DENNY SEIWELL LEGENDARY DRUMMER WITH PAUL McCARTNEY AND WINGS CELEBRATES THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF RAM- ZOOM EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

 

 RAM ON

– A 50th Anniversary Celebration

of

Paul & Linda McCartney’s RAM

– Out on May 14th

Exclusive Interview 

with

Legendary 'W I N G S' Drummer

DENNY SEIWELL

ZOOM INTERVIEW WITH DENNY SEIWELL

CLICK BELOW TO WATCH IN ITS ENTIRETY

For the 50th anniversary of “Ram” by Paul & Linda McCartney, over 100 musicians have come together to celebrate this much-loved seminal album. With Sir Paul McCartney’s blessing, they have re-recorded all of the “Ram” songs to create “RAM ON: The 50th Anniversary Tribute to Paul & Linda McCartney’s RAM,” released on 14th May 2021 through Spirit of Unicorn Music (distributed by Cherry Red Records).

Having played with New York’s jazz elite, Denny Seiwell received an invitation from Paul McCartney to move to London and become a founding member of the post-Beatles phenomenon Wings. Denny toured with Wings and played on many of that era’s biggest hits, “My Love” and the Oscar nominated “Live And Let Die” along with McCartney’s “Ram,” “Wildlife” and “Red Rose Speedway” albums. Other highlights of Denny’s London years included work with Joe Cocker, Donovan, and The Who with the London Symphony Orchestra on their groundbreaking version of the Rock Opera “Tommy.” Denny’s signature drumming can be heard on records by Art Garfunkel, James Brown, Astrud Gilberto, Deniece Williams, Janis Joplin’s posthumous “Farewell Song” album and Billy Joel’s “Cold Spring Harbor.” 

“RAM ON” includes warm and sensitive re-recordings of all the original tracks on “Ram” plus two non-album tracks from the “Ram” sessions: McCartney’s first single after his departure from The Beatles, “Another Day,” was a huge global hit in 1971 and the single’s B-side “Oh Woman Oh Why,” is also included. The tribute closes with a reprise of the opening track “Too Many People (Slight Return).”

“RAM ON” is produced by Fernando Perdomo and Denny Seiwell.

“From early on I wanted this to not be a typical tribute record,” says Fernando Perdomo. “Every musician on this record loves ‘Ram’ with all their heart and I think it shows. This record was made with pure love.”

Purchase

RAM ON

The 50th Anniversary Tribute to Paul & Linda McCartney’s RAM

Release Date: 14th May 2021  at amazon.com

You can pre-order the album now at

https://geni.us/ramon50th

Hear a teaser of all tracks from “RAM ON” here...

