Legendary session guitarist David Spinozza has assembled a 17-piece band for a special tribute concert to the Beatles, done big-band style! Fans of the Fab Four are aware of his playing on several of the Beatles’ solo albums (McCartney’s “Ram,” Lennon’s “Mind Games,” and Ringo’s “Ringo the 4th.”) Spinozza’s resume beyond this is so impressive, lending his guitar skills to the likes of Paul Simon, Dr. John, James Taylor, Don McLean, and Billy Joel among others.
Spin The Beatles Big Band
David will be the conductor for “Spin The Beatles Big Band” at New York’s The Cutting Room, 44 E. 32nd. St on Nov. 17 at 4pm (et.)
Joining him in the band is session keyboardist Kenny Ascher, who worked with David on the “Mind Games” album. Kenny is also known for writing songs with the great Paul Williams, including the soundtrack for “The Muppet Movie.”
The Beatles catalogue has been so endurable that the songs have lent themselves to arrangements in every musical genre. Both David and Kenny are extremely versatile in their playing and for their love of jazz. This can only be a knockout show!
Occasionally on this blog we will present certain posts that form a type of Beatles collector’s potpourri about John, Paul, George & Ringo – and more. These will generally be longer posts that will deal with Beatles-related print material that are not limited to just books or magazines. If variety is the true spice of life, then the intention of the John Paul George & Ringo HODGEPODGE section of this blog will have served its purpose…
Hope you will enjoy this new addition to the blog!
The first item – “Cat’s Eyes” by Robin Millar.
In 1974, Robin Millar went into Apple Studios to record his first LP. The album was produced by his brother-in-law, Mick Taylor, lead guitarist for the Rolling Stones, who had just left the band. Robin was backed by such artists as keyboard player Billy Preston and sax player, Bobby Keyes. Nicky Hopkins was also featured on the LP. Mick Taylor also played guitar on the album
Unfortunately, this LP never saw the light of day because of a various set of unusual circumstances going on at Apple, until Apcor Books, a Netherlands-based company, that has produced the fabulous A is for Apple book series, issued the LP in a limited edition of 300 copies. This is the last numbered copy, copy #300! Great work Apcor to secure Robin’s permission to release this LP. Robin was later to find a great musical niche in producing many hit records in the UK.
Special thanks to such individuals as Ed Dieckmann, Axel Korinth for their efforts in bringing this release about and for Ronnie Dannelley’s artwork for the LP. Arno Guzek, Beatles scholar, is also thanked on the LP credits. The full credit listing is provided in the LP’s interior which is featured in a photograph below…
Details of the recording of the LP as well as the album credits at the bottom of this photo:
Cat’s Eyes
UNCLE MILTIE AND THE BEATLES – Milton Berle
Through the years I have been astonished how many celebrities have latched onto the Beatles phenomenon at some point in their career. Not many had successful commercial outcomes of attempting to capitalize on the immense popularity of the band, but it was often amusing to witness the outcomes. Here, well-known vaudevillian and early TV pioneer and comic, Milton Berle, made an attempt to cover the Beatles single of Yellow Submarine.
Stephen Friedland, aka Brute Force, receives the recognition of having performed on one of the rarest Apple 45’s in existence. In a record that both George Harrison and John Lennon wanted to issue The King of Fuh as an Apple 45 release. Realizing the potential controversy of printing many copies for the public and fearing the controversy because of a potential lack of airplay, many copies were not able to reach the public. A photo of Apple 8 is shown below. Nigel Pearce, one of the members of this blog has a copy of the rare Apple record in his collection. Directly below is a relatively recent Brute Force -Stephen Friedland release that Apcor was able to release. Brute Force signed the backside of the Apcor 8 release. Stephen has a unique sense of humor or humour (for those who reside in the UK).
