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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Onhwy, the only records I have Jesse Davis on are Taj Mahal's (and one other place, I think, but I can't remember whose album or where in my collection to find it). He had a few of his own, which this thread may prompt me to try and find, and played on many others, so once in a long while I would hear his playing on the radio or at a friend's. He played with remarkable depth, spaciousness, restraint and soul -- a beautiful sound. Full-blooded American Indian, I believe. Sadly, dead now. On one early Taj album on which Jesse played lead, rhythm guitar was played by one "Ryland Cooder." Glad you remember him.
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.
The Experience...Jimi was Jimi...but Noel and Mitch were a world class rhythm section...the weakest link in the Jimi Hendrix Experience was Jimi Hendrix! (Just kidding)
More to discover