Do we even need to say it?
THERE IS TO BE NO POLITICAL DISCUSSION AT THIS YEAR’S 2024 THANKSGIVING TABLE.
Sorry, Goodboy. I get carried away sometimes. I just want to do all I can to encourage a harmonious and stress-free holiday meal… I know – I really should have more faith in the self-sufficiency of our sharp-as-a-carving-knife readership.
Case in point: Should that totally annoying, overly political (and self-proclaimed pop culture know-it-all) Uncle Kvetcher try to get clever and troll you with something provocative, current events-wise?
Remember: You’re too smart to take the bait. You’ll just turn the other giblet and respond with the kindness and goodwill that this holiday engenders…
Oh, who am I kidding? Shut him down. Go toe-to-toe- just not with lame post-election patter. Instead, deftly deploy your massive musicological knowledge. Master of Deflection that you are, ignore the incoming salvos, and over the next four courses, hit him upside the biscuits with these four sure-fire bits of tuneful trivia – that you know he’ll totally get wrong.
Start out gently;
During the traditional opening soup course, you could say:
“Hey, remember that great R&B oldie, “Rescue Me?” By that great singer –
“- “Yes, everyone knows that song, he’ll interrupt. That’s Aretha Franklin, of course.”
To which you’ll sweetly smile and say,
“Except That It’s Not.”
“That’s Fontella Bass.”
(Throw in the fact that it’s from October of 1965, just for good measure.)
A Chess Records production, the record featured Fontella’s solid vocal performance with backup vocals from Minnie Ripperton, and drums by future Earth, Wind, and Fire founder Maurice White. The happy sound of the record belied the fact that Bass was essentially ripped off by the record company, never making any money from her work.
After many years of grueling legal wrangling, justice finally prevailed and Fontella was able to live an improved life until she passed in 2012 at age 72.
Whilst the big salad bowl is being passed around, gently query:
“Say, I Was Just Thinking About The Bass Player On Carly Simon’s ‘You’re So Vain…’ “
He’ll ponder for a moment, and then blurt out:
“Legend of the four-string, Leland Sklar, obviously.”
A four course meal? No. You’re going to need to pack a U-Haul’s worth of groceries and inflate the air mattress for a nap or two, if you want to properly review the discography of bassist Leland Sklar. He’s played thousands of sessions and performed on more hit records than anyone, with the possible exception of drummer Hal Blaine. So in all fairness, it’s logical that someone would suggest that “Leland Sklar” is the answer.
Except That It’s Not.
Some say that Revolver is the best album The Beatles ever released. And right now, you might be trying to picture the cover in your mind’s eye. Here, hold the mashed potatoes and let me assist:
Creating the artwork for the album cover would be enough of a career achievement for anyone to be proud of. But Klaus Voormann has many other claims to fame hidden up his very artistic sleeve.
An accomplished musician as well, Klaus has played on records and in live concerts with George Harrison, recorded with B.B. King, headlined with Manfred Mann, hung with Randy Newman, Harry Nilsson, and Howlin’ Wolf, just to name just a few.
In addition to this list of credits, Klaus was the reason that Carly Simon spontaneously whispered, “son of a gun…” – because that was her surprised reaction when, as the tape rolled, he came up with this iconic opening bass guitar riff for her 1971 classic song “You’re So Vain:”
Klaus is still going strong at 86. We can’t think of anything cooler than being The Revolver Album Cover Guy. Except maybe also being The “Bum-Biddila Bum-Biddila Bum” Guy.
Don’t stop now. You’re on a (dinner) roll: As the main gastro-event starts taking shape, ask:
“Speaking of the bass guitar… dontcha just love what they did on The Jackson Five’s ‘I Want You Back?‘ Hmm… who was that guy?”
“Please,” you will hear between gravy slurps. “This is too easy. It’s obviously James Jamerson.“
In his too-brief 47 years, bass legend and Funk Brothers member Jamerson played on hundreds of classic Motown recordings. He was also in demand for work in disco, R&B and pop music circles, working with performers like Bonnie Pointer, Dennis Wilson, Sting and Robert Palmer. He is often cited as the bassist on “I Want You Back.”