Brute Force
Brute Force
A photo of one of the rarest Apple 45’s:
King of Fuh
Bert Kaempfert
The producer of the Beatles first professional recordings, made in Germany, named Bert Kaempfert. Bert produced such songs as My Bonnie, Cry for a Shadow, and “Ain’t She Sweet.” Kaempfert arranged for the Beatles to backup singer Tony Sheridan on the German recordings. I acquired the LP shown below due to the fact that Kaempfert signed this copy under his picture in the upper left of the LP cover
Bert Kaempfert
Back Cover of the LP:
Bert Kaempfert
Harry Nilsson and John Lennon
Collecting quad recordings poses a difficult dilemma. Quad equipment is not available on a mass scale to be able to play the recordings. I used to own a Sansui quad receiver which was able to play quadrophonic recordings. This LP featuring Harry Nilsson and produced by John Lennon is noticeably different and better than the mass-released edition. You hear so many instruments that you could not enjoy in the mass release of the LP. An example of what I am referring to is the quad mix of “Many Rivers to Cross.” The strings are pronounced and to the forefront of the mix. You can hear where John got his inspiration for #9 Dream in the string arrangement by Ken Ascher. John and Harry also loved to put hidden messages to the fan base on some of the LP covers. This album, at the bottom of the front cover, has a wooden block with the letter D written on it. This is followed by a rug, which is followed by another block with the letter S. So, this was their message hidden on the cover. They were in effect spelling out the word drugs.
Harry Nilsson and John Lennon
The back cover of the LP featuring the song titles, the musicians and the credits:
Harry Nilsson and John Lennon
Badfinger
Apple has produced a few LPs containing Badfinger rarities but this particular release features some of their Warner Bros. rarities. Produced by Chris Thomas, who also was to produce several tracks on the Beatles “White album” though he never officially received a producer credit for those numbers. For those he was listed as an engineer of the tracks.
Badfinger
Back Cover featuring the track listing and the album credits:
Badfinger
Dhani Harrison
Dhani Harrison, George’s son has written the score for several films. These types of recordings have a tendency to be more obscure and not as well known to the general public. Paul Hicks has also been involved with engineering some of the box set releases of Beatles recordings.
Here is the soundtrack music for Seattle Road written by Dhani Harrison and Paul Hicks!
Front Cover:
Seattle Road
Back Cover:
Seattle Road
Claypool Lennon Delirium
Record Day release by the Claypool Lennon Delirium featuring music originally performed by Pink Floyd, King Crimson, The Who and The FlowerTravellin’ Band. The Claypool Lennon Delirium features Les Claypool and Sean Lennon.
Claypool Lennon Delirium
Back Cover of the EP:
Claypool Lennon Delirium
The late Terry Doran, close Beatles friend and associate, signed Jack Hollingshead to Apple in 1968. These songs were published by Apple, but the recordings were never issued by Apple and Jack left the label. The people at Apcor were able to gain permission to issue this special limited edition recording of Jack’s Apple demos. This is copy #300 of this special set of recordings. Once again special thanks go out to Ed Dieckmann, Axel Korinth and artwork designer, Ronnie Dannelley.
The Complete Apple Demos
The Complete Apple Demos
Back Cover of the Demos:
The Complete Apple Demos
Jimmie Nicol
One of the rarest LP recordings featuring the 13-day drummer of the Beatles in 1964, named Jimmie Nicol. LP released in Mexico in 1967.It took me a long time to find a copy of this record until I found one on the Discogs record search service!
Jimmie Nicol
Back Cover of the LP:
Jimmie Nicol
The Complete Apple Demos
Copy #100 of 100 signed copies issued of the signed version of Apple demos signed by Jimmer Glynn. Details of these recordings are provided on the back cover of the LP. Special thanks are extended to Ed Dieckmann, Axel Korinth, Ronnie Dannelley, and all the people mentioned on the back cover of the LP.
The Complete Apple Demos
The Complete Apple Demos
Listing this item because of the nice signatures on the cover. Features backup musician’s drummer Alan White, drummer, Jim Keltner, and bass player Klaus Voormann. Would love to one day locate an Imagine LP signed by everyone who played on the LP. That would probably be out of my budget though.
