Studio A-1, A&R Recording, New York City
Producer: Paul McCartney
Engineers: Phil Ramone, Dixon Van Winkle
28 January 1971 saw the second overdub session for orchestral instruments for the Ram album by Paul and Linda McCartney, plus ‘I Lie Around’, which would eventually be released by Wings.
The first song was ‘Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey’, specifically the second part. George Martin’s score required three flugelhorns or trumpets, three French horns, and bass trombone.
Once the full brass section was recorded to his satisfaction, the flugelhorn solo which opens the second part of the song was laid down. The soloist was Marvin Stamm.
Although Martin’s score had the required notes, it did not contain any expression marks. The only instruction was to play it like Herb Alpert.
After we had recorded all the written brass parts to Uncle Albert, Paul came over to the trumpet section, which included Ray Crisara, Snooky Young, Mel Davis and me. Paul said he had a little horn tune he wanted someone to play. Mel Davis said, ‘Let the kid play it,’ meaning me.Paul told me that he wanted the solo to sound a bit like it was coming through an old radio cone. Then he sang it to me. I played it back to him several times until he said it was the way he wanted it. Then we recorded the solo. I played it on the flugelhorn. Then he and Phil [Ramone] did whatever sound alteration he wanted in the mixing session.
Paul was great to work with. He knew exactly what he wanted from the musicians and was respectful and clear in relating it to us. This was unusual. Most rock stars in those days seldom listed the personnel on their albums. So for about a year, I was the most famous unknown trumpet player in the world.
I’m sure I was flattered, but not much more than that. I didn’t make much of it with people, since I have never cared to brag about stuff. I’m only telling you because you asked.
When I did solo concerts, I sometimes referred to myself as ‘The most famous unknown trumpeter,’ and then proceeded to play the lick from Uncle Albert. The audience usually recognized it right away, loosening up the crown and drawing some laughs.
AllAboutJazz
In the afternoon the musicians worked on ‘I Lie Around’, which was released in June 1973 as the b-side of the ‘Live And Let Die’ single.
Afterwards, McCartney asked the brass musicians to improvise a part for ‘Too Many People’, which hadn’t been scored by George Martin.