 For more information

about

DENNY SEIWELL

And

FERNANDO PERDOMO

VISIT

https://dennyseiwell.com/

Facebook – @denny.seiwell

Twitter – @dennystrio

https://www.fernandoperdomo.com/

Facebook – @Fernandoperdomomusic

Twitter – @fperdomo

DENNY SEIWELL 

MUSIC CREDITS

2018   Motown Magic [Original Soundtrack]                Drums

2016   Pure McCartney       Paul McCartney       Primary Artist

2014   This Is Gary McFarland: The Jazz Legend Who Should Have Been a Pop Star      Gary McFarland    Cast

2012   The RCA Albums Collection           John Denver Drums

2012   Power Chill Lounge             Drums

2012   Come to Me/Well Kept Secret/Take Heart         Juice Newton            Drums

2011    Let Us In: Nashville            Drums, Primary Artist

2011    Almost Grown          Mary Kay Place       Drums

2008  Janis Joplin [Madacy]        Janis Joplin  Guest Artist, Musician

2007   The Shiloh Records Anthology      Sneaky Pete Kleinow          Drums

2006   Studio Buzzy Linhart           Drums

2006   Bobby [Universal]               Conductor

2005   Love Is Eggshaped [Original Soundtrack]          Mark Wirtz Ear Theatre / Mark Wirtz            Drums

2005   Cryin' Heart Blues  Rick Danko   Drums

2004   Wide Eyed and Legless: The A&M Recordings  Andy Fairweather Low      Drums

2004   Cosmic Wheels/Essence to Essence          Donovan        Drums

2003   Buzzy Linhart Presents the Big Few        Buzzy Linhart           Drums

2001   Wingspan: Hits and History         Paul McCartney       Drums

2001   Now That the Money's Gone         Joe Benedett Drums

2001   Headed for a Good Time    Penelope Torribio    Drums

2000  Love Songs    Deniece Williams     Drums, Bass

2000  Godzology     Les Fradkin / Paul Thornton         Drums

1999    Smooth Sailin'          Marty Grebb Main Personnel, Drums

1998   Wide Prairie Linda McCartney     Drums

1998   Sometimes Almost Never Was      Stevie Salas  Percussion

1998   L.J.      Laurence Juber        Drums

1998   Black & White          Lon & Derrek Van Eaton    Drums

1997    Yellow Pills, Vol. 4               Drums, Percussion

1997    This is Jazz, Vol. 29: Bossa Nova             Drums, Percussion

1996    Sheffield Jazz Experience               Drums

1996    Gonna Take a Miracle: The Best of Deniece Williams  Deniece Williams     Drums, Percussion

1995    Irving Berlin Century         Margie Gibson         Drums

1995    Greene Fiddler         Richard Greene        Drums

1994    The Legend & the Legacy   Sneaky Pete Kleinow          Drums

1994    Say It with Music     Margie Gibson         Drums

1994    San Francisco Sound: Then & Now, Vol. 2                     Drums

1994    San Francisco Sound: Then & Now, Vol. 1                      Drums

1993    Danny Peck   Danny Peck   Drums

1992    Troubadour: The Definitive Collection 1964-1976        Donovan        Drums

1991    For Our Children     Disney            Drums, Drums (Snare)

1989   Off Color Blues         Carol Joy Robins     Drums

1988   Joy Sings the Blues Carol Joy Robins     Drums

1983   I'm So Proud Deniece Williams     Drums, Percussion

1983   Farewell Song          Janis Joplin  Musician

1982   The Four Sides of Buzzy Linhart   Buzzy Linhart           Drums

1980   Japanese Tears        Denny Laine Drums

197?    Shot in the Dark       Bill Quateman          Drums

1979    Wornell Jones          Wornell Jones          Drums

1979    Shot Through the Heart     Jennifer Warnes      Drums

1979    Heart of Fire Mary Russell Drums

1979    Gone   Jerry Williams         Drums

1979    Framed          Dave Lambert          Drums

1977    Tropical Nights        Liza Minnelli Drums

1977    Rick Danko   Rick Danko   Drums

1977    Night After Night     Bill Quateman          Producer, Featured Artist, Drums, Percussion, Composer

1977    Come to Me   Juice Newton / Juice Newton & Silver Spur       Drums

1975    Venus and Mars       Paul McCartney / Paul McCartney & Wings / Wings  Musician, Primary Artist

1975    Never Too Late        Rab Noakes   Drums

1975    Keith & Donna Godchaux   Keith Godchaux        Drums

1975    Breakaway   Art Garfunkel           Drums

1974    Spider Jiving            Andy Fairweather Low      Drums

1974    McGear          Mike McGear            Guest Artist, Drums

1974    Madrugada   Melanie         Drums

1974    Broken Rainbows    Michael d'Abo           Drums

1973    Red Rose Speedway Paul McCartney / Paul McCartney & Wings / Wings  Member of Attributed Artist, Vocals, Chant, Bass Instrument, Drums, Percussion, Vocals (Background), Bass, Vocal Harmony, Harmony, Primary Artist

