fest for Beatles Fans.Mark is a great guy and a versatile and excellent musician:
The signature page of the book:
Back Cover of the book:
A musician who has worked quite frequently with Ringo Starr. Was a member of the Roundheads and he has co-written a few numbers with Mr. Starkey. This is a work of Beatles fiction by Mr. Burr and was purchased from the Fest for Beatles Fans:
Back Cover of the book:
DAVE SPINOZZA – KEN ASCHER
The talents of excellent Beatles podcaster, Ken Michaels never cease to amaze me and make me smile. I had mentioned to Ken that I was missing both keyboardist Ken Ascher and guitarist David Spinozza’s signatures in my collection of autographs of musicians who had backed the solo Beatles over the years.
Ken knew how happy it would make me to acquire those signatures for the archive. Sent Ken a copy of a Mind Games picture sleeve and sure enough when Ken Michaels saw the both of them perform at a special Big Band does the Beatles show at the Cutting Room in NYC, he asked the 2 musicians to sign the sleeve for me which they graciously did. I sincerely thank Ken for doing this for me and also the 2 musicians who agreed to do so….much appreciated. I have seen very few items signed for fans by either Mr. Ascher or Mr. Spinozza over the years! So this is qute the rarity in my opinion!
At a recent Big Band tribute to the Beatles held at the Cutting Room in NY on November 17, 2024, Dave Spinozza was the musical conductor of the proceedings while Ken Ascher played piano in the entourage giving Beatles songs the Big Band treatment. Ken Michaels knew about my fascination for obtaining the signatures of musicians who have played on many of the former Beatles solo recordings. He was so kind in making an inquiry on my behalf to both David Spinozza and Ken Ascher if they would consent to sign this Mind Games picture sleeve for me for my signature archive. David and Ken both played on the Mind Games LP. Dave also played guitar on Paul McCartney’s Ram and also on Paul’s “Another Day.” Spinozza’s glowing resume is a large one having played with so many stellar acts over the years and he was one of the premiere New York session musicians.
He tells a great story about a lead guitar riff he developed virtually off the cuff for this Dr John’s classic song: Dr. John – Right Place Wrong Time (Official Audio) – YouTube. This discussion by Dave Spinozza is contained on the Talk More Talk program link provided on this blog post shown below. The link is identified as Episode 140: Mind Games and More with David Spinozza and Ken Ascherand is located below!
In addition to the Mind Games LP, Ken Ascher also played on John’s “Walls and Bridges,” John’s “Rock ‘n’ Roll LP as well as Harry Nilsson’s “Pussy Cats” LP! Both of these gentlemen were highly regarded session men for a list of wonderful recordings that is longer than both of your arms. John Lennon in several interviews credits the melody line in #9 Dream from the Walls and Bridges LP to be inspired by the string arrangement that Ken Ascher wrote for the Harry Nilsson Pussy Cats LP number written by Jimmy Cliff, the song is entitled “Many Rivers to Cross.” This is really evident if you are fortunate enough to be able to listen to the quad mix of the Pussy Cats LP where the strings are brought more to the forefront than the 2 channel mix.
On November 17th, 2024, Ken Michaels was able to be at the special show mentioned above at the Cutting Room in NYC. This is the set list that Ken Michaels provided to me of the numbers that the group of 17 or so musicians played at this Big Band tribute to the Beatles. Dave Spinozza conducted the band while Ken Ascher played the piano. Here is their set list. This must have been a wonderful event to have been at:
CUTTING ROOM SET LIST FOR BIG BAND DOES THE BEATLES CONCERT
1) I Want To Hold Your Hand
2) Day Tripper
3) For No One
4) Eleanor Rigby
5) Something
6) Lady Madonna
7) Julia
8) She’s A Woman
9) With A Little Help From My Friends
10) And I Love Her
11) Yesterday
12) Can’t Buy Me Love
13) Hey Jude (just refrain)
14) When I’m Sixty-Four
Please do yourself a great favor by checking out the following podcasts or YouTube shows: You will not be disappointed…
Two excellent session musicians (not enough adjectives to describe their stellar abilities) who have played with either John Lennon, Paul McCartney and/or Ringo Starr. Ken Ascher and Dave Spinozza are interviewed in this excellent “Talk More Talk” podcast on YouTube.
