by Midnight Voyager » Wed Mar 30, 2011 8:06 pm
Nice read. The difference is, as I see it, some of these groups were fully formed bands, with every member contributing instrumentally. This interview sheds light on the reason why they would allow other musicians (i.e. The Wrecking Crew) to play on their records. The Mama & Papas were primarily a vocal group, so they needed a band for their records and live performances. There wasn't anything dubious about that.
In fact, the Mamas & Papas benefitted greatly by having one of greatest "sessions" bands. I'm curious to know if most them appeared in their live shows? I only recently was suprised to know that, in their Monterey Pop performance, the backing band configuration wasn't their usual touring band -- another factor that contributed to their lack-luster performance.