Except That He’s Not.
It was played by saxophonist Wilton Felder. And that’s not a typo:
As his main instrument, Felder was best known as a sax virtuoso during his long career as a member of The (Jazz) Crusaders.
But he is also remembered as an innovative and creative bass player. Here’s an isolated bit of his legendary contribution to the recording:
.
In an interview, Felton remembered the session:
“The bass part, which essentially mirrors and counters the melody, was mostly written out. I added just a bit of myself to it. As a sax player, I related to the line’s hip chromatic movement – but being self-taught, I found the fingerings a bit intimidating.”
In addition to this seminal pop music contribution, Felton also is credited with punching out the bass lines for two other Jackson Five smashes: “The Love You Save,” and “ABC.” And the next time you’re listening to “Let’s Get It On,” take note: that’s Wilton’s bass groove, as well.
Got room for dessert? Go in for the kill with:
“I Just Love The Lead Singer on Squeeze’s ‘Tempted…‘
Well, it’s a coin flip. It’s got to be one of the two band leaders. So he’ll sniff and expound:
“Tilbrook. Difford sang backup mostly. So that would be Tilbrook as the main lead on ‘Tempted.’ “
Except That It’s Not Either Of Them.
Known for their witty lyrics, catchy melodies, and blend of new wave, pop, and punk, Chris Difford and Glenn Tilbrook wrote and performed as the founders of the British pop band Squeeze. Tilbrook was by far the more frequent lead vocalist.
Until the co-producer working on their album heard their new sideman keyboard player noodling on a new song in the studio. That’s when Elvis Costello said, “Boys, I think you should let Paul have a crack at this one.”
Paul. As in, Paul Carrack.
Initially, Difford and Tilbrook were less than thrilled about the request, and a very embarrassed newbie Carrack did what he could to dissuade the decision. But Elvis wouldn’t leave the building until all parties agreed that “Tempted “ was to become a Carrack-driven vehicle. It’s another feather in the cap of a great singer, and holds up nicely to his signature songs with Mike & The Mechanics, Ace, and his extensive solo catalog.
OK, I don’t know about you, but I am stuffed.
And I hope that I didn’t come off as too mean to poor old Uncle Kvetcher. He’s not so bad. In fact, he seems happy. We’re all headed out to the backyard for a post-feast game of football.
Although…
The way he’s smacking the ball in his hands while giving me the side-eye?
Revenge is in the wind. And after three slices of the pumpkin pie? He’s got the weight advantage.
Wish me luck. And Happy Thanksgiving To You All.
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I love both the idea of this post and its execution. I knew the first and last items but had no clue about the middle two, so I learned something new, always a great thing to say! Happiest of Thanksgivings to you, my friend. And to all of the TNOCS regulars, here and on the mothership.
Nice distraction techniques, mt. I could listen to that Voormann sample all day and still not have any idea what he’s doing. Sounds like banjo style fingerpicking, maybe?
Ponder that over dessert. Have a great Thanksgiving everyone! That includes JJ and our other non-USA friends.
No one in my family would have a clue about any of these. I’d be likely met with blank stares followed by the conversation moving swiftly on to what that couple down the street that you said hello to once in 1994 have been up to. And then there’s your Aunty Ann that’s not really your aunty but has been friends with your mother since before you were born and even though you haven’t seen her in 20 years she still likes to know what you’re up to and sends her love but oh, the state of her knees, she’s walking with a stick now and so it goes and goes and goes…..
Which is when Rescue Me becomes a plea for help rather than the subject of music trivia.
Of course I exaggerate (though not by much) and i wouldnt have it any other way.
Happy Thanksgiving All!
This is great knowledge to bring to the table on Thanksgiving. I may just need to drop at least one of these today. And I can’t decide who looks more intimidating- Uncle Kvetcher or Paul Carrack.
Turn the other giblet. I forgot that beatitude. I can always rely on mt58 for those tidbits. Happy Thanksgiving!
Oh to belong to a family that was conversant with the discography of session musicians.
Thanks for the factoids, mt! Fortunately, we didn’t have to use any of them yesterday. We were all more focused on the food and our gratitude than anything else. And for that I’m very grateful!