Talk More Talk, is hosted by a great panel. It is a predominantly solo Beatles-related show on YouTube featuring the excellent co-hosts of Ken Michaels, Kit O’Toole, Joe Mayo, and Tom Hunyady. The show frequently features many special guests with Beatles connections The link for one of those Talk More Talk programs is provided above:
Ken also hosts a syndicated radio show called Every Little Thing:
Another great podcast is Things we Said Today, which is another superb panel show featuring the moderator talents of podcaster extraordinaire, Ken Michaels , Darren Devivo, noted radio personality, and Allan Kozinn one of the authors of the superb McCartney Legacy book series.Here is a special episode featuring Elliot Mintz discussing his new book about John and Yoko.
Ken has the unique ability of being able to report very interesting Beatles-related news and his immense Beatles knowledge allows him to be able to ask his guests pertinent questions of what the Beatle fan audience and in particular knowledgeable Beatles fans want to hear. His command of the material is superb and his presentations are always right on the mark.
Take it from me, I do not give that praise lightly. Ken is one of the best in the business!
The cover of the Mind Games LP which both Dave Spinozza and Ken Ascher played on. Recently there was several box sets released of this album including one super deluxe set of nearly 1500 dollars. There was also a special 3 LP set of Meditation mixes of the album put together by Sean Lennonand a more affordable cd box set for around $140.
My collecting obsession also motivated me to buy this book by David Plowden which features the photo that inspired John Lennon and Yoko to use it for the Mind Games LP. Collecting books that have a peripheral connection to the Beatles has caused me to greatly expand my bookshelves. Published in 1972 by LANDFORM
MIND GAMES LP MUSICIAN CREDIT LISTING
The credit listing available on the album inner sleeve , The source for this listing was from Wikipedia where it mentions Beatles historian, Bruce Spizer as an additional source of the more complete information provided here:
John Lennon– lead, harmony and backing vocals, electric guitar, acoustic guitar, slide guitar, clavinet, Mellotron, electric piano, conga, tambourine, maracas, güiro, handclaps
Ken Ascher – piano, organ, reed organ, electric piano, Mellotron
David Spinozza- electric guitar, acoustic guitar on “Out the Blue”
Sneaky Pete Kleinow-pedal steel guitar
Gordon Edwards – bass guitar
Jim Keltner – drums, cowbell
Rick Marotta– drums on “Meat City” (with Keltner), bongos on “Bring on the Lucie”
Dave Spinozza’s and Kenny Ascher’s contributions to popular music will long be remembered and treasured.
Ken Ascher and Jesse Ed Davis on the Walls and Bridges LP:
Ken Ascher not only played piano, electric piano, clavinet and Mellotron on the Walls and Bridges LP. Another musician mentioned on this post played lead guitar on the LP. Jesse Ed Davis played lead guitar on this LP.
The Pussy Cats LP featuring the musical input of both Jesse Ed Davis and Ken Ascher:
The back cover of the Pussy Cats LP featuring the album credits:
Which Session Musician?
In conclusion, I would like to pose a question that has no right or wrong answer, but I would like to solicit the reasons that you make the choices that you have. In your opinion what session musician made the greatest contributions to any or all of the solo Beatles recordings? Thank you for your input!!!
BUZZ
Other Autobiographies linked to The Beatles
Autobiography
Autobiographies by those people associated with The Beatles story
This book was a pure pleasure to read. Written by one of the few people who was present at the Cavern for all of the Beatles nearly 300 appearances at the venue. Later, her family was to purchase and operate the Cavern. So many interesting stories in this book and a fabulous photo of when Paul McCartney revisited the Cavern in 1968. The author is one of the most kind people that I have ever corresponded with. If you do not have this book, it is certainly one that you will want to have in your collection. Debbie shares her many memories and you feel as if you are there in the cellar to feel that early MAGIC!!!
