MARC BOLAN'S Session Work   No - Not just another discography!

 

Rick's Star Ratings

* Poor - Due to performance and or sound quality ** Fair - Not up to expected performance *** Good - Would fit nicely in with most other recordings **** Excellent - Quality and craftmanship in top form ***** Classic - Above & beyond the Normal output. A true collection would not be without

 

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Artists (A~Z)

Title: Blackjack b/w Squint Eye Mangle Score: ***** Date: 8-10-73 Catalogue No: EMI-2047 Type: Single Written & produced by Marc Bolan. (Really? see the Oddities "Oops!" section) Though both songs ("Blackjack" the A-side and "Squint Eye Mangle" the B-side) could be considered instrumentals, "Blackjack" does have a short chorus in it. This was Marc's first venture into what he later called his "Interstella Soul" sound. A mixture of R & B and (at the time American Funk ie: Disco). As Marc was just coming off a string of major hits in the U.K. his use of the band title Big Carrot showed Marc covering all the bases. If it failed (which it did, chart wise), it didn't actually have his name on it. If it went to #1 Marc's spin on things would have been (I'm assuming) he did that for the kids & press to show them it isn't the name that sells the songs! I gave both songs 5 stars because to this day I still find it very refreshing & it's a joy to hear the precursor to "Zinc Alloy". Side notes: Both sides were written by Marc while T-REX were on a much needed holiday in Barbados. The female singers on the chorus are from the touring band - Gloria Jones, Sister Pat Hall & Steph Spurill. Music is just the regular T-REX band... Mickey, Bill, & Steve. There are many different stories as to where Big Carrot as a name came from. Too many to list them all. The most popular one is that it was the pet name given to Marc's "private parts" !

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. . . d i b   c o c h r a n   &   t h e   e a r w i g s

Artists (A~Z)

Title: Oh Baby b/w Universal Love Score: *** Date: 8-1970 Catalogue No: (Bell) BLL-1121 Type: Single Both songs produced by Tony Visconti. Marc wrote both songs. The B-side, "Universal Love" is an instrumental. For the band lineup (see the quote from Tony below) - Marc, Tony Visconti, Rick Wakeman, & John Cambridge. It appears obvious where Marc came up with the name (at least the last name) as Marc has always acknowledged Eddie Cochran ([1] [2] [3]) as one of his first influences - hence his cover of "Summertime Blues" as b-side on "Ride a White Swan". Side notes: There is a lot of speculation over the reasoning behind this recording. As opposed to the Big Carrot recordings (where Marc was testing the waters to see if it was his name that sold the singles) Marc was yet to gain big success with "Ride a White Swan". I think he used this to help him shed the "Hippie" tag & like "Elemental Child" he wanted to show his "Electric Warrior" side. Correction! As noted on the Mystic home page Tony Visconti has been in touch and clarified this entry for us. With Tony's permission, this is exactly what he said: (Thanks Tony!) The personnel on the Dib Cochran dates were myself on bass, lead vocals and string arranger, John Cambridge on drums, Marc on gtrs and backing vocals and Rick Wakeman on piano. Mick Ronson, new to Bowie's band and living with us in Flat 7 at Beckenham, came for the day just to watch. One can only imagine what would've happened if he brought his guitar. My boss, DavidPlatz, had some free time at CTS in North London and graciously gave us a whole 6 hours to make the two sides.

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Artists (A~Z)

off site links: one two three

Title: Billion Dollar Babies Score: **** Date: 1973 Catalogue No: Warner Brothers W2-2685 Type: Album (CD) Marc plays on "Hello Hooray", "Billion Dollar Babies" & "Elected". Side Notes: Alice Cooper opened up for T-REX during a brief stint through Europe in 1972. (That is where their friendship started though it is likely that the pairing was put together by Warner Brothers - the recording lable they shared in the USA - Not by Marc. It is common practise for a label to give an up and coming band a push by touring them with an established band from the same stable). There is a "rumour" that Marc helped with the writing of "Hello Hooray". During this period of time ('73-'75) Marc was spending most of his time in the U.S.A. (for several reasons - Tax evasion, The music scene, and his Love affair with Gloria Jones). He was hanging out in L.A. and was jumping from one studio to another lending his Guitar work where he could. Though he is not listed in the credits (by name) this recording & later Donovan's have been reported more times then any other. Also Marc was known to use the name Reggie when signing into Hotels and this name is listed in the credits under "Thanks To".

