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Unheralded Sideman

There's a story from the first US tour of the original Jeff Beck Group that after a performance in Central Park's Wollman Skating Ring a PR type from the record label ran up to the group's vocalist, Rod Stewart, and said, "Great show Jeff, and your band has a really good guitarist too!" So much for the intelligence of PR reps, but there are occasions where I think the sidemen musicians are at least as interesting, if not more interesting, than the star performers. Some of my favorite sidemen are:

James Jamerson - bass, Motown house band
Jack Ashford - tambourine, Motown house band
Charlie Watts - drums, Rolling Stones
Jack Cassady - bass, Jefferson Airplane/Hot Tuna
Bruce Thomas - bass, EC & the Attraction

Anybody eles have their favorite sidemen?
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Showing 4 responses by jla

jla
231 posts
 
Without a doubt the best sideman in the history of popular music was Jeff Porcaro.
jla
231 posts
 
Waddy Wachtel...nice job Swingman. Here is my list...I know I am leaving many out.

DRUMS: Jeff Porcaro (RIP), Vinnie Colaiuta, Steve Ferrone, Gregg Bissonette, Jim Keltner, Steve Gadd, Peter Erskine, Carlos Vega (RIP), Kenny Aronoff, John "JR" Robinson, Steve DiStanislao, Steve Jordon, Abe Laboriel Jr., Tris Imboden, Ralph Humphrey, Richie Hayward, John Ferraro, Dave Weckl, Denny Fongheiser, Bernard Purdie, Simon Philips, Paul Liem, John Keane, Praire Prince, Anton Fig, Steve Smith, Manu Katche, John Guerin.

GUITAR: Michael Landau, Steve Lukuather, Paul Jackson Jr., Waddy Wachtel, Tim Pierce, Bruce Gaitsch, Neal Schon, David Rhodes, Warren Cuccurulo, Larry Carlton, Jeff Pevar.

BASS: Lee Sklar, Jimmy Johnson, Will Lee, David Hungate, Nathan East, Jimmy Haslip, John Pena, Randy Jackson, Jason Scheff, Neil Stubenhaus, Tim Landers, Mike Porcaro, Freddy Washington, Bunny Brunell, Abe Laboriel Sr., John Pierce.

KEYBOARDS: James Newton Howard, David Garfield, James Raymond, Bill Meyers, Gregg Mathieson, Randy Waldman, Tom Coster, John Beasley, Michael McDonald, Steve Porcaro, Greg Phillinganes, Mike Finnigan, Mike Boddicker, Michael Ruff, Alan Pasqua.
jla
231 posts
 
Sure am Zaikesman...what about you?
jla
231 posts
 
Zaikesman...don't think I am the President of the Toto fan club. I just really like Jeff Porcaro and appreciate the musicianship. Jeff has played on so many recordings from Springsteen, Madonna, Dire Straits, Steely Dan, Ricky Lee Jones, Elton John, Paul Simon, Michael McDonald, Joni Mitchell, Roben Ford, Bonnie Raitt, Al Stewart, Boz Skaggs, Don Henley, Michael Jackson to name a few...believe me there are tons more. Actually, I am really a huge Jazz fan, but my tastes are all over the place. Last night I was listening to Wilco, Guster and Gomez....this morning I have had Peter Gabriel going and am now listening to Charles Lloyd. Certainly no harm taken...
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