The Mount Rushmore of Musical Hire Guns: Session Players We Admire

Every music lover can dream of assembling the perfect band, one composed of world-class musicians who can bring an image to life with their exceptional skills. If I were to create such a legendary lineup, like a Mount Rushmore for session musicians, who would top the list? While the answer isn't necessarily definitive, here are my picks for the best of the best, as acknowledged by my fellow music enthusiasts and respected in the industry—those who go underappreciated and those who have left a lasting mark on music history.

The Drums: Diving into the Rhythmic Wilderness

Drums are the heartbeat of every song, and so for the drum section of my Mount Rushmore, I would include:

Vinnie Colaiuta - A contemporary session and studio drummer, known for his versatility and innovation in the music industry. Gary Pembroke "Gadd" Poccaro - Poccaro is a respected session drummer who has earned his place in music history through his work with various artists. Earl Palmer - Known for his distinctive swing style and his ability to push rhythms to new heights, Palmer has worked with a diverse range of artists including Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, and the Beach Boys.

Earl Palmer’s Earl Palmer style radiates cool and dedication, and his contributions have been monumental to the soundscapes of countless records. Though not as widely known as some of his contemporaries, Palmer’s rhythm and style are deeply influential in music.

Including two drummers on the Mount Rushmore of session musicians is fitting, as drums are the backbone of any recording.

The Bass: Pino Palladino – The Unsung Hero

Besides drums, every great song needs a solid bass line. Among the unsung heroes of session bass work, Pino Palladino rises to the top:

Pino Palladino – Often the faceless bass player behind the scenes, Pino is a master of his craft, contributing significantly to the sound of contemporary bands and artists. If picking a bass player specifically for your dream band today, Pino is the go-to choice. James Jamerson – While not underrepresented today, he went underappreciated for his skills as a session musician. Jamerson’s work with Motown records earned him the moniker “The Chief” and his contributions to hit records have been immense.

James Jamerson, with his unmistakable tone and masterful bass playing, has earned a spot on this Mount Rushmore regardless of the conversation's context. While Pino Palladino makes the list for his current relevance, Jamerson exemplifies the session musician whose work often goes unnoticed yet is incredibly integral to musical hits.

Guitars: Journey’s End with Eric Jackson Lukather

Guitars are where dreams begin and for the guitarist slot on my Mount Rushmore, I would include:

Greg Phillinganes - A musician who did much more than perform; Phillinganes was also a leader of musical organizations and a mentor to many. Eric "Billy" Lukather - A master of the slap bass and a noted session guitarist, Lukather’s work in productions like Toto, Their_hits, has made him an icon in the session world.

With his vast experience and undeniable talent, Eric Lukather elevates the guitarist category. His role in shaping modern rock and pop production styles cannot be overstated.

Greg Phillinganes, in addition to being exceptional as a guitarist, also served as a respected teacher and ambassador for music, which adds another layer of importance to his inclusion.

Keys: The Industrial Piano Master, Jordan Rudess

No Mount Rushmore is complete without keyboard players, and in this case, I would choose:

Greg Phillinganes - Already mentioned in the guitarist section, his keyboard contributions to hits are undeniable. Jordan Rudess - A prodigious talent as a key player, Rudess is also known for his role as a teacher and ambassador for music, making him invaluable to new generations of musicians.

While Jordan Rudess might be less well-known to the general public, his contributions to rock and pop music have been significant, and he has played a vital role in music education and music-making communities.

Additional Players of Note

To round out the lineup, I would include:

Hal Blaine and Carol Kaye - Both members of the "Wrecking Crew," a group of session musicians who worked on hits from various artists, including the Beach Boys, Cher, and Elvis Presley. Their contributions to the industry are indeed monumental. Tommy Tedesco - Another talented session player, his work has spanned various genres and artists, making him a valuable addition to the list. Tim Pierce - Known for his guitar playing, teaching, and performing, Pierce’s contributions to music and the music community make him a worthy candidate for this Mount Rushmore.

By including these players, we create a diverse and well-rounded lineup of masters in their respective fields, each of whom has contributed significantly to the chosen genres and artists mentioned.

Conclusion

While this lineup could be debated, what's important is to strike a balance between contemporary and classic influences and give the underappreciated session musicians the recognition they deserve. Listening to these artists or learning about their contributions can provide a deeper appreciation for the incredible work that goes into creating hit records. If you are a music enthusiast, I highly recommend exploring the work of these session players and immersing yourself in the rich history of music production and performance.

Shoutout to Hired Gun: A Netflix Documentary, a fantastic exploration of the session musicians' lives and work, which is a must-watch for anyone interested in the subject.

In no particular order, the combination of these musicians brings together the essence of music production, with a touch of nostalgia and contemporary relevance, making for the perfect mix.