@@NickNicometi It was written by Rita Coolidge, Jim Gordon stole it, and it sounds like Clapton wanted no part of it, but it was still on the album and he still profited from it. Rita got no credit.
RIP Tom Dowd. Criteria Studios had so many classic artist. RIP Duane Allman. Tragedy of his death so young on October 29, 1971. Loved being in Golden Beach on Ocean Blvd. Great memories!! RIP Jim Gordon 3/13/23 Thank you Bobby. ❤❤ Vegan Hugs.🌱
Amazing story - I love how Bobby goes "And Eric was sitting here (points) and Jim was standing over there (points again). And Tom Dowd came in one time and moved the mic one inch from here to there (points again)". Feels like you're right there!
In an interview with Eric on Jimi's death: “The night that he died I was supposed to meet him at the Lyceum to see Sly Stone play, and I brought with me a left-handed Stratocaster. I just found it, I think I bought it at Orange Music. I’d never seen one before and I was gonna give it to him.” So tragic Jimi Hendrix's death. There's a video of that interview if you search it. I tried to post it yet it wouldn't post. Sad lacking feature of UA-cam.
I listented to the album on and off but never all the through in one sitting. One night I finally made it all the way and was just blown away by "Thorn Tree" just an absolutley beautiful recording and performance.
Rita Coolidge was Jim Gordon's girlfriend in Layla days (or possibly before/ not during) ; legend has it she came up with the piano riff' at the end of Layla ??
I love listening to these stories, I have a very different view when listening to all these great songs knowing the inside story. Bobby and Coco thank you.
I could listen to Bobby talk about this stuff all day. Every time he tells a story, I'm always struck by how amazing his memory is down to the littlest details.
@@kendunn9810 that's just stupid. And cows shouldn't be constantly raped to be kept pregnant for humans to steal her calves milk. They don't even get to have their mother's made milk for them. Males usually murdered right after birth or shortly afterwards unless they keep them for a few months for fucking veal. Disgusting Dairy Farms!!
First, I have a pet tarantula myself so I like that you put it's exoskeleton in the video and second, Rita Coolidge says she wrote that piano part with her boyfriend at the time Jim Gordon. After Layla was released, she calls Clapton and he tells her to call Robert Stigwood and he tells her " You're just a girl and there's nothing you can do about it ".
Thorn Tree would have had the same effect without following the Layla coda. After the intensity of the album it was a way to say goodbye and thankyou to the listener.
The first time I heard Layla I was hitchhiking to Calgary. Been listening ever since, no idea how many times. Great album. How can so few musicians sound so good. Tedeschi Trucks version is splendid but has so much extra accompaniment.
You nailed it Bobby. "Thorn tree" is a great ending to that album. Beautiful song ! I'm also a big fan of " The Scenery Has Slowly Changed " Hell ...all your music is a big part of my life. And i love turning other people on to it as well. Cheers you 2. Stay safe.
Have you heard Rita Coolridge talk about how her and Jim Gordon were at her house on the piano, apparently she took over and wrote the bridge, melody and lyrics.,titled “Time Don’t Let The Road Get In Our Way” which later she claims would become, “Layla”! She said Jim was a great drummer but wasn’t much of a piano player. Then she had fly to England to record backing vocals with Eric Clapton, when she got there she played it for Eric but he didn’t think much of it so she left it on the piano. Some time later she would ba at a recording studio and heard her song come over the P.A. At the end of the song the DJ said that was Derek and The Dominos with Layla!🎸🇨🇦
Hmmmm am I getting senile or do I recall your mention( in a past episode ) that Leon & Delaney took the riff after hearing Rita play it and subsequently composing Superstar? Perhaps that’s why Rita claims credit.
nice episode. thanks for sharing. It's amazing to think you were only 22 and Eric was 25 when Layla was recorded. I was a 26 year old aspiring guitarist when the 20th Anniv box set was released and I recall thinking "what's the point...?". Now, at 58, that stuff doesn't really matter to me. I just keep pushing on and trying to do my thing and play it honestly.
I recall being delighted with Thorn Tree when I first heard the album all the way through, it is like a gentle farewell; after all that intensity. 1973 was my introduction to Layla.
Could you do an interview about the back of the Layla album cover? Mr. Whitlock, a few years ago I recreated the back cover of the Layla album on Instagram and you commented, just have to say that made me absolutely a fan for life! Thank you for all you do!
You guys are amazing. We are so lucky and blessed that Bobby is willing to share all these amazing stories with us, and it's also amazing that he has such a sharp memory that he remembers all these fine details of all the experiences.
That was great info on Layla and torn tree,Got to listen to some of Bobby s first solo lp just wonderful, seen Paul Horsnsby produce it is that the same man who produced Marshall Tucker band and was Bobby ever asked to record for Capricorn back then? Thank you Coco you’re a wonderful lady interviewing Bobby about this great history...