Imagine Alan White, Jim Keltner and Klaus Voormann
Imagine Alan White, Jim Keltner and Klaus Voormann
The listing of the credits of who played on the Imagine LP:
Imagine Alan White, Jim Keltner and Klaus Voormann
Jimmie Nicol
A rare, signed LP produced by the Netherlands based Beatles Unlimited magazine. The album was signed by none other than Jimmie Nicol, the Beatles drummer who subbed for Ringo back in 1964 when Ringo was ill. Jimmie had made a rare appearance at a Beatles-related Beatles Unlimited sponsored gathering which I believe occurred in 1984.
Jimmie Nicol
The back cover of the LP:
Jimmie Nicol
The Many Faces of John Lennon
I love this book because it was published both in English and in German and features a collection of Beatles photos taken by many notable and famous photographers. Having these many different photos of John taken by these prominent photographers in a single volume was a great purchase. The publisher and the publication information are provided prior to the back cover of the book. It is worthwhile to seek this book out for your collections:
The Many Faces of John Lennon
Book Publication information:
The Many Faces of John Lennon
Back Cover of the Book:
The Many Faces of John Lennon
Jim Price
As many are aware I also love collecting the signatures of other musicians who have played with the solo Beatles
Just acquired a Jim Price LP autographed by Price. Ringo plays on the LP. It appears as though Klaus Voormann is also on the album. Price performed on Walls and Bridges, All Things Must Pass, The Concert for Bangla Desh, he was in the supergroup that played at the Christmas John and Yoko Lyceum concert benefit in 1969. At this site. Price is the musician at the top left in the last row of musicians in the phot of the link below:
Price has also performed with the Rolling Stones on a couple of their tours in the early 70’s. Price was a friend of the late sax player Bobby Keyes
Jim Price was well noted for both his trumpet and trombone skills! Price also has worked as a record producer.
Jim Price
Special thanks are extended to the author of the excellent Beatles Undercover books who featured a photo of this signed LP in one of the books of his fabulous book trilogy which are available on Amazon, eBay, and other book search services:
Jim Price
Hugh McCracken
To end this first JPGR Hodgepodge Post, I have chosen this 45 record. Written by the late guitarist who was a well-respected session musician who played on Paul McCartney’s Ram LP, John Lennon’s and Yoko Ono’s Christmas classic, Happy Xmas, John and Yoko’s Double Fantasy LP and the Milk and Honey LP as well. When I purchased the 45 below, I was not aware that Hugh McCracken was also a songwriter. These songs were written in the mid 60’s. I have a particular fondness for the title of his B-side for obviously selfish reasons! LOL!
Do you have a favorite Beatles-related print collectible that may not be well known by the general public but that you personally treasure? If so, we would love to hear your story about the item, where you were able to find it and what triggered your decision to purchase, buy, or acquire it!
Buzz
Art & Craft
Original art and craft related to Liverpool and the Beatles
This set came my way about two months before the release of the Abbey Road Set in 2019.
It was what we call a ‘Brown Envelope Job’.
I was totally amazed at what was inside – although the finished and released package was beautifully packaged and set out, this gave me a huge insight into how the package was heading. Again this is a ‘working’ box set, it displayed some wonderful thought. Apparently, there were 100 constructed and this is number 12.
This is the front of the sample package.
All four parts note pieces displayed. You will find that the wording displayed here was used except for package four – The Alternate Abbey Road.
Abbey Road Project
Abbey Road Internal Package
This is the general shot of the internal workings of the package thus far. You can see that it resembles in some way the design of the UK Our First Four Package from 1968. Complete with four photos 3 of which are from that famous shoot in August 1969. Sample CDs are displayed along with a small photograph also from that shoot. Some are perhaps the original copies being somewhat light struck!! This photograph also shows the holding box to the left.
