Jack Bedient & the Chessman
"Ive Been Loving You" (John/Taupin)
Executive Productions #21 (45X712-2)
Released 1969
Arranged by Ernie Freeman
Jack Bedient & the Chessmen were a popular 'Frat Rock/Pop' band based in and around California, Nevada, and the Pacific northwest in the 1960s.
They recorded and released numerous singles and albums during that time, and disbanded in the early '70s.
What is most fascinating about Jack's reading of the song, and arrangement; it sounds like what Bluesology, or the Bread & Beer Band might have recorded, had they done it.
A very 'Plastic Soul' treatment, punchy and current, thanks to arranger Ernie Freeman.
Which begs the question...Why, or how did Caleb Quaye and Elton John arrive at a saccharine/easy listening arrangement for Elton's first single ?
Elton's B side "Here's To the Next Time" still sounds somewhat steeped in the British blues tradition.
Go figure.
Enjoy this incredibly obscure and killer version of the song.
10 years ago