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 by Liveright
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 Warrior and 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:
Sue Me, Sue You Blues – YouTube
Two excellent promo video pieces that appeared on YouTube by Professor Miller to inform viewers about his book about Jesse Ed Davis:
“Washita Love Child: The Life and Times of Jesse Ed Davis,” Douglas K. Miller – 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:
What a lovely guitar opening to John Lennon’s #9 Dream by Jesse Ed Davis
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 Entertainment Publication 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:
Only You Know & I Know, by Dave Mason with Chris Epting — Dave Mason – The Official Site
Copies of the book are also available at Amazon, Ebay and many other book search services such as Abe Books.
The classic Dave Mason song that is the title of the book featured on YouTube:
Only You Know And I Know – YouTube
The back cover of the book:
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 result of 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
Publisher Tarcher 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 Ascher and 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.
Episode 140: Mind Games and More with David Spinozza and Ken Ascher – 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.
Things We Said Today #423 – Elliot Mintz and “We All Shine On” – YouTube
and his YouTube channel of Ken Michaels Radio. Here are a few episodes that I know you will find of interest:
VIDEOCAST #176 – AARON BADGLEY (DARK HORSE RECORDS) – YouTube
VIDEOCAST #165 – MADELINE BOCARO (Mind Games, You Are Here Exhibit) – YouTube
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 Lennon and 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”
- Michael Brecker– saxophone
- Something Different (Christine Wiltshire, Jocelyn Brown, Kathy Mull, Angel Coakley) – backing vocals
- Roy Cicala, Dan Barbiero – engineers
- Tom Rabstanek – mastering
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
In February, 1987, Taj Mahal and Jesse Ed Davis were performing at the Palomino Club in North Hollywood. George and Bob were in the audience, as was John Fogerty. John, Bob and George all ended up on stage, jamming on rock oldies with Taj and Jesse and the band. The jam session was recorded on the club’s video system–and released on a bootleg entitled “The Silver Wilburys” to George’s disgust. “Some people have a LOT of nerve,” he said in a magazine interview.