GET YOUR COPY NOW, SIGNED BY DEBBIE, ON SPECIAL OFFER!
Cavern Club – The Inside Story
This first-hand account of Debbie’s teen years frequenting and eventually helping to run the original Cavern Club is the authentic inside story of the Beatles launch pad, full of triumphs and failures – and surprise celebrity encounters.
£17.25Original price was: £17.25.£13.50Current price is: £13.50.
The Beatles from Cavern to Star-Club Hardcover – January 1, 1997
Premium Forlag AB; UK ed. edition (January 1, 1997)
Hans Olaf Gottfridsson. A fabulous and well-researched book. This is also a must-have title dealing with early Beatles live performances as they honed their skills on their climb to fame…
From The Cavern to the Star Club
Cavern Club: The Rise of The Beatles and Merseybeat
by Spencer Leigh
McNidder & Grace
2016 is worth getting this title
The Cavern by Spencer Leigh
Alternate version-2008
SAF Publishing LTD
The Cavern by Spencer Leigh
Let’s Go Down the Cavern:
Story of Liverpool’s Merseybeat Spencer Leigh and Pete Frame
Vermilion-1984-a great book
The Best Of Cellars: The Story of the World Famous ‘Cavern Club’ Paperback – 1 Dec. 1994
by Phil Thompson (Author)
Bluecoat Press 1994-Many excellent photos in this title. Well worth getting!
Spencer Leigh, Beatles Twist & Shout
Published in 2004 by Nirvana Books-Another excellent book by Spencer Leigh
CAVERN CLUB THE OFFICIAL AUTHORISED ANNIVERSARY LIMITED EDITION BOOK
The Official Authorized 60th Anniversary Limited Edition Cavern Book. Limited edition of 1957 copies to commemorate the date when the club first opened. Early subscribers to the book got their names included as sponsors to the title within the book
Published 2017-Published by the New Cavern Club
Foreword by Paul McCartney
Cavern Club Liverpool
Peter Kaye-Beatles in Liverpool published by Starlit Liverpool Ltd 1987- Peter published a book which shows early photos of the Beatles in Liverpool including a few interior shots of the Cavern. This is a signed copy of the title:
The Best of Fellas-The Story of Bob Wooler-Liverpool’s First D.J.
Published by Drivegreen Ltd.- December 2002 by Spencer Leigh
The man who introduced the Beatles so many times at the Cavern,
COMPÈRE, BOB WOOLER
The Best of Fellas
A pamphlet released to coincide with a Cavern anniversary and tied in with a radio series:
1964 “On The Scene at the Cavern” Magazine
It contains pictures of The Beatles, Gerry and the Pacemakers, and other groups that appeared at the famous club
In conclusion, Buzz’s Beatles Book/Print Blog member, Ronnie Dannelley, has informed me that he is working on a book about the architecture of the Cavern Club with photos showing certain areas of the club that have not often been seen before. Really looking forward to this title when it is eventually released as Ronnie is taking a total unique perspective for his book idea and trust me, he is doing his homework on this title!
TOPIC OF DISCUSSION
In light of how Liverpool has become such a tremendous tourist attraction for worldwide visitors, how do you think the decision-makers who decided to demolish the original Cavern feel about that choice now???
Question #2 – It has been reported that Paul McCartney has a tape of the Beatles performing a full set of numbers at the Cavern in his possession. Would you want to see AI technology used to enhance the sound quality of the set and issue it as a future Beatles release?
If you are searching for any of the titles noted above try to check Amazon, eBay, Abe Books. There are also book search services on the Internet! Happy hunting!
BUZZ
GET OUR FEATURED CAVERN CLUB – THE INSIDE STORY HERE
Cavern Club – The Inside Story
This first-hand account of Debbie’s teen years frequenting and eventually helping to run the original Cavern Club is the authentic inside story of the Beatles launch pad, full of triumphs and failures – and surprise celebrity encounters.
£17.25Original price was: £17.25.£13.50Current price is: £13.50.