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Artists (A~Z)

off site links: one two

Title: 7 Tease Score: **** Date: 1974 Catalogue No: Epic Records PE 33245 Type: Album Marc is unconfirmed to have played guitar on two tracks: "Rock & Roll Soldjer" (spelling appears this way) "Moon Rok" (same spelling) All one has to do is hear the opening guitar work on "Soldjer" and there is no doubt that this is Marc. This is also classic Donovan. "Moon Rok" is not a favorite of mine but once again the guitar style is unmistakable. Side Notes: The listing of musicians on the back cover lists "Reggie Young" on guitar (See Reggie under Alice Cooper). Also on the back cover there is a quote "Thanks to All Quards' Children" (sound familiar?) Title: Cosmic Wheels Score: *** Date: 1973 Catalogue No: Epic Records KE 39156 Type: Album Steve Currie has said in interviews that during the making of this LP that Marc was at the studio advising Donovan on arrangements and that it is most probable that he plays throughout. The songs in particular that are considered deffinite are "Wild Witch Woman" & "Cosmic Wheels".

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. . . e l e c t r i c   l i g h t   o r c h e s t r a

Artists (A~Z)

off site links: one two

Title: Showdown Score: *** Date: 1973 Catalogue No: Harvest HAR-5077 Type: Single Marc played guitar & did minor backing vocals on this track. This has been confirmed by Jeff Lynne the song's Producer & lead vocalist. It reached #12 in the U.K. charts. Marc did not play on B-side "Old England Town". Title: Ma Ma Ma Belle Score: ***** Date: 1974 Catalogue No: Warner Bros. K-16349 Type: Single Marc's Guitar playing is excellent throughout the entire song again confirmed by Jeff Lynne. The single reached #22 on U.K. charts. Marc does not appear on the B-side "Oh no not Susan" Side notes: Since his days with The Move (also featuring Roy Wood) Jeff Lynne and Marc had been good friends. Collectors of Marc's EDSEL CD releases will recognize Roy's name from one of the many out-takes on "A Wizard, A True Star". Also Marc appeared with Jeff & ELO as a surprise encore guest at Watford Town Hall in England in 1973.

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. . . s t e v e   h a r l e y

Artists (A~Z)

off site links: one

Title: Hobo With A Grin Score: **** Date: 1978 Catalogue No: Capital Records SW-11770 Type: Album Credited on LP sleeve for the song "Amerika The Brave" Lead Guitar. Marc also Jo Partridge on Rythm Guitar. Gloria Jones also appears on this LP as Backing Vocalist on the track "Someone's Coming". Side Notes: Marc & Steve Harley were very close friends towards the later years of Marc's life. Steve is quoted as saying Marc was pretty unmanageable, if you want the truth. If you want to know why Marc didn't develop musically - which he didn't- I mean, even down to the last that he and I were writing together, I mean, days before the accident, he was still re-writing "Get It On". He hadn't moved from "Get It On" and "Ride a White Swan" at all. Trivia: Russ told me a story about visiting the A&R dept at EMI Records in London in 1979. While sat in reception waiting to be called in to see one of the EMI "Gods" Steve Harley walked in. He reported to the receptionist who calmly said "Take a seat, please." Shortly Russ and his mates were called in and spent 30-40 minutes in their meeting. ("There was a huge poster of Marc on the guy's office wall and a bunch of other pics of gold disks etc - but that's another story...") When Russ and the band left their meeting Steve Harley was still sat there waiting in reception... "We were NOBODIES and we waited no more than 10 minutes... so I guess in the eyes of EMI Steve was too..."

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. . . m a r s h a   h u n t

Artists (A~Z)

Title: Woman Child Score: *** Date: 1971 Catalogue No: Deleted Type: Album "Woman Child" was re-released and imported on "Sea For Miles Records" as... Title: Walk on Gilded Splinters Score: *** Date: 1980 Catalogue No: SEE 209 Type: Album Duet with Marc on the song "My world is empty Without you". On this album Marsha covers "Hippy Gumbo", "Stacy Grove", "Hot Rod Popa" and "Desdemona". It is rumoured that Marc plays on all of these tracks. Produced by Tony Visconti & Kit Lambert (of The Who fame). Side notes: Original label Track Records, released 9-30-71. At this point in time Tony Visconti was doing all he could to get Marc's music out there. Being the producer he gave her the Bolan songs to cover. "Hippie Gumbo" was released as a single in the UK. Trivia: Marc and Marsha had a brief affair in 1969. Confirmed by the man that introduced them - Tony Visconti: Yes, Marc played and did some backing vocals on those tracks.  They did have a brief affair and June was a little pissed off with me because I introduced Marc to two women with whom he's had affairs. The other was [name removed until we're given the ok to mention it], an artist friend of mine.  They met during the recording of Jeepster in New York.

