Uncovering Paul Griffin’s piano in this song is a bit like living in a house for fifty years, then finding a stash of gold bars behind the wall while renovating your bathroom. You simply can’t believe it was there the whole time. This is a glorious, gospel-meets-boogie infused romp of a hidden treasure, and now thanks to KORD we can finally hear exactly what he played.
Griffin was a gifted session player who graced albums such as Bob Dylan’s Blonde on Blonde, Steely Dan’s Aja, and Wilson Pickett’s In the Midnight Hour.
We highly recommend listening to the piano on it’s own all the way through. However you could also indulge yourself with a personal “American Pie” remix by muting all of the stems except Piano, Bass, and Drums to hear an entirely different song.
Much like Paul Griffin’s piano, David Spinozza’s guitar playing truly elevates “American Pie.” Although audible within the stereo mix, listening in isolation allows us to finally appreciate Spinozza’s flawless and inventive seven minute improvisation.
Those of us who have seen footage of Rob Stoner on stage with Bob Dylan, particularly during the Rolling Thunder Revue tour, know the level of unbridled energy he can bring to a project. And his infectious spirit and galloping playing style shine through an “American Pie” as well. The way he locks with the drums and piano is a joy to listen to.
New York session drummer Roy Markowitz brings a lively and tasteful groove to this acoustic guitar led folk-rock mainstay.
Backing Vocals:
The “American Pie” backing vocalists (credited as the West Forty-Fourth Street Rhythm and Noise Choir) include such luminaries as the song’s bassist Rob Stoner, Carly Simon, Pete Seeger and the Taylor brothers: singers/songwriters James and Livingston.
