Chris Spedding reflects on his experiences playing alongside Jack Bruce, John Cale, and Paul McCartney

Chris Spedding, a renowned British guitarist with a career spanning over five decades, has made a name for himself as a sought-after session musician in the 1970s. In addition to his session work, Spedding has also established himself as a touring guitarist and pursued a successful solo career. His impressive guitar skills can be heard on albums by an array of celebrated artists such as Jack Bruce, Harry Nilsson, Paul McCartney, Bryan Ferry, David Essex, and John Cale.

Reflecting on some of his most memorable sessions, Spedding shared insights into his experiences working with iconic musicians. One of the standout moments in his career was collaborating with Jack Bruce, the talented and enigmatic bassist known for his work with Cream. Spedding described Bruce as charming, witty, and funny, but also noted his ability to switch moods unpredictably, which sometimes led to a reputation for being challenging to work with. Despite this, Spedding fondly remembered the moments when Bruce was in a good mood, describing him as fun to work with.

During the late 1960s, Spedding had the opportunity to work on Jack Bruce’s solo album “Songs for a Tailor.” At the time, guitarists were emulating Eric Clapton’s style, but Spedding’s jazz-influenced background set him apart. Bruce likely chose Spedding for his distinct sound, knowing that he wouldn’t try to replicate Clapton’s playing. This decision showcased Bruce’s appreciation for diversity in musical approaches and allowed Spedding to bring a unique perspective to the recording process.

Another memorable session for Spedding was when he worked with American artist Harry Nilsson and renowned producer Richard Perry. The session featured an impressive lineup of musicians, including Klaus Voormann, Ringo Starr, and Peter Frampton. Despite Nilsson’s reputation for partying, Spedding found the studio environment to be serious and focused. The collaboration allowed Spedding to witness Nilsson’s dedication to his craft, showcasing a different side of the artist behind the scenes.

Throughout his career, Spedding has had the privilege of working with a diverse range of artists, each offering a unique perspective and creative energy. From navigating Jack Bruce’s temperamental nature to experiencing Harry Nilsson’s focused studio sessions, Spedding’s journey as a session guitarist has been filled with memorable moments and valuable insights. As he continues to shape his musical legacy, Spedding’s contributions to the industry serve as a testament to his talent and versatility as a guitarist.