When you can get two Beatles, Bonnie Bramlett, Dr. John, Yusef Islam, Joe Walsh, Van Dyke Parks, Jim Keltner, Don Preston and most of Manfred Mann in one place, it's got to be for a very good reason.
The reason is Klaus Voormann, whose wonderful Voormann and Friends album, "A Sideman's Journey" is nominated for a Grammy Award this year for "Best Boxed Or Special Limited Edition Package." The album is a celebration of musical sidemen with a modest Voormann taking a back seat on the songs and letting his friends do the singing. And do they ever.
The album kicks off with Paul McCartney singing the Fats Domino hit "I'm In Love Again" backed by Ringo Starr on drums and Voormann on bass. The track was recorded at McCartney's The Mill studio. Ringo also drums on a cover of "You're Sixteen" sung by Max Buskohl that has strong reminders of Ringo's version.
But the Beatle links don't end there. Three George Harrison songs are also featured on the album. Two are sung by Yusef Islam, the former Cat Stevens. The first, "All Things Must Pass," is a very gentle and beautiful take on it. Islam also covers Harrison's "The Day the World Gets Round." Bonnie Bramlett adds a nice cover of "My Sweet Lord."
There are also two covers of Randy Newman songs. John Fohl sings a great version of "Have You Seen My Baby (Hold On)," while Don Preston sings "Short People" with a group that features Joe Walsh on guitar, Van Dyke Parks on keyboards and Jim Keltner on drums. Preston also contributes a cover of Carl Perkins' "Blue Suede Shoes" that features Perkins' scat guitar style.
Track 6 features an almost complete reunion of Manfred Mann on their big hit, "The Mighty Quinn." Those on the track besides Voormann, who himself played on the original song, include Mike D'Abo, Tom McGuinness, Mike Hugg and Paul Jones (on backup vocals).
Voormann's career has had an amazing career, with several connections to the Beatles. He first met the Beatles in Germany, designed the "Revolver" cover, played on solo albums by Ringo Starr and John Lennon, at the Concert for Bangladesh and the Concert for George. And his non-Beatle credits are equally amazing.
"A Sideman's Journey" is not only a great album, but it's a tribute to a man with a fantastic career who deserves to be celebrated. Let's hope some of that comes Sunday at the Grammy Awards.
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Comments
Great album too bad it was only available as an import!
It's available through Amazon.com now.
Crap Stevens has used his religion to viciously attack gay and lesbian people. I have no respect for him or for those who work with him.
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