1973    Essence to Essence   Donovan        Drums

1973    Band on the Run      Paul McCartney / Paul McCartney & Wings / Wings  Primary Artist

1972    Randy Edelman       Randy Edelman       Drums

1972    Bill Quateman          Bill Quateman          Drums

1971    Wild Life        Paul McCartney / Paul McCartney & Wings / Wings  Drums, Primary Artist

1971    Sporting Club                       Drums

1971    Ram    Linda McCartney / Paul McCartney        Featured Artist, Main Personnel, Drums, Quotation Author, Primary Artist

1971    Pacheco & Alexander          Tom Pacheco Drums

1971    In My Own Time      Karen Dalton           Drums

1971    Historia de Amor/Solo el Fin        Astrud Gilberto        Drums

1971    Gilberto with Turrentine    Astrud Gilberto        Drums, Percussion

1971    Cold Spring Harbor Billy Joel       Drums

1971    Butterscotch Rum    Gary McFarland      Drums

1971    Bobby Gosh  Bobby Gosh  Drums

1970    Take Me to Tomorrow        John Denver Drums

MY NEW BOOK

 IS FINALLY OUT!

ENTITLED

THE ROCK STAR CHRONICLES

SERIES ONE

CHRONICLES, TRUTHS, CONFESSIONS AND WISDOM

 FROM THE MUSIC LEGENDS

 THAT SET US FREE

 …Order yours today on (Collector edition) Hardcover

 or E-book

 at bookbaby.com and amazon.com

Featuring over 45 intimate conversations with some of

the greatest rock legends the world will ever know.

CHRIS SQUIRE... DR. JOHN... GREG LAKE... HENRY MCCULLOUGH... JACK BRUCE … JOE LALA…  JOHNNY WINTER... KEITH EMERSON... PAUL KANTNER...  RAY THOMAS... RONNIE MONTROSE... TONY JOE WHITE... DAVID CLAYTON-THOMAS… MIKE LOVE... TOMMY ROE... BARRY HAY... CHRIS THOMPSON... JESSE COLIN YOUNG... JOHN KAY... JULIAN LENNON... MARK LINDSAY... MICKY DOLENZ… PETER RIVERA ...TOMMY JAMES… TODD RUNDGREN... DAVE MASON... EDGAR WINTER... FRANK MARINO... GREGG ROLIE... IAN ANDERSON... JIM “DANDY” MANGRUM... JON ANDERSON... LOU GRAMM... MICK BOX... RANDY BACHMAN… ROBIN TROWER...  ROGER FISHER... STEVE HACKETT... ANNIE HASLAM… ‘MELANIE’ SAFKA... PETULA CLARK... SUZI QUATRO... COLIN BLUNSTONE… DAVE DAVIES... JIM McCARTY... PETE BEST

 

THE ROCK STAR CHRONICLES

BOOK TRAILER

BOOK REVIEW

-By Literary Titan (5) STARS

The Rock Star Chronicles, by Ray Shasho, is a splendid book written by a music enthusiast who has poured their heart and soul into it. It’s a story of a boy who loved rock music, and his obsessive passion of it earned himself the name Rock Raymond. He went to school but instead was schooled in all matters of music while his peers were buried chin-deep in coursework. He then became a radio DJ and has now compiled a book on all interviews he held with Rock gods who raided the airwaves back in the 70s and 80s. It’s a compilation of interviews with outstanding vocalists, legendary guitarists and crazy drummers in the rock music scene. Each interview gives a reader an in-depth view into their personal lives and the philosophies that guide their lives which all serve to humanize these great icons. For readers who are old enough to call themselves baby boomers this book will bring old memories back to life. Millennials, on the other hand, may think of this book as a literal work of the Carpool Karaoke show.

 The Rock Star Chronicles is a book I didn’t know I was waiting for. To come across a book that will talk me into trying something new. One brave enough to incite me to venture into new frontiers. This book made me a believer- I am now a bona fide Rock and Roll music fan. 

Ray Shasho masterfully gets the interviewees talking. He smartly coaxes answers from them with crafty questions designed to get a story rolling out of them. The artists talk about diverse issues ranging from music, politics, and their social engagements. Having been on the music seen all his life, Ray Shasho knows the buttons to press, how to get them comfortable about talking about their lives.

