Here's another revelation: Rock (and soul and disco) kept many jazz artists employed and meeting college tuition payments in the late 1960s and 1970s—especially with the advent of eight- and sixteen-track recorders, which allowed producers to engage elaborate orchestrations. Which in turn required great musicians.
Here's Marv's recollection of the Ram date...
Leading up to the brass, woodwind, and string sessions, McCartney had, for six weeks, recorded the rhythm tracks with David Spinozza, Hugh McCracken and Denny Seiwell at Columbia Studios on E. 52nd St. Paul then worked with George Martin to fashion and arrange whatever he wanted to do with the orchestra musicians.
I'm sure I was flattered, but not much more than that. I didn't make much of it with people, since I have never cared to brag about stuff. I'm only telling you because you asked.
My kids have more appreciation of my career now than at that time. Even now, I'm really Dad," and that's what is truly important."
JazzWax tracks: Paul and Linda McCartney's Ram was
JazzWax clip: Here's Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey, with Marvin Stamm's solo at 2:19...
This story appears courtesy of JazzWax by Marc Myers.
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