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. . . g l o r i a   j o n e s

Artists (A~Z)

Title: Vixen Score: ***** Date: 1976 Catalogue No: EMI Records 3159 (Deleted) Type: Album Produced by Marc Bolan. Credited on cover as playing guitar & singing Backing Vocals on various tracks. Almost all the songs written by Bolan or Bolan/Jones. Some of the songs now appear on the EDSEL "Unchained" CD series in demo form. Gloria does an alternative version of her original hit "Tainted Love". Side Notes: This is the first appearence of the masterpiece "Sailors of the Highway". Gloria released an LP "Windstorm" in 1978 with this dedication : In memory of my son's father, the late Marc Bolan, whom we miss very much. The album contains two beautiful songs that are obviously about Marc's death: "Bring on the Love" and "If Roses Don't Come (In Spring This Year)". Gloria Trivia: She was one of the many song writers in the Motown record stable. She contributed with Pam Sawyer to write & produce many of the label's hits. Trivia #2: Gloria's "Tainted Love" was a massive "Northern Soul" hit in the UK dance scene (and NO, "Marc Almond/Soft Cell" were not the first!). Trivia #3: Gloria wrote and produced the Disco classic "Haven't Stopped Dancing Yet" under the name Gonzalez.

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. . . s i s t e r   p a t   h a l l

Artists (A~Z)

Title: "Marc Bolan Presents Sister Pat Hall" Score: **** Date: 1996 Catalogue No: EDSEL Records EDCD 449 Type: Album (CD) This is as close as one can get to a T-REX album without it actually being one. If that is hard to understand so is the entire history of this CD - from the recording sessions way back in 1973 right through to its official release in 1996 - some 23 years later. A brief history of Sister Pat Hall: She was a fairly well-respected session back-up singer prior to joining T-REX. Her most notable sessions work was with Ray Charles & Joe Cocker. Sister Pat was part of Marc's three female back-up singers during the T-REX tours during 1972-1974. She also appears on the "Zinc Alloy" album. This much is fairly clear cut... It's the rest of the story - the actual recording of the album - that is shrouded in mystery. I will not make any attempt at putting together these pieces due to all the inconsistancies in the various stories. What I will say is that she has a powerfull voice that in a strange way is suited for many of the T-REX songs that are covered on this album. The songs that seem to have been written by Marc specifically for her, confirm that Marc indeed had talent to write a great R&B/soul song. The track that really stands out is "When I was a Child". All the tracks were written by Marc except "High" - a Bolan/Jones collaboration. The album was produced by Marc Bolan. Side notes: There is no listing of the musicians appearing on this CD but my guess is it consisted of the then T-REX line-up. Several of the tracks ended up on Gloria Jones solo album "Vixen" (Released after the dismissal of Sister Pat from T-REX). Trivia: It is rumoured that Sister Pat was having a torrid love affair with Marc until Gloria Jones won his affections. Just one of the many possible reasons for the album being shelved?

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. . . r i n g o

Artists (A~Z)

off site links: one

Title: Ringo Score: ***** Date: 1973 Catalogue No: Apple PCTC-252 Type: Album Marc credited with the guitar work on "Hold On". Marc is also depicted on the original cover artwork. Title: Back off Boogaloo Score: ***** Date: 1974 Catalogue No: Deleted Type: Single No longer available as a single, this song is now available as a track on Ringo's "Blast From the Past" album (CAPITOL SN-16236). That Marc plays on this track is unconfirmed but it has been widely reported that Marc was the guitarist. Produced by George Harrison. Side notes: On the cover of the "Ringo" album there are a group of various celebrities (ala "Sgt.Peppers"). Marc Bolan is in the front row hanging on a ledge (left hand corner). Ringo & Marc were great friends ...and as we all know Ringo was the Director of Marc's film "Born To Boogie". The song "Hold on" was released under a different title in some countries. In USA, it is "Hold On" other countries was known as "Have you seen my Baby". Trivia: On the LP "The Slider" the credits mention that Ringo took the famous cover shot... (see the Oddities "Oops!" section)

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. . . i k e   &   t i n a   t u r n e r