 The book’s cover is befitting of its subject matter with the leather look offering a royal background to the golden letter print. It speaks to how high a level rock music holds in the pecking order- arguably, modern music as we know it has originated from blues and rock music.  The second noteworthy thing is the use of high-definition pictures to reference the musician being interviewed in every sub-chapter. This ensures that the book is for both original rock and roll lovers and aspiring new ones. Together is makes for a refreshing and consistently enjoyable read.

I recommend this book to rock music enthusiasts, aspiring musicians wondering what it takes and all readers curious to learn new things by going back in time.

 https://literarytitan.com/2020/05/03/literary-titan-book-awards-may-2020/   Gold Award Winner

 

Henry McCullough divulges divine intervention while with Paul McCartney & Wings

By Ray Shasho

Guitarist/songwriter/vocalist/ Henry McCullough may not be a household name but has undeniably imprinted his roots in rock and roll folklore. McCullough’s first band of prominence was spearheaded by (Animals bassist/Hendrix manager) Chas Chandler. The band (Eire Apparent) toured with legendary performers such as The Jimi Hendrix Experience, The Move, and Pink Floyd.

McCullough joined the legendary Irish Folk group, Sweeney’s Men, before joining Joe Cocker’s Grease band. McCullough toured with Cocker as his lead guitarist. Joe Cocker and The Grease Band performed on day (3) of the Woodstock Festival, August 17th, 1969. The band’s electrifying performance of the Beatles, “With a Little Help from My Friends,” was considered one of the most memorable of the event.

McCullough also had a short stint with the progressive rock band Spooky Tooth.

Several members of The Grease Band were asked to play on an avant-garde concept album called, ‘Jesus Christ Superstar.’ Henry McCullough and bandmate Neil Hubbard would play under the direction of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice. The album reached #1 on Billboard’s Hot 100 in 1971.

Also in 1971, Paul McCartney asked Henry McCullough to join his new band Wings as their lead guitarist. McCullough’s most significant contribution to McCartney’s Wings was his awe-inspiring solo on, “My Love.” According to McCullough, his guitar lick may have been induced by a divine nature. McCullough also played on, “Hi, Hi, Hi” which got tremendous airplay over Top 40 radio in America and peaked at #10 on the charts. The upbeat tune was loaded with sexual innuendos and banned by the BBC. McCullough also played on the James Bond theme song, “Live and Let Die” penned by McCartney, and charting at #2 on Billboard Top 100. The song was recorded during the ‘Red Rose Speedway’ sessions.

During a Wings recording session at Abbey Road studios, McCullough was asked to contribute a simple spoken sentence for another session in progress next door. The band was Pink Floyd and the recording was for the ‘Dark Side of the Moon album.’ McCullough’s notorious line, “I don't know; I was really drunk at the time” found its way on the “Money” track. ‘Dark Side of the Moon,’ became one of the most successful selling albums in history, and is considered one of the greatest rock albums of all-time.

Some of the incredible artists that McCullough has worked with over the years include… Eric Burdon, Roy Harper, Donovan, Ronnie Lane, Frankie Miller, Marianne Faithful, and The Who.

McCullough most recently reunited with former Wings bandmate and drummer Denny Seiwell, and performed at the ‘Fest for Beatles Fans’ in Secaucus, New Jersey.

Henry McCullough’s latest release, “Poor Man’s Moon” is an amazing dose of British-blues, rock, folk, and country, played by one of the very best guitarist in the business.

Here’s my recent chat with the enduring and incredible Henry McCullough.

Ray Shasho: Thank you so much Henry for spending time with me today. You’ve performed on countless recordings throughout the years with so many legendary artists. Have you collaborated with fellow countrymen Van Morrison or the late great Rory Gallagher? 

