In a nostalgic reflection, the iconic Jimmy Page revisited his early days as a session player and producer, delving into the unique experience of collaborating with blues rock legend John Mayall on the “I’m Your Witch Doctor/Telephone Blues” single. Long before the legendary Led Zeppelin era and even predating Page’s tenure with The Yardbirds, Page found himself finely tuning his craft as a guitarist while also venturing into production for a diverse array of artists.
According to UG – Page’s recent Instagram post offered a glimpse into the past, recounting the time when he was tasked with producing the single for John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers, a band that notably included Eric Clapton. The session unfolded at Pye Studios, featuring Hughie Flint on drums, John McVie on bass, John Mayall on keyboards and vocals, and Eric Clapton on guitar—a formidable ensemble of talent. The recording took place in the June of 1965, capturing a significant moment in the evolving blues scene.
The guitarist shed light on the creative process, recalling how Eric Clapton, in a moment of frustration, dubbed the recording “impossible to record.” This exclamation stemmed from Clapton’s ambitious attempt to overlay a feedback wail during the overdub of “Witch Doctor,” pushing the technical boundaries of the time. Page, however, encouraged Clapton to persist, emphasizing the importance of his role in the production.
Continuing his trip down memory lane, Page commended Clapton’s exceptional solo performance on the B-side of the single, “Telephone Blues.” The virtuosity displayed by Clapton in this recording further highlighted his prowess and musical finesse, cementing his status as a blues guitar maestro.
As Page reminisced about those early days, he offered insights into his production work on other tracks from the single, including “Sitting On Top of the World” and “Double Crossing Time.” Page’s recollections provided a unique glimpse into a pivotal time in the evolution of blues music and the contributions of two burgeoning guitar legends—Eric Clapton and Jimmy Page. The session, though deemed challenging by Clapton, undoubtedly marked an indelible chapter in the blues rock legacy.
