Bill Povey

About

Bill Povey is a jazz musician who plays trombone, saxophone and clarinet.

On February 6, 1968, he was called at the latest minute to play saxophone on The Beatles’ “Lady Madonna“, after Paul McCartney decided he wanted real brass players on the record.

Laurie Gold, a session ‘fixer’ for EMI, often used by George Martin and The Beatles, was called into swift action. Harry Klein, a baritone sax player, has a vivid recollection of events. “They were in a real flap to find four musicians and called on Laurie to conjure some up for them. I was in the bath at about 6:30 in the evening when Laurie called and said, ‘Are you working tonight?’ ‘No, I’m in the bath!’ ‘Well get over to EMI as quick as you can, and how can I find a tenor player?’ I suggested he call Ronnie Scott, the chap who runs the London jazz club, and sure enough, when I got to Abbey Road, Ronnie was there, along with Bill Jackman and Bill Povey. Paul didn’t recognize Ronnie Scott until we told him who he was.“

From “The Complete Beatles Recording Sessions” by Mark Lewisohn

There was not only no prepared music for us to follow but when Paul called out some chords at us our first reaction was to look at each other and say, ‘Well, who plays what?’

Bill Povey – From “The Complete Beatles Recording Sessions” by Mark Lewisohn

Bill Povey also played trombone on “Revolution 1“, recorded on June 21, 1968.

Last updated on September 14, 2021