Henry McCullough: “I met Rory many years ago, he also played in showbands in Ireland, but I never had the pleasure of playing with Rory, I did speak to his brother(manager) about Rory coming over to produce my ‘Unfinished Business’ CD, but he wasn't well enough so that was that, RIP Rory Gallagher. I've not had the pleasure of playing with Van Morrison either, though our paths did cross a few times over the years.”

Ray Shasho: The greatest cover of The Beatles, “I Am The Walrus” has to be Spooky Tooth’s Prog Rock/ Psychedelic version on, ‘The Last Puff’ album. Was the band actually in the studio together or was it recorded in succession?

Henry  McCullough: “From what I can remember, all of Spooky Tooth were in the Studio together, and my guitar part was overdubbed, I only had a minor part to play on ‘The Last Puff.’”

Ray Shasho: Do you know if The Beatles listened to the Tooth’s version of, “I Am The Walrus?”

Henry McCullough: “I really don't know if any of the Beatles heard this particular track on ‘The Last Puff,’ I doubt it, if any of The Beatles were to listen to every cover of Beatles songs; they would be listening for a very long time.”

Ray Shasho: Some of the most memorable Woodstock concert moments caught on film were Alvin Lee and Ten Years After’s “I’m Going Home,” Santana’s “Soul Sacrifice,” Joe Cocker and The Grease Band’s “With a Little Help from My Friends,” and Ritchie Havens “Freedom.” I’ve chatted with Gregg Rolie (Santana) about his Woodstock experience, what was Henry McCullough’s flashback to Woodstock?

Henry McCullough: “What a day that was, we were air lifted by helicopter, did the gig, and airlifted out. Impossible to try and explain to anyone what seed was planted at Woodstock that day, it changed a lot of people, it wasn't until in later years, looking back, that one realized,  "what a moment in rock n roll history."  I must say that Joe Cocker and The Grease Band were at top form and it did wonders for Joe. It was a great performance by Joe and the band. That was some gig, yes sir…. that was some gig.”

Ray Shasho: Santana’s Gregg Rolie hung around to watch one of his favorite performers, Sly Stone. Did you hang around to watch the other performers?

Henry McCullough: “We did not hang around too long after the gig at Woodstock, it was back to the hotel, a "last Puff" and away we went the following morning, to where, I can't remember.”

Ray Shasho: Have you ever jammed with Jimi Hendrix?

Henry McCullough: “Yes I did jam with the great Jimi Hendrix. We (Eire Apparent) had the same managers, and he produced the first single, and the first L.P. which I didn't play on. I was sacked for enjoying the fruits of America. Steve Paul had the Scene Club in New York and the "Eire Apparent" had a week’s residency. Jimi arrived with Buddy Miles and that was a jam and a half … jeez, I've just realized how long ago it all was.” 

Ray Shasho: ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ was an incredible album. How were you and Neil Hubbard selected to play on the album? Also describe the production process.

Henry McCullough: “It was The Grease Band that played on all the tracks. Together we were doing a lot of sessions in and around London; Joe had gone to do his thing with Leon Russell in the U.S., Mad Dogs & Englishmen. We needed another guitar player to work live gigs with The Grease Band and that’s where Neil Hubbard came into the picture … a great guitarist.

“We would start the day with Andrew Lloyd Webber showing us the chord sheets etc. etc. and away we went. Particular bits that had a short riff for guitar … I learned on piano before we would start the session. When all the backing tracks were finished, that was it for us, then they brought in the singers etc, I never played with Ian Gillian, nor did I get to meet him or any of the singers involved.”

Ray Shasho: You played on; “My Love” WINGS first number 1 hit in America. Was that beautiful guitar solo your own creation?

Henry McCullough:  The solo on "My Love" was done at Air studios, George Martin’s studio.

Yes that's me playing the solo, and was done in one take. I mentioned to Paul that I wanted to change whatever was suggested. The conversation between Paul and I went like this ..."what are you gonna’ play?" -  "I don't know" - " You don't know what you’re gonna’ play?" -"No."

