Courtesy of Klaus Voormann Com

By Thomas Semioli

… There’s somebody on bass who many people have heard about, but they’ve never actually seen him – Klaus Voormann…”

 

George Harrison’s Concert for Bangladesh introduction of his friend, musical colleague, former Manfred Mann member, and acclaimed graphic artist who designed album covers for the Beatles’ Revolver and Anthology series, and the Bee Gees, among others – was a welcome revelation.

 

Klaus’ body of work on the Beatles’ extensive solo cannon and as a sideman was an exercise in musical diversity – he worked the pocket and served as a melodic catalyst – always in service of the song.

 

A first- call studio bassist for Lennon, Harrison, Star; B.B. King, Donovan, Harry Nilsson, Jerry Lee Lewis, Lou Reed, Randy Newman, Dion, Maria Muldaur, Sir Paul, Dr. John, Van Dyke Parks, Carly Simon, and Peter Frampton, to cite a select few – Klaus’ lone solo slab aptly entitled A Sideman’s Journey, features Voormann’s famous friends paying musical homage to this gifted musician and artist. 

 

An integral member of the Fab Four’s inner circle beginning in their Hamburg days at the dawn of the 1960s, Voormann moved to London at the behest of George as Beatlemania took off. He became a member of Manfred Mann in 1966, then gravitated to session work until his retirement from music in 1989. Klaus’ “accidental” intro for Carly Simon’s “You’re So Vain” is among the most recognizable bass lines in the history of pop music.

 

Klaus main weapon of choice was his custom painted Fender Precision.

 

Klaus Voorman Sound & Vision….

 

Manfred Mann “The Mighty Quinn” https://youtu.be/kMRWPu1LCXw

 

George Harrison “Give Me Love” https://youtu.be/LYW9cjcO_SY

 

John Lennon “How Do You Sleep”  Outtakes https://youtu.be/FoJQAyrUHhA

 

John Lennon “Instant Karma” https://youtu.be/NVoeNxWxjdA

 

Ringo Star “Photograph” https://youtu.be/nevdSt_2PIM

 

“Your So Vain” https://youtu.be/cleCtBP0o5Y

 

Harry Nilsson “Spaceman” https://youtu.be/-yK5vUFBshM

 

Dig Tony Senatore’s renditions of these Klaus classics!

 

George Harrison’s “The Art of Dying” https://youtu.be/DKPRhk4zap8

 

John Lennon’s “Crippled Inside” https://youtu.be/k0uFU2lPAGA

 

John Lennon’s “Gimmie Some Truth” https://youtu.be/k0uFU2lPAGA

 

George Harrison “Don’t Let Me Wait Too Long” https://youtu.be/nvh3XJlfv9w

 

George Harrison “I’d Have You Anytime” https://youtu.be/HRE8DtzfZo8