TWICKENHAM SET DISC 7:
"WE SHOULD JUST GO ON AS IF NOTHING'S HAPPENED?"
The after lunch session of the 10th continues, though things have calmed down a bit. Prior to the conversation that begins this disc, they have been vaguely discussing the live show plans. At one point, Michael asks what they want to do next, and John jokes that they're gonna split up George's equipment amongst them! Not much is getting done here either, and it's not long before Paul can no longer bare to be away from the piano. Again, the conversations take place around and on top of the music.
The opening discussion is about sending Mal Evans off to scout locations in Tripoli. Neil is not too keen on the choice of scouts, unsure of trusting Mal's judgment.
A very nice instrumental version of "Long & Winding Road", is followed by a very classical-sounding piece (which Paul has played around with twice before during these sessions). The most interesting bit is "Martha My Dear" and the resulting 9 minute and 7 minute experimental jams that take place based in and around it!
While Paul plays, Ringo taps along. He can't seem to remember if the drummer who filled in for him in '64 was Jimmy or Bobby Nichols. The conversation then turns to the question of what to do if George doesn't come back (John says he'll just ask Eric Clapton). Yoko asks for a mike. As the conversation continues, she calls, then yells. and then screeches "John", who jokingly answers by screaming "WHAT?". Ringo gets involved a few times by answering with "I'm afraid he's not in", and a stronger "HE'S BUSY!". Paul is still playing, and Yoko is still "John"-ing. Eerily, they all seem to move from being annoyed, to joining in. Paul's tune slightly changes, (into something more like "Heart & Soul") and he now seems to be accompanying Yoko. Ringo is even yelling "John!".
When the tape outs back in, Paul is back to a more "Martha ... " type tune, with Ringo singing "You are my John" in place of the correct lyric. Yoko is still "John"-ing. Paul then moves again into the "Heart & Soul" direction, while Yoko is still going strong. The bit ends with a big piano flourish and vigorous hand clapping from Ringo.
But wait folks! Another Paul/Yoko jam is brewing. It's not long before Paul is back playing another variation of the "King of The Birds" piece. Yoko starts vocalizing again, and this time, John joins in on guitar. He is really making the effort to follow Paul's melody. Ringo is hand clapping, and Yoko throws in some of her patented "bleeting". As she moves on to "John"-ing again. Ringo picks up the tambourine, while Paul continues his piano theme. At its conclusion, John asks to do it again! The "John"-ing starts and the others all fail back in. After about 7 minutes. Paul drops out, and the piece fades to just John's guitar sound experiments mixed with Yoko's wailing.
We rejoin our boys on Monday, January 13, 1969. The band meeting was held over the weekend at Ringo's. George showed, but walked out. He does not show up for Monday's session. In fact, John fails to arrive until after 3pm! They attempt to work on "Get Back" and are concentrating on the details; lyrics, drum fills, guitar breaks, etc. Mal is busy transcribing lyrics.
It is a bit difficult to follow along with DDSI for this segment, as it seems the piece which they have labeled as 13.18 actually occurs between 13.10 & 13.11. It appears in its complete form on this disc, and it has been labeled in these notes as 13.10b.
When Tuesday, the 14th arrives, George is still boycotting. Paul is again the first on the scene, and he plants himself at the piano. While running through various treatments of "Lady Jane", he begins to wonder if he'll be the ONLY one to show. When Ringo arrives, they launch into the "Piano Boogie" duet that is seen in the movie. (aka "Bought A Piano"). They go on to discuss Peter & Gordon, and Johnny Cash.
The highlight of this segment is Paul's presentation of "Back Seat Of My Car". When someone comments on how Beach Boys-ish it sounds, Paul exaggerates it to the extreme, complete with vocalizations as to how the Beach Boys would have orchestrated it! He stops to take a phone call, and Ringo and Mal discuss both John's late arrival, and a TV horror show from the night before. Paul eventually returns to his piano.
More from the 14th is continued on disc 8.