Artists (A~Z)

off site links: one two

Title: Nutbush City Limits Score: **** Date: 1973 Catalogue No: United Artists UA-LA180-F Type: Album Title: Nutbush City Limits Score: **** Date: 1973 Catalogue No: United Artists UP 35582 Type: Single Tina Turner confirmed in an interview on BBC Radio One that Marc indeed played the guitar part on this track. Produced by Ike Turner 1973. Marc is also linked to having played on two other singles from these recording sessions. They are "Sexy Ida" (Part 2) #UP 35726 & "Baby Get It On" (Parts 1 & 2) #UP 35766. There is no doubt that even without Tina Turner's confirmation that Marc is the guitarist on "Nutbush" - the chord structure and overall feel of the track carries Marc's unmistakable sound. I would go as far as to say that Marc had a hand in the writing of this song. This is also the case with "Baby Get it On" (Parts 1 & 2). The title alone says a lot about the influence (ie. "Get it On")! Once again the sound and feel says it all. Russ tells me that he remembers a Radio One interview with Marc where he claimed to have written and played the guitar parts for both "Nutbush" and "Sexy Ida" - In fact Russ was surprised to read here that there was any doubt! Also the Album "Sweet Rhode Island" #UAS 29681 has been linked to Marc. Trivia: Marc was known to be a fan of Ike Turner's guitar playing. Though, more importantly, Marc is quoted as saying during the early days of T-REX's superstardom that now it will give him an opportunity to meet Tina Turner with whom he'd had a childhood crush.

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. . . d a v i d   b o w i e

Artists (A~Z)

off site links: one two three four five

NOTE Before we rush headlong into this Bowie section we (that's me, Rick, and my editor/HMTL-wiz Russ) would just like to say a few words... There is a mountain of rumours surrounding Marc & David session work, collaborative studio work and similar. Now, 20 years on it is difficult to separate out the facts from the "wishful thinking". We have done our best, we've listened to the many responses this page has received and feel our original intentions have been met... not least because Mr Tony Visconti himself has been in touch and helped where he could. Some of the songs have moved as a result, so, with that in mind, read on and look out for the "Tony Confirmed" entries. Title: The Prettiest Star Score: ***** Date: 1970 Catalogue No: (Original) Mercury Records MF-1135 Type: single Produced by Tony Visconti "The Prettiest Star" was considered the only documented appearence by Marc on a David Bowie track. It is currently available (the original recording) on Rykodisc's rare Bowie collection "Sound & Vision". This song also appears on the album "Aladin Sane" with Mick Ronson playing the guitar part; he copied Marc's playing note for note. Band lineup? This is what was incorrectly quoted in the book "xxxxx" by yyyyy: "Bowie-Lead Vocal & guitar,Marc - Guitar, Tony Visconti - Bass, John Cambridge - Drums." However, Tony Visconti - who, after all, was there at the time - has given us the real lineup. Here's the quote: The line up for the "Prettiest Star" and "London Bye Ta-Ta" is as follows: Godfrey McClean Drums (I only used this guy once ever) Me on bass Marc on lead gtr. Bowie on Acoustic  12 str. Sue & Sonny (sister team who sing backups) with Leslie Duncan I wrote the string arrangents. Title: London Bye Ta-Ta Score: ** Date: 1970 Catalogue No: Rykodisc RCD 90120 Type: Album track Produced by Tony Visconti. Originally scheduled as the follow up to "Space Oddity" this track is the previously unreleased version available on the "Sound & Vision" CD. The lineup for "London Bye Ta-Ta" is the same as for "The Prettiest Star" (see above). Recorded during the same session as the original "The Prettiest Star" January 1970 Title: Standing Next to You Score: ***** Date: post 1977 Catalogue No: Bootleg Type: Single This is an outake from the studio rehearsals for the Granada Televsion "MARC" TV Show. The song was written by both Bolan & Bowie in 1977 - just days before Marc died. Side Notes: During the early days of Tyrannosaurus Rex's live performances, David Bowie (then known by his real last name of Jones) would appear on stage with the duo and do a Mime act to several of their songs. Bowie has been quoted as saying I thought it was quite obvious that I was copying Marc's voice & vibrato. In a sad ending to their relationship and after many years of "ups & downs" in 1977 their frienship was renewed. They were making plans to collaborate on several projects and in a final note Bowie flew to England to appear on the last show of Marc's TV series. They were to perform the song they wrote together "Standing Next to You". Unfortunately Marc fell off the stage riser and that was the end of the recording. Russ Thomas also tells me that at the time Granada TV Electricians staged a "down tools" strike at almost the exact same moment, bringing the show to an abrupt end. Sadly, within two weeks Marc had died.