“Now, there's Paul, George Martin etc. in the control room, a 50 piece orchestra waiting on me in the studio, (they were recording both the orchestra and guitar solo at the same time) so, in I went and plugged in the Gold Top, took a deep breath, and when I exhaled it was all over, a bit like going to the dentist. It was a one take wonder, a gift from God? I don't know… somebody/something happened, everybody saw it/felt it, ask Sir Paul and I think you would get a similar answer.”

Ray Shasho: I witnessed WINGS first American tour in 1976. Do you have any regrets about leaving the band before their first worldwide tour?

Henry McCullough:  “Of course, but I can't dwell on the past. I walked out just prior to going to Lagos, an awful time to walk away, not the thing to do and it is the only thing I regret. But sure, look where it got him, and I’m a happy man.”

Ray Shasho: I’m guessing no one had a clue how famous your line …"I don't know; I was really drunk at the time" would become after it was recorded at the end of “Money” on the ‘Dark Side of the Moon’ album?  

Henry McCullough: “I honestly can't remember what the question was that brought that reply, and I’ve not seen any of the Floyd since that day in Abbey Road.”

Ray Shasho: “Skin and Bone” from your latest release, ‘Poor Man’s Moon’ is a really cool tune …awesome country and blues guitar licks. Were you influenced by American country and blues artists?

Henry McCullough: “Yes, country, blues, all of that stuff. Hank Williams, John Lee Hooker, Snooks Eaglin, bluegrass …. You know what I mean.”

Ray Shasho: Nashville has so many incredible players and is a main hub for recording music in the U.S. these days. Do you spend any time in Nashville?   

Henry McCullough: “I never got to hang around Nashville; I made it to the Country Music Hall of Fame and met Conway Twitty … that was nice.”

Ray Shasho: Love your cover tune of, “A Mess of Blues.” Did you ever get an opportunity to meet with Elvis or Scotty Moore?

Henry McCullough:  “Never met Elvis or Scotty Moore, oh well, but I did hear them like all the rest of the world and that was good enough for me.”

Ray Shasho:What’s the origin behind your song, “Failed Christian?”

Henry McCullough: ““Failed Christian,” an outsider looking in, Spirit in music, there's a prayer in a song.”

Ray Shasho: Henry, what are your latest endeavors?

Henry McCullough: “Off to ‘The Beatles Fest’ in New Jersey, the Iridium in N.Y.C., France and Poland in April, and Norway in the summer. I just do what I've always done, play music, travel and to keep on looking for which I know is out there. It's not ever-present … you gotta’ look for it before you get paid.”

Ray Shasho: Thank you very much Henry, it’s been a real pleasure, you’re a truly gifted guitar player and songwriter! Thanks for all the great music throughout the years.

Henry McCullough: “Thanks Ray!”

Order Henry McCullough’s latest CD ‘Poor Man’s Moon’ at Amazon.com

Henry McCullough official website www.henrymccullough.com

Special Thanks to Anne Leighton of Leighton Media for this interview

Official website www.anneleighton.com   

Leighton Music Services http://leightonmusicservices.blogspot.com/

Contact Ray Shasho at rockraymond.shasho@gmail.com

Download author/columnist Ray Shasho’s exciting new memoir ‘Check the Gs’ The True Story of an Eclectic American Family and Their Wacky Family Business on Kindle at Amazon.com or on Nook at barnesandnoble.com for only .99 cents!

Ray Shasho is a product of the second half of the 20th century, made in the USA from parts around the world, and within him is every trend in music, television, politics and culture contributing to his philosophical and comically analytical reflections collected in his fine book of memories.  I found Check the Gs to be pure entertainment, fantastic fun and a catalyst to igniting so many memories of my own life, as I too am within a few years of Ray.  So to all, I say if you have a bit of grey hair (or no hair), buy this book!  It’s a great gift for your “over-the-hill” friends, or for their kids, if they are the history buffs of younger generations trying to figure out why we are the way we are. ~~Pacific Book Review

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