Abbey Road Package contents
This is the rear of the interior package
It shows different versions of the rear of the Abbey Road cover, complete with the track listings for each album. Of great interest is package four which was never issued, This is another 2019 re-mix with the later versions of Here Comes The Sun, – the Accapella version of Because. and an Intro version of Come Together. As said this was never issued in any form, but is canned somewhere, nice to have it. I admit I have it on my computer and make backup copies when my playing one gets scratched due to the potholed roads offered by the authorities in our wonderful country!!
Rear of the Abbey Road Package
This set was never issued, but having it in my collection is a real plus. Knowing that only 100 were issued, having one is extra special. So, I do hope this one-off viewing will meet with your approval. Like all of my Apple material, it is kept in a box stored out of sunlight and is very rarely opened, hence its excellent condition!
Inside Number Three – The Illustrated History of Apple Records
Inside No3 takes you through that famous door, deep into the minds of all who worked there at Apple Records. This is done also in a very different way. This is not a kiss-and-tell diary, it is through fan adulation and understanding via a personal collection of artifacts and memorabilia that author Nigel Pearce has built up over the last 50 years.
Julian Lennon, Micky Dolenz, Jason Scheff, Mark Hudson, Steve Holley and many others…
In 2020, Joey Molland, formerly of Badfinger got together with noted record producer Mark Hudson who has also produced Ringo Starr, and recorded a fine album entitled “Be True to Yourself.” Julian Lennon and Micky Dolenz added backing vocals to some of the tracks, former Wings drummer, Steve Holley and Chicago bassist and singer, Jason Scheff, also lent their considerable talents to some of the recordings. Credits to the personnel who worked on the album are noted and shown below. Julian Lennon is also credited as having taken the front and back cover photos for the album.
Because I made a contribution to the funding of the LP, I was fortunate that the promotional outfit sent me a signed copy of the cd which I was very pleased with along with another special item featured at the bottom of this post!
Joey Molland – CD
Joey Molland – CD
Omnivore Recordings
Release Date : 2020
TRACK LISTING:
This Time
Better Tomorrow
Rainy Day Man
Heaven
All I Want To Do
I Don’t Wanna Be Done With You
All I Do Is Cry
Loving You
Shine
Be True To Yourself
A book about Badfinger member Joey Molland written by Michael A. Cimino in 2011 is shown below. It was rumored that Joey was also considering writing his own book, but at this point in time, that has not come to fruition.
Many people over the years have cited the late Dan Matovina’s book about the group entitled “Without You: The Tragic Story of Badfinger” as being the best print work about the band! Hope to see more books about the band in the future and would also love to see a feature film created about this fabulous band!
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform– Published July 22, 2011, Author Michael Cimino
Biography of Joey Molland
Generally regarded as the best biography about Badfinger shown below:
Frances Glover Books- Published in 2000, authored by Dan Matovina:
Without You – Badfinger Biography
“BE TRUE TO YOUR SELFIE”
Julian Lennon and Joey
Not sure who took the above photo but it probably was Mark Hudson or a member of the studio personnel for the Molland album “Be True To Yourself.” If you can provide the name of the individual who took the photo, would be happy to acknowledge their work:Thank you!
I have posted this photograph before in a Badfinger post on this blog. As part of the promotional campaign for the financing for the production of the “Be True To Yourself” album, for a specific donation amount, Joey would handwrite the lyrics to any Joey Molland or Badfinger song that you desired, whether he wrote the song or not. I chose “Apple of My Eye” written by Pete Ham, because it was on the last Apple LP by Badfinger and it poignantly refers to the band leaving the label. Business problems would not only spell the end of the Beatles, but Badfinger was to suffer a similar fate.
