Mama’s and the Papa’s in ‘67. John is married to Michelle. Denny and Michelle have had a torrid affair. Cass is in love with Denny. It’s amazing the band functioned at all at this point.
I was there as a photographer. People talk about Woodstock but this really was THE concert. Hendrix, The Birds, The Animals, Simon and Garfunkel, Otis Redding, The Who, Jefferson Airplane, Janis Joplin etc... Amazing. Weirdly a few years later I wound up dating the girl in the audience that you see in the close-ups. Great memories.
For me, the ultimate test of any band is how they sound LIVE. When you consider this video, and realize how raw it was, lacking the kind of professional sound engineering of a studio, you realize just how good these guys really were. Amazing.
And add to the fact that live sound at festivals at that time was still a learning process, there wasn't that build up of industry experience until the early 70's
BARF. Tell me the number of people in Laurel Canyon that DIDN'T have "house fires". Peter Torkelson, you know PETER TORK, from the MONKEEYS? He had TWO. centerforaninformedamerica.com/inside-the-lc-the-strange-but-mostly-true-story-of-laurel-canyon-and-the-birth-of-the-hippie-generation-part-i/
The Mamas and the Papas would have gone nowhere without Cass. If you get a chance, check out her live duet with John Denver on the Midnight Special. They perform a beautiful version of "Leavin' on a Jet Plane".
Yes to the Midnight Special Cass and Denver! When I was a teenager in the 70's I used to dream that I could be John Denver's backup singer. Wasn't until 10 years ago I came across the Special video and I realized that, with the exception of one or two notes, that the harmony I created myself was the same as Cass Elliot's. Never been prouder. Lots of great live stuff from the Special.
Mama Cass had the most amazing voice. She had all this talent and so much heartbreak. Thanks for this one Fil. Maybe you'll sing the whole song one day? You sounded great!
It's not often noted but Cass Elliot was a distinctly light-footed and effortless dancer. In live clips where there is any room at all for her to move, Cass seems to move through the air like a fish does through water. She has a fantastically athletic, balletic response to the music, as if her weight were no impediment at all
This is such a magnificent composition that I must know by heart enough for my brain to fill in what the mic isn't picking up. (Thanks for singing those lines...you daredevil!)
Denny Doherty is from my neighborhood in lil' Halifax , Nova Scotia Canada .... after all that fame and fortune he ended up back home sittin in the pub talkin to anyone who sat down ... a decent fellow and whata life he had !
@@MrMassivefavour Cass had a huge voice. Michelle's was not as powerful and here, she's too far away from the mike. It's possible she didn't hold herself in high esteem as a singer because of who she was singing alongside and thus didn't think her part was important but their records have four-part harmonies and she was part of that
Cass Elliot devised the plan with David Crosby to kidnap Grahm Nash from the Hollies. Cass attended a Hollies concert in LA. After the show, she got backstage and meet Grahm. She invited him to go see some friends with her. They wound up at Joni Mitchel's place in Laural Canyon. They walk in and Crosby is rolling a fattie. They chat with Crosby for a while. There's somebody banging out some wild Carribian jams on the piano in another room. Crosby tells Nash, 'hey I got somebody you need to meet. They go into the other room and its Stills on the piano. Crosby tells Stills to play a new song they were working on. It was You Don't Have to Cry. Nash asked them to do it again and then again. The third time around Nash added his vocals and Crosby, Stills, and Nash was born. To the band at hand...The Mommas and Pappas were a great vocal group for sure, with many super tunes. I've been a fan since they showed up.
If you cant hear Michelle then one must admit how great Cass was, for her to be able to carry the vocals like she is doing . ,I, liken it to a Great Bass player holding down the bottom for a 3 lead guitar solo attack in a southern rock band. . Additionally when you can hear all of the singers in the Mama's and Papa's, the 4 voices mysteriously create the illusion of a 5th voice, or vocal. That is extremely rare.
Mama and the Pappa’s great group. I loved California Dreaming, Monday Monday. Mama Cass had such a great voice. Died too young. Thank you Fil😊 I agree Michele voice was lost.
👏👏👏👏. Wonderful harmony in this group, Cass was a phenomenal singer. Beautiful, beautiful voice. It's unfortunate this band was wrought with such tragedy. Thanks for your analysis Fil!
Great song. No auto tune - just real, with issues at times, but far prefer this to the auto tune of today. So much talent. And Fil, you are just a walking musical encyclopedia set! I appreciate you sharing all of this knowledge with us. Very fascinating!
Oh Fil! Do you remember long ago doing a great analysis of Janis Joplin performing - maybe it was "Ball and Chain" (?) Do you remember that lady in the audience that was blown away, mouthing "Wowww"? Yes, that was Mama Cass! (Cass Elliot R.I. P.) Incredible analysis here Fil, thank you
Cass's talent & beauty inspired a whole lot of girls who didn't have "perfect body" types to reach our dreams on talent!!! especially if we sang a Mama's & Papa's song!!!! LOVETHEM - I still listen to them today!! Their songs are on my playlist 55 years later!!!! Denny has to be the most UNDERRATED singer of the era!!!!
Hi Fil , as a subscriber to your channel, which I love by the way, I just wanted to say as far as I am aware you are one of the very few You Tubers who takes the time out to like every single comment that this community makes and I just wanted to say THANK YOU and may your channel become even more successful, you deserve it 👏👏👏
Mama Cass was a fabulous singer who could cover just about any style and was in a league of her own. Denny was no slouch in his own right. Creek Alley tells the story of the early band.
Cass's daughter has sung with the Wilson sisters and has a voice similar to her mother. IN this clip, when Owen jumps in for a solo bit she sounds so much like her mother that the crowd erupts......ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-EJK9_8xXcY4.html
J V - watched the video. Yeah, Cass’s daughter definitely has a similar sound to her mom. Not too impressed with the Wilson Phillips overall performance. The girls needed to spend more time in a small room learning how to blend their voices and less time shaking their hair and butts.
A couple of years ago I watched the Monterey Pop DVD and I knew something was a bit off or missing in the harmonies, but I didn't realize it could be a defective mic. What we did hear was pretty damn good though.
This performance actually demonstrates what The Mamas & Papas would sound like as a trio. As documented, the microphones were damaged by the Who's performance preceding The Mamas & the Papas. Unbelievably, sound techs did not catch and correct the error. Michelle's mic was not working. At many points you can actually see expressions on her face communicating her confusion to Cass . This performance accurately demonstrates how much Michelle actually brought to their sound with her soprano voice and harmonies.
So many think she was only there as eye candy. They actually did replace her w/ some actual eye candy, and it still went downhill and they brought her back. I don't even like anything much about Michelle Phillips, but she was still integral to the band. Even if she wasn't as integral, or near as strong a singer as Cass or Denny.
Its worth noting Michelle Phillips mic malfunctioned during