[Harp-L] Roadhouse Blues - Sidetrip

[Ken Deifik <kenneth.d@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

This is a total sidetrip from the discussion about when John Sebastian cut 
his part on the Morrison Hotel album, knowledge of which I do not 
have.  But I have a story about making that album that may be of value to 
people making records.

I know Ray Neapolitan who played bass on that record, and a billion 
others.  He now works for Joe Cocker in a management capacity.  He told me 
that the Doors had Morrison Hotel pretty much arranged when the sessions 
began.  They recorded the album.  Then they recorded it again.  And again, 
and again.  For nearly a year.

Ray told me that the arrangements never really changed much from beginning 
to end, they were hoping for The Magic to emerge on a take here and 
there.  He told me it was the hardest gig he ever had to do, high paid 
repetitive labor.  He said the early takes were as good as what came later.

Unlike the earlier records, I don't go back to it ever.

This is not to argue that you shouldn't try a few retakes, or even more 
than a few if the magic hasn't emerged.  Perhaps it is to say that even if 
you're the Doors you might try mixing it up when the goods are just laying 
there sleeping.

K