Would like to conclude this post with an excellent interview conducted by podcaster and host of many YouTube and Online programs, Ken Michaels. He interviews Joey Molland where they discuss the “Be True To Yourself” LP. Check it out… !!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I36-UezuZqA&t=9s
Interview with Joey Molland and Ken Michaels
Buzz
Find out more about Apple Records here
Inside Number Three – The Illustrated History of Apple Records
Inside No3 takes you through that famous door, deep into the minds of all who worked there at Apple Records. This is done also in a very different way. This is not a kiss-and-tell diary, it is through fan adulation and understanding via a personal collection of artifacts and memorabilia that author Nigel Pearce has built up over the last 50 years.
A few years ago, I was fortunate to be able to obtain a signed photo print from the late official Beatles photographer, Dezo Hoffmann. I chose this photo to purchase because the Beatles are all handling Apples possibly signaling a portend of things to come
Photo of The Beatles
Saw this on YouTube -some brief home movies shot by Dezo and his crew in 1963
Harry Benson is another photographer who had a long history of photographing either the Beatles or in the solo career of Paul McCartney. Here are some of the Benson books that are in my personal Beatles-related book collection
Benson had the distinction of photographing many US Presidents. He photographed and therefore helped to document the Civil Rights movement. He was next to Robert Kennedy when he was assassinated by Sirhan Sirhan in 1968. He has photographed some of the biggest worldwide personalities of the last 50 years including the late Queen Elizabeth, the late Michael Jackson, and the late Elizabeth Taylor.
A more generalized Benson photography book featuring Paul McCartney on the cover:
PowerHouse Books-Published in 2009 Introduction by John Loring:
Book can be found on Ebay, Amazon, and many book search services such as Abe Books!
Harry Benson Photographs
Harry Benson’s signature in my copy of the book.
Harry Benson Photographs
Taschen Publications published 2 editions of this book of Benson’s McCartney photos. This was the mass market trade edition:
Book can be found on Ebay, Amazon, and many book search services such as Abe Books!
Harry Benson – Paul
Taschen also produced a signed limited edition version of the book. I believe the edition was 600 copies signed by Harry Benson: The book is the same book as the one above but in a cut-away red hard plastic slipcase There was also two art editions totaling 100 copies which were accompanied by a signed gelatin silver print from Harry Benson. These editions are sold-out!
Collector’s Edition of 600 copies (No. 101–700), each numbered and signed by Harry Benson
Also available in two Art Editions (No. 1–100), accompanied by a signed gelatin silver print
Harry Benson – Paul
Harry’s Book of Beatles Photographs
The next two titles feature probably Benson’s most famous Beatles photos on the cover of the famous pillow fight taken in one if their hotel rooms. These 2 books basically feature photos taken while the Beatles were still touring the world. Published by Taschen in 2013. Can be found on Ebay, a few used copies remain on Amazon. The book can also be located through various Book search services such as Abe Books.
Harry Benson The Beatles on The Road
January 1, 1993Universe Publications-The Beatles: In the Beginning
Once again copies can be found on Ebay, used copies are also available on Amazon and the book can also be located at such book search services as Abe Books!
The Beatles In The Beginning
I added this one to the collection because of the ironic book title “The Beatles-Now and Then”, especially in light of their last number 1 in the UK appearing with the same name in November of 2023. The book was issued in 1998!
Release Date: September 1998–Universe Publishing
The Beatles Now and Then
Once there was a way…Photographs of the Beatles Hardcover – Published on September 23, 2003 by Harry N. Abrams Publisher
Harry Benson photographer
“Once There Was a Way” to get back homeward. Then why do so many philosophers tell you we can’t go home again…? Ask Thomas Dekker!!! LOL
Once There Was A Way
Have you got any of Harry Benson’s books of photographs? Do you have a favourite Beatles photographer?
Buzz
Other Book of Beatles Photographs
Bill Zygmant – Where Did You Get That Shirt? (Signed Limited Edition)
Get your copy of Bill Zygmant’s portfolio book of unique photographs covering his career from the late 1960s to the 1980s.
This will be a signed, numbered edition – maximum of 250 numbered editions.
It comes with one of Bill’s signed photographs, which usually sells for £50!