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. . . H a r r y   N i l s s o n

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Title: Duit on Mon dei Score: *** Date: 1973 Catalogue No: RCA Records APLI0817 Type: Album There are no reports confirming Marc plays on this album, yet it is widely speculated. Marc was also a friend of Harry's so for him to ask Marc for a hand is not unlikely. The closest we get to a confirmation is that Marc is mentiond on the inner sleeve. Some of the tracks do contain a Marc feel to them but the guitar playing is buried deep in the mix. To also add fire to the "claim" - Gloria Jones sings backing vocals on the album, billed as "Gloria Jones & The Zodiac Singers".

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. . . t h e   r e s t   o f   t - r e x

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off site links: T-REX chris spedding

After leaving T-REX, Mickey Finn, Bill Legend, Steve Currie, Tony Newman & Davy Lutton went on to do session work... The Blow Monkeys "Animal Magic" **** 1986 RCA Records PCD1-8065 This was the first time that Mickey Finn sat behind the Bongos (on a recording) since leaving T-REX in Febuary 1975. Almost eleven years later he recorded this session with the The Blow Monkeys. Mickey appears on the track "Forbidden Fruit". Dr. Robert, the lead singer and songwriter of the band was quoted as saying that T-REX was the whole reason I became interested in music... The track is one of their best and to hear Mickey's Bongos again is a pleasure. Trying to be un-biased, Mickey's playing is very up-front and makes the whole track... Side Notes: There have been many rumours as to what brought Mickey back to do a session. Maybe he was a Blow Monkeys fan. A popular rumour is that Dr. Robert persisted in trying to get Mickey to play and finally, one night at the Pub, a bet was made over who could drink the most Lager... I guess Dr. Robert won the bet (and a major hangover) and Mickey was at the studio the very next week... "Bill Legend" "Till Dawn" **** 1985 Marc_on_Wax MARCL 509 Following the success of their remix of the song "Think Zinc" on 12", John & Shan Bramley decided to take this process one step further... They produced remixes of 11 previously released T-REX tracks. Personally, I think they did them quite tastefully. To quote the back cover: We had the most amazing stroke of luck when three weeks before our studio time began we received a telephone call from, of all people, Bill Legend ... So I am including this album here because in a sense it is a "session" - latter day T-REX tracks with Bill adding new drum tracks. Nothing says it better then Bill Legend's own attitude at the sessions: Bill's joy at being given the chance to re-do his drum lines was a sight to behold. Working with him was tremendous although sometimes exasperating when he got the bug and didn't want to stop! Zooky "Judy" ** 1977 DJ.M. Records DJS-1079 6 This is a single release featuring Bill Legend. The track is a little too pop sounding for my tastes, listenable, but without any "T-REX magic". I prefer the B-Side "Couldn't be You" - this track has a "good time" feel to it. Side Notes: If you have any info about this band or how/why Bill got involved I'd be pleased to hear from you... Chris Spedding "Hurt" ** 1977 RAK Records SRAK 529 This album differs greatly from "Guitar Graffiti". Chris was looking for his niche & this wasn't it! Unless you are a collector of all Marc Bolan related work you can pass on this one. The line-up includes Steve Currie (Bass), Tony Newman (Drums) and Herbie Flowers also plays guitar. Unlike the following album, their names are not listed anywhere on the cover (better for them?) Chris Spedding Band "Get Outa My Pagoda" ** 1977 RAK Records SRAK 216 This single release was taken from the "Hurt" Album (see above). In my opinion they released the best? track on the album. The B-Side "Hey miss Betty' was taken from the "Graffiti" Album (see below). The single features Steve Currie & Tony Newman. Chris Spedding "Guitar Graffiti" *** 1978 RAK Records SRAK 534 This album was released in 1978 after Marc's Death. Steve Currie, Tony Newman & Davy Lutton appear - this being one of their highlights. The album was produced by Chris Spedding and goes some way beyond pure novelty value; it does have a few "T-REX Boogie" style tracks with Steve Currie's Bass playing in full force. Jack Green "Humanesque" ** 1980 RCA AFL13639 This Album plays a minor role in the T-REX collection. Poorly produced with weak (badly written?) songs. As many will know, Jack Green played a minor role in the T-REX line-up. His claim to fame being that he was the first person Marc brought into T-REX as a second guitarist - he lasted little more then a year.

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Artists (A~Z)

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