CoCo you do a great job of interviewing and leading Bobby into the answer. Th coda of Layla is one of the most beautiful pieces of music. It makes me cry when I hear it. The perfect ending of a song. Timeless piece of music. Thank you guys , always. marvin G.
Just got Bobby's Autobiography and began reading it.... Bobby talks about his little dog which was "taken care of" by the landlord of the Plantation. I was moved reading the pages. Maybe that's where Bobby's lifelong love of animals (dogs and cats) took birth. "Thorn Tree" is a lovely expression of loss, grief and longing....
I don’t know, I missed this two years ago… Thank you so much for sharing your memories! God bless the two of you and keep you happy and healthy. Keep up the great work - both of you. 🎸👨🏼⚕️🎸. 🇬🇧🏴🇺🇸🫶✌️
I would have raised hell about the coda too. It doesn't make musical sense, but we've all gotten used to it now. It's beautiful, but like a separate work of art stuck on the end of perfectly fine rock tune. And yes, Bobby's part brings it to life. This answered some questions I've had lo these many years.
I remember hearing one of the Allman Brothers ( I think it was Butch Trucks ) say that when Tom Dowd did their record they had all set up in the studio and were starting to play and Dowd stopped them and walk in to the studio and walked over to a mic and moved it a few inches then did the same to another mic and went back to the control room and say Okay. Little adjustment and let them do their thing. You gotta really know your stuff to do that. Exactly hit the sweet spot with the mic.
Cheers Coco! I haven't commented lately but in re-watching this video it occurred to me that there's one question Bobby has never, to my knowledge anyway, been asked about the coda to Layla, to wit: who played the acoustic guitar on the coda and was it added at the same session Bobby recorded his piano overdub? Hope the two of you are very happy out there in west Texas - all joy, light, and laughter to you. Cheers!
Love all these Dominos stories Bobby. I have a question: some people are fond of saying that Duane either inspired , or pulled together the effort that became the Derek and the Dominos album. I don’t believe this to be so, based of comments by you as well as others. Can you set the record straight on this please? Thanks for all the great content, wish you all the best.
This is Righteous that you are telling these stories. Just absolutely Righteous. I started playing guitar in '69, heard Duane in Vermont in Feb.'71 and got to touch Blackie in San Francisco in '74. Grew up with Layla. This is just Righteous Sir. ....God Love you.
Hi Folks , Thorn Tree is the perfect ending ,, everyone gathered around with the barest of instruments in an exquisite offering to Thorn Tree ,,, Let it be 😊 The Coda works really well in slowing you down and making a soft landing all in place for Thorn Tree ,, Let it roll 😊
That one mic had to have been a stereo mic though, since Thorn Tree is in stereo. A normal one mic recording would of course only be mono. People that think there had to be more than one mic maybe don't realize that there are stereo mics.
If it wasn't a stereo mic, then what was recorded was split into two separate stereo tracks, or something similar to the Duophonic "fake stereo" effect that was created by George Martin and EMI sound engineers on some of The Beatles' tracks that were originally recorded in mono. "I Am The Walrus" is one such example.
Glad I stumbled on these threads. Being a good musician is important but listening to Bobby talk I can see why he was an in-demand session/touring musician. Seems to have his head screwed on right and gets along with people. Pretty important when dealing with strong personalities, especially on the road. Aloha from Maui!
Thanks for the explaining the two piano parts. The straight chord intro works to get the mind around a progression, like Blackmore's guitar riff on Smoke on The Water. But, your part creates that eternal loop where the soul internalizes it and it could be 1 minute, it could be 10 minutes and people aren't aware and they lose track of time and wish it had not ended.
You are correct, CoCo: it was generous for Eric to give that last track for Bobby's Thorntree. Fun thing for me at 55 is that I can now listen to the song I don't think I've ever heard! Looking forward to it.👍
I have to admit the Coda always brings tears to my eyes...omg I dont know what it is its amazing..what a piece of music....the slide guitars crying in the background..its a work of art..timeless.... thank you for bringing it to life
This is a really cool conversation. To hear about all of the interactions between the engineer/producer and musicians is really interesting too. I would like to note however that you cannot have a true stereo recording without two microphones (minimum), unless it is a stereo mic by design. I'm not sure that they had those in the early 70s.
Love these convos. It’s one in the morning here on Long Island and I’m listening to this great story! You guys should try Chobani oat milk, good stuff.
OMG...I just heard this tune today and I was wondering the EXACT questions that you answered in this episode! Who played what...wondering which parts were Bobby, etc, etc..unbelievable! Like you read my mind ahead of time 🤩 Thank you as always you two! ❤
This is Brian , Born and raised in TN and I have to say you may be related Bobby lol !! I feel like I'm at the dinner table Everytime I hear to talk !! Makes me miss home in a good way !! Thanks for sharing !! It's great to see your happy Boddy !! My grandfather told me back in the 70 s " your life will never be in order in till your home is " Man was he right !! Took me 47 years but I finally got mine in order and the past 7 years I've been at peace !! You found yours with Coco !! Home sweet home !! You guys are loved and appreciated !!
Awesome stuff. 👍 I don’t understand why anyone would argue with Bobby about that one mic 🎙. That’s exactly what I hear in that performance 👍👍👍 and Dowd knew exactly how to use that technique from the early Atlantic recordings he engineered.
That coda is just beautiful serving the song isn't always easy I suppose? But I hear Bobby's part and yeah it lifts that tag to a crescendo .... thorntree brings you back to a place that just feels good...what a perfect long play record
I imagine Jim Gordon getting writing credits on Layla was a pretty big deal for him and Clapton. Going behind the back of the band with the producer no less. No wonder Clapton threw his bags out of the train.
Yes sir... Let me add that the record was already finished, because of Jim and his antics they had to return to Miami to do the coda which of course made Bobby and Eric unhappy.
To me music is a very spirituel thing.So when i heard the Layla Album and Thorn Tree in the Garden came in after Layla it was perfect and still it is.The thing with the piano coda on Layla is that to me it sounded like music for a movie.You know when you seing a movie and the movie came to an end,they showin on the screen all of the actors and producers and giving honor to all of those that worked on the movie. So Thorn Tree in the garden closes the chapter and leaves the listerner with a feeling that after all the flame will always burn and that love will always find away even if we don't know how.But this is just the feeling that had and still have when i listen to that wonderful song.So that is that. I went down to the crossroads... PS 》Somehow the album was like a mothership.... Everybody went on from there. It's a bit like a jig saw puzzle. However🙏Thanks a lot for talking about the details🎵🔝
I just spotted this from someone who saw George tour in 1972...."I saw GEORGE HARRISON AND RAVI SHANKER, IN CONCERT IN HOUSTON TX. RAVI WAS ON THE FIRST HALF WITH INDIAN MUSIC, STAYED ON BOUT 30 MINUTES. Then slight Intermission, then HARRISON CAME ON, WITH ERIC CLAPTON AND HIS BAND. They were GREAT. GEORGE LOOKED WONDERFUL. I HAD GREAT SEATS. They played for about 21/2 Hours. . Great Music, My Sweet Lord, all those great songs." Did Bobby tour with George and Eric?
Thanks for another great chat. I would like to ask a couple question about Bobby's solo albums if I may. With Eric and Jim at odds with each other how did Bobby get the 2 of them to record together on the debut and 2nd albums? And last question on the 3rd album One of a Kind, how did Bobby pick the musicians for recording this great album, and secondly on the opening track Movin On (excellent song!!) the lead guitar piece, as the end of the song is flowing out is so freaking great, did Bobby give this particular guitar player (T.J. Tindall) direction on what he wanted. Because it is some very cool playing indeed. Thank you> Also I just want to thank Bobby for deciding to do the BBC Later with Jools Holland show with Eric. Man the 2 of them hooking up after all those years and hearing and feeling the magic again is pure joy. Southern Gentleman song overwhelms me with Bobby's emotional voice and tasty piano and Eric's guitar fill. MAGICAL. Thank you a million times Bobby for doing that show, I play that video all the time to this day , just love it.
Kinda creepy spider voodoo images at the start. love how you discribe the feel and colouring you brought to the Jim Gordon Layla piano coda.I'm glad you agreed on how it suited the dynamics of that song just right.
@@BW-CC Thorntreee/Garden is everything to that album that Bobby so spontaneous described to us all and you Coco so lovingly retrieved from ur man for us all to experience-thank you!
Hi Bobby & CoCo. I've just posted this from a video Beatley Tone. @Beatley Tone's Beatles Channel Derek and the Dominos where the band for ATMP. George called Eric who at the time had the Dominos living with him at Hurtwood asking him if he and the band would work on Georges album. Eric agreed if George would let record them two tracks for the Dominos album.Bobby help a lot on ATMP His B53 organ George had a pump organ which Bobby could play. Played piano on Beware of Darkness. Tubular Bells Art of Dying. Help with the arrangement of Let it down.It was Bobby who came up with part of the melody for the track All things must pass, he whistled the line for Phil Spector, then actually suggested George gets Pete Drake in the Pedal steel player. he also contributed to backing vocals ...Bobby had a powerful voice. I think you've short changed Bobby Whitlock.On the 2014 remaster George actually thanked the band the Dominos and actually names the members of the band. Bobby lived at Friar Park for a time as he was counting Patties sister. Bobby worked hard on that album.Read Graeme Thomson's book, Behind the locked door.
I'd get in a whole lot of trouble if I told the story of the first time I heard Layla on the radio of a car in a garage. But the fact that the song and the album and the personalities involved were so steeped in legend has meant that it all continues on and grows over time - and somehow never gets old.
Tom dowd was a genius and a magician it’s amazing what he could get out of a studio. Question so was Jim Gordon the only one that knew the riff was stolen when you recorded it??
Question for Bobby : do you know did Jimi ever get to hear the Dominoes version of Little Wing ? In high school, a buddy and I kept playing both versions back to back, and we could never decide which version, yours or Jimi's, we liked better. Two absolute masterpieces.
My mate was mad hendrix fan, we had tickets for Jimi but had to sell on as skint..see him next time..not to be..took him to see Eric in 73/4 my mate burst into tears..he preferred Eric's version..uk
Bobby's once again is correct Thorn Tree in the Garden was the best love song on the whole recording. Even if It was about Bobby's Dog. It was the end of an epic run. And to have everybody sitting around that one mike . Not knowing just like the lyric if she wound up walking the streets and loving ever other man she meets.and leaving without our last goodbye lord I hope it's not me.
If i were to write the piano coda at the end of 'Layla ' and i was an average pianist , i would realise very quickly that the part needed to be embellished and the best way to do this was to use the skill and talent of Mr Bobby Whitlock ! It sounds very much like Mr Clapton realised this fact too ?
I have to say that I'm thankful for these videos...and Bobby & CoCo, you should be too. Reason being that this is the real deal, straight from the horses mouth as they say. Hulu has a Billie Holiday film that isn't 100% accurate, takes events from her life and mashes them up for dramatic effect, focuses on her addiction instead of her life, takes "artistic license" with her arrest...she didn't strip nude before getting arrested... it's all for the drama drama drama that paints Billie into a bad light and is hard to watch, meaning it jumps around a lot. It's not even a biopic, to the film maker's admission, just an exploitation flick. Hearing what really went down during the Layla sessions may help stop another film maker down the road from getting the idea to exploit Derek and The Dominos. Lady Day deserves respect. Derek and The Dominos deserve respect too. You've both got respect from me with questions being answered directly and factually. Thanks for sharing and, as always, Blessings to you both. Stephen
Without the Layla Coda, all of those gangsters in Goodfellas would still be alive!
Lol...
Funny! Good analogy!
The Layla Coda is one of my most favorite music transitions.
Hahaha
@@NickNicometi It was written by Rita Coolidge, Jim Gordon stole it, and it sounds like Clapton wanted no part of it, but it was still on the album and he still profited from it. Rita got no credit.
“Thorn Tree In The Garden” ... such sadness behind the song but a great way to conclude the album - the perfect epilogue :)
RIP Tom Dowd. Criteria Studios had so many classic artist.
RIP Duane Allman. Tragedy of his death so young on October 29, 1971.
Loved being in Golden Beach on Ocean Blvd. Great memories!!
RIP Jim Gordon 3/13/23
Thank you Bobby. ❤❤
Vegan Hugs.🌱
Amazing story - I love how Bobby goes "And Eric was sitting here (points) and Jim was standing over there (points again). And Tom Dowd came in one time and moved the mic one inch from here to there (points again)". Feels like you're right there!
I love Bobby's singing with Eric on Little Wing. So soul wrenching and great guitars. Awesome rendition, I hope Jimi heard it before his death.
No
Little Wing was recorded
9 days before Jimi died.
@@lawrencejhutchinson please post your source.
In an interview with Eric on Jimi's death:
“The night that he died I was supposed to meet him at the Lyceum to see Sly Stone play, and I brought with me a left-handed Stratocaster. I just found it, I think I bought it at Orange Music. I’d never seen one before and I was gonna give it to him.” So tragic Jimi Hendrix's death. There's a video of that interview if you search it. I tried to post it yet it wouldn't post. Sad lacking feature of UA-cam.
Eric was full of pain upon the death of Jimi and his heartache over Patti Boyd.
Bobby’s vocal on Thorn Tree really is a gem. Just beautiful. God has gifted you both with amazing talent. Love these chats!
I listented to the album on and off but never all the through in one sitting. One night I finally made it all the way and was just blown away by "Thorn Tree" just an absolutley beautiful recording and performance.
Wow...1 mic...amazing. I love these stories even though I catch some of them late 😎
Not a cow was assaulted lol....
Tom Dowd is a genius to set that atmosphere. Beautiful.
Rita Coolidge was Jim Gordon's girlfriend in Layla days (or possibly before/ not during) ; legend has it she came up with the piano riff' at the end of Layla ??
Still just a legend
@@MerkinMuffly Rita confirms it
The piano for Layla is soooooo beautiful
I love listening to these stories, I have a very different view when listening to all these great songs knowing the inside story. Bobby and Coco thank you.
I love these conversations -Coco’s questions & comments facilitate them so beautifully 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
Thank you
I could listen to Bobby talk about this stuff all day. Every time he tells a story, I'm always struck by how amazing his memory is down to the littlest details.
Not-Cow Milk: “Not a cow was assaulted.” 😂 😂 😂
how come you can water a horse but not milk a cat ?
@@kendunn9810 that's just stupid. And cows shouldn't be constantly raped to be kept pregnant for humans to steal her calves milk. They don't even get to have their mother's made milk for them. Males usually murdered right after birth or shortly afterwards unless they keep them for a few months for fucking veal.
Disgusting Dairy Farms!!
the piano portion of layla is awesome.
First, I have a pet tarantula myself so I like that you put it's exoskeleton in the video and second, Rita Coolidge says she wrote that piano part with her boyfriend at the time Jim Gordon. After Layla was released, she calls Clapton and he tells her to call Robert Stigwood and he tells her " You're just a girl and there's nothing you can do about it ".
She also claims to have written Superstar... you can't believe something just because someone claims it... unfortunately it happens.
i agree with you CoCo, it was an awesome choice to end the record and it is so nice to hear the story : )
Thorn Tree would have had the same effect without following the Layla coda. After the intensity of the album it was a way to say goodbye and thankyou to the listener.
The first time I heard Layla I was hitchhiking to Calgary. Been listening ever since, no idea how many times. Great album. How can so few musicians sound so good. Tedeschi Trucks version is splendid but has so much extra accompaniment.
You nailed it Bobby. "Thorn tree" is a great ending to that album. Beautiful song !
I'm also a big fan of " The Scenery Has Slowly Changed " Hell ...all your music is a big part of my life. And i love turning other people on to it as well. Cheers you 2. Stay safe.
Have you heard Rita Coolridge talk about how her and Jim Gordon were at her house on the piano, apparently she took over and wrote the bridge, melody and lyrics.,titled “Time Don’t Let The Road Get In Our Way” which later she claims would become, “Layla”! She said Jim was a great drummer but wasn’t much of a piano player. Then she had fly to England to record backing vocals with Eric Clapton, when she got there she played it for Eric but he didn’t think much of it so she left it on the piano. Some time later she would ba at a recording studio and heard her song come over the P.A. At the end of the song the DJ said that was Derek and The Dominos with Layla!🎸🇨🇦
She's so full of it..
She also claims to have written Superstar, total fabrication.
@@BW-CC Good to know thanks👍🎸🇨🇦
Hmmmm am I getting senile or do I recall your mention( in a past episode ) that Leon & Delaney took the riff after hearing Rita play it and subsequently composing Superstar? Perhaps that’s why Rita claims credit.
ua-cam.com/video/BwJgWqLTeCw/v-deo.html
All those songs were awesome
nice episode. thanks for sharing.
It's amazing to think you were only 22 and Eric was 25 when Layla was recorded. I was a 26 year old aspiring guitarist when the 20th Anniv box set was released and I recall thinking "what's the point...?". Now, at 58, that stuff doesn't really matter to me. I just keep pushing on and trying to do my thing and play it honestly.
3 chords and the truth are all it takes to make music that moves people
"Thorn Tree" is the needed rest/reflection after spending quality time with a lover...it is essential!
I recall being delighted with Thorn Tree when I first heard the album all the way through, it is like a gentle farewell; after all that intensity. 1973 was my introduction to Layla.
Could you do an interview about the back of the Layla album cover? Mr. Whitlock, a few years ago I recreated the back cover of the Layla album on Instagram and you commented, just have to say that made me absolutely a fan for life! Thank you for all you do!
Thorn Tree In The Garden was the best way that you guys could have ended the Layla album. You sound so awesome Bobby!
You guys are amazing. We are so lucky and blessed that Bobby is willing to share all these amazing stories with us, and it's also amazing that he has such a sharp memory that he remembers all these fine details of all the experiences.
That was great info on Layla and torn tree,Got to listen to some of Bobby s first solo lp just wonderful, seen Paul Horsnsby produce it is that the same man who produced Marshall Tucker band and was Bobby ever asked to record for Capricorn back then? Thank you Coco you’re a wonderful lady interviewing Bobby about this great history...
It was, Bobby did two albums for Capricorn
CoCo you do a great job of interviewing and leading Bobby into the answer. Th coda of Layla is one of the most beautiful pieces of music. It makes me cry when I hear it. The perfect ending of a song. Timeless piece of music. Thank you guys , always. marvin G.
Just got Bobby's Autobiography and began reading it.... Bobby talks about his little dog which was "taken care of" by the landlord of the Plantation. I was moved reading the pages. Maybe that's where Bobby's lifelong love of animals (dogs and cats) took birth. "Thorn Tree" is a lovely expression of loss, grief and longing....
That giggle/laugh is endearing!..I'll bet all those other musicians loved it too!!
I don’t know, I missed this two years ago… Thank you so much for sharing your memories! God bless the two of you and keep you happy and healthy. Keep up the great work - both of you.
🎸👨🏼⚕️🎸. 🇬🇧🏴🇺🇸🫶✌️
This interview made me cry.
I would have raised hell about the coda too. It doesn't make musical sense, but we've all gotten used to it now. It's beautiful, but like a separate work of art stuck on the end of perfectly fine rock tune. And yes, Bobby's part brings it to life. This answered some questions I've had lo these many years.
I remember hearing one of the Allman Brothers ( I think it was Butch Trucks ) say that when Tom Dowd did their record they had all set up in the studio and were starting to play and Dowd stopped them and walk in to the studio and walked over to a mic and moved it a few inches then did the same to another mic and went back to the control room and say Okay. Little adjustment and let them do their thing. You gotta really know your stuff to do that. Exactly hit the sweet spot with the mic.
Cheers Coco! I haven't commented lately but in re-watching this video it occurred to me that there's one question Bobby has never, to my knowledge anyway, been asked about the coda to Layla, to wit: who played the acoustic guitar on the coda and was it added at the same session Bobby recorded his piano overdub? Hope the two of you are very happy out there in west Texas - all joy, light, and laughter to you. Cheers!
We have discussed it somewhere in the videos... I'll ask to see if he will oblidge. Thank you
Love all these Dominos stories Bobby. I have a question: some people are fond of saying that Duane either inspired , or pulled together the effort that became the Derek and the Dominos album. I don’t believe this to be so, based of comments by you as well as others. Can you set the record straight on this please? Thanks for all the great content, wish you all the best.
This is Righteous that you are telling these stories. Just absolutely Righteous.
I started playing guitar in '69, heard Duane in Vermont in Feb.'71 and got to touch Blackie in San Francisco in '74. Grew up with Layla. This is just Righteous Sir. ....God Love you.
Hi Folks ,
Thorn Tree is the perfect ending ,, everyone gathered around with the barest of instruments in an exquisite offering to Thorn Tree ,,, Let it be 😊
The Coda works really well in slowing you down and making a soft landing all
in place for Thorn Tree ,, Let it roll 😊
My favorite album front to back.
Completely agree with Bobby of the importance of Thorn Tree on the Layla album. This music will live forever. Thanks for the video, CoCo!
That one mic had to have been a stereo mic though, since Thorn Tree is in stereo. A normal one mic recording would of course only be mono. People that think there had to be more than one mic maybe don't realize that there are stereo mics.
Seemed like she kept asking about that. Had to have been a stereo mic if it was the only one.
If it wasn't a stereo mic, then what was recorded was split into two separate stereo tracks, or something similar to the Duophonic "fake stereo" effect that was created by George Martin and EMI sound engineers on some of The Beatles' tracks that were originally recorded in mono. "I Am The Walrus" is one such example.
Glad I stumbled on these threads. Being a good musician is important but listening to Bobby talk I can see why he was an in-demand session/touring musician. Seems to have his head screwed on right and gets along with people. Pretty important when dealing with strong personalities, especially on the road. Aloha from Maui!
Thanks for the explaining the two piano parts. The straight chord intro works to get the mind around a progression, like Blackmore's guitar riff on Smoke on The Water. But, your part creates that eternal loop where the soul internalizes it and it could be 1 minute, it could be 10 minutes and people aren't aware and they lose track of time and wish it had not ended.
You are correct, CoCo: it was generous for Eric to give that last track for Bobby's Thorntree. Fun thing for me at 55 is that I can now listen to the song I don't think I've ever heard! Looking forward to it.👍
Thank you for this great story on the End of Layla ...!
Love Bobby and Coco keeping the vibe ...
I have to admit the Coda always brings tears to my eyes...omg I dont know what it is its amazing..what a piece of music....the slide guitars crying in the background..its a work of art..timeless.... thank you for bringing it to life
This is a really cool conversation. To hear about all of the interactions between the engineer/producer and musicians is really interesting too. I would like to note however that you cannot have a true stereo recording without two microphones (minimum), unless it is a stereo mic by design. I'm not sure that they had those in the early 70s.
Love these convos. It’s one in the morning here on Long Island and I’m listening to this great story! You guys should try Chobani oat milk, good stuff.
I had no idea Jim Gordon played the piano on the coda of Layla.
He tried...
OMG...I just heard this tune today and I was wondering the EXACT questions that you answered in this episode! Who played what...wondering which parts were Bobby, etc, etc..unbelievable! Like you read my mind ahead of time 🤩
Thank you as always you two!
❤
This is Brian , Born and raised in TN and I have to say you may be related Bobby lol !! I feel like I'm at the dinner table Everytime I hear to talk !! Makes me miss home in a good way !! Thanks for sharing !! It's great to see your happy Boddy !! My grandfather told me back in the 70 s " your life will never be in order in till your home is " Man was he right !! Took me 47 years but I finally got mine in order and the past 7 years I've been at peace !! You found yours with Coco !! Home sweet home !! You guys are loved and appreciated !!
Awesome stuff. 👍 I don’t understand why anyone would argue with Bobby about that one mic 🎙. That’s exactly what I hear in that performance 👍👍👍 and Dowd knew exactly how to use that technique from the early Atlantic recordings he engineered.
What a joy it is to hear these stories. Thank you so much for taking the time to share.
That coda is just beautiful serving the song isn't always easy I suppose? But I hear Bobby's part and yeah it lifts that tag to a crescendo .... thorntree brings you back to a place that just feels good...what a perfect long play record
I listen everyday so thanks once again. Thorn Tree was a natural good way to end a party in Carbondale 1973. Such a good good vibration.
I imagine Jim Gordon getting writing credits on Layla was a pretty big deal for him and Clapton. Going behind the back of the band with the producer no less. No wonder Clapton threw his bags out of the train.
Yes sir...
Let me add that the record was already finished, because of Jim and his antics they had to return to Miami to do the coda which of course made Bobby and Eric unhappy.
To me music is a very spirituel thing.So when i heard the Layla Album and Thorn Tree in the Garden came in after Layla it was perfect and still it is.The thing with the piano coda on Layla is that to me it sounded like music for a movie.You know when you seing a movie and the movie came to an end,they showin on the screen all of the actors and producers and giving honor to all of those that worked on the movie.
So Thorn Tree in the garden closes the chapter and leaves the listerner with a feeling that after all the flame will always burn and that love will always find away even if we don't know how.But this is just the feeling that had and still have when i listen to that wonderful song.So that is that.
I went down to the crossroads...
PS 》Somehow the album was like a mothership....
Everybody went on from there.
It's a bit like a jig saw puzzle.
However🙏Thanks a lot for talking about the details🎵🔝
Thank you so much, Bobby and CoCo!! Your stories are pure gold and a blessing straight to the heart!
I just spotted this from someone who saw George tour in 1972...."I saw GEORGE HARRISON AND RAVI SHANKER, IN CONCERT IN HOUSTON TX. RAVI WAS ON THE FIRST HALF WITH INDIAN MUSIC, STAYED ON BOUT 30 MINUTES.
Then slight Intermission, then HARRISON CAME ON, WITH ERIC CLAPTON AND HIS BAND. They were GREAT. GEORGE LOOKED WONDERFUL. I HAD GREAT SEATS. They played for about 21/2 Hours. . Great Music, My Sweet Lord, all those great songs."
Did Bobby tour with George and Eric?
Yes with Delaney and Bonnie
beautiful amazing sweet heavenly thanks truly stunning don't stop xspainin'
Thanks you 2...I love your chats...and reminiscing about Layla....my giddy godmother...thanks much love to you both
Jim Gordon passed last week.
May he find peace.
Very tragic story.
Everything on the Layla album was meant to be. On of the best ever. Stands the test of time.
That was great! Down to earth honest guy!
Milking cows causes young men to develop "milking hands" that is extra power and grip, it surely aided Bobby's strength at keyboards.
Thanks for another great chat. I would like to ask a couple question about Bobby's solo albums if I may. With Eric and Jim at odds with each other how did Bobby get the 2 of them to record together on the debut and 2nd albums? And last question on the 3rd album One of a Kind, how did Bobby pick the musicians for recording this great album, and secondly on the opening track Movin On (excellent song!!) the lead guitar piece, as the end of the song is flowing out is so freaking great, did Bobby give this particular guitar player (T.J. Tindall) direction on what he wanted. Because it is some very cool playing indeed. Thank you> Also I just want to thank Bobby for deciding to do the BBC Later with Jools Holland show with Eric. Man the 2 of them hooking up after all those years and hearing and feeling the magic again is pure joy. Southern Gentleman song overwhelms me with Bobby's emotional voice and tasty piano and Eric's guitar fill. MAGICAL. Thank you a million times Bobby for doing that show, I play that video all the time to this day , just love it.
We already talked about it
@@BW-CC Thanks, I will look back in the past videos.
Great story, I wondered how all this came about. Thanks and God bless you both 🙏😷🎶
BW - ‘...painful and joyous...” that’s the Blues.
Best Regards to you CC & BW
Kinda creepy spider voodoo images at the start. love how you discribe the feel and colouring you brought to the Jim Gordon Layla piano coda.I'm glad you agreed on how it suited the dynamics of that song just right.
thanks for these interviews, much appreciated
What a good vibe from you guys, glad to see the grins, Ms. Coco put the camera on the mantle, join in!
Bobby's the man, got it!
You can get Oatly “Barista Edition” here. It’s a non-dairy milk made from oats by a Swedish company and it’s amazing; love it in my coffee!!
I love the part where the leslie guitar comes in followed by the slide. Just a genius arrangement.
The piano coda to Layla Out freaking standing.
Bobby, is that you singing Thorntree/Garden??? MY FIST LISTEN-WOW!! I'm wipin' tears from my face-luv it! Eric was genius to do that w/ you.
Yes... it was Eric's idea for Bobby to do it... ever thankful.
CoCo
@@BW-CC Thorntreee/Garden is everything to that album that Bobby so spontaneous described to us all and you Coco so lovingly retrieved from ur man for us all to experience-thank you!
You could do a documentary on just that last song! Thorntree/Garden - luv it!!
Great insight, interestimg information.. I love the history. 🎼 🎹 🎸 🙏
And now it comes out that Rita Coolidge came up with the Layla “coda” and got no credit for it.
Not true
Thanks for sharing!
Man you speak with such emotion, really like all that you post, this one really has me in a good place.
TTITG, what a beautiful song!
This is another example of the humility of Eric Clapton---putting others before himself. Allowing Mr Whitlock to close the album
And you where part of an amazing piece of work, not a bad way to spend some time, I'm jealous. thank you for sharing, rascal!
Hi Bobby & CoCo. I've just posted this from a video Beatley Tone. @Beatley Tone's Beatles Channel Derek and the Dominos where the band for ATMP. George called Eric who at the time had the Dominos living with him at Hurtwood asking him if he and the band would work on Georges album. Eric agreed if George would let record them two tracks for the Dominos album.Bobby help a lot on ATMP His B53 organ George had a pump organ which Bobby could play. Played piano on Beware of Darkness. Tubular Bells Art of Dying. Help with the arrangement of Let it down.It was Bobby who came up with part of the melody for the track All things must pass, he whistled the line for Phil Spector, then actually suggested George gets Pete Drake in the Pedal steel player. he also contributed to backing vocals ...Bobby had a powerful voice. I think you've short changed Bobby Whitlock.On the 2014 remaster George actually thanked the band the Dominos and actually names the members of the band. Bobby lived at Friar Park for a time as he was counting Patties sister. Bobby worked hard on that album.Read Graeme Thomson's book, Behind the locked door.
Its too late is one of my favs
I'd get in a whole lot of trouble if I told the story of the first time I heard Layla on the radio of a car in a garage. But the fact that the song and the album and the personalities involved were so steeped in legend has meant that it all continues on and grows over time - and somehow never gets old.
Tom dowd was a genius and a magician it’s amazing what he could get out of a studio. Question so was Jim Gordon the only one that knew the riff was stolen when you recorded it??
Jim went behind Eric's back and who knows .. . Eric never stole anything..CoCo
Bobby , man, you still gotta be churning butter and making buttermilk. Haha!!
Question for Bobby : do you know did Jimi ever get to hear the Dominoes version of Little Wing ? In high school, a buddy and I kept playing both versions back to back, and we could never decide which version, yours or Jimi's, we liked better. Two absolute masterpieces.
My mate was mad hendrix fan, we had tickets for Jimi but had to sell on as skint..see him next time..not to be..took him to see Eric in 73/4 my mate burst into tears..he preferred Eric's version..uk
Great as always 😊 thanks
LOL- well it’s either Thorn Tree or Roll It Over boys, waddaya think?
Great story folks
Bobby's once again is correct Thorn Tree in the Garden was the best love song on the whole recording. Even if It was about Bobby's Dog. It was the end of an epic run. And to have everybody sitting around that one mike . Not knowing just like the lyric if she wound up walking the streets and loving ever other man she meets.and leaving without our last goodbye lord I hope it's not me.
If i were to write the piano coda at the end of 'Layla ' and i was an average pianist , i would realise very quickly that the part needed to be embellished and the best way to do this was to use the skill and talent of Mr Bobby Whitlock ! It sounds very much like Mr Clapton realised this fact too ?
It is a fact, yes.
Loved hearing this!
Thanks again both.
I have to say that I'm thankful for these videos...and Bobby & CoCo, you should be too.
Reason being that this is the real deal, straight from the horses mouth as they say.
Hulu has a Billie Holiday film that isn't 100% accurate, takes events from her life and mashes them up for dramatic effect, focuses on her addiction instead of her life, takes "artistic license" with her arrest...she didn't strip nude before getting arrested... it's all for the drama drama drama that paints Billie into a bad light and is hard to watch, meaning it jumps around a lot. It's not even a biopic, to the film maker's admission, just an exploitation flick.
Hearing what really went down during the Layla sessions may help stop another film maker down the road from getting the idea to exploit Derek and The Dominos. Lady Day deserves respect. Derek and The Dominos deserve respect too. You've both got respect from me with questions being answered directly and factually.
Thanks for sharing and, as always, Blessings to you both.
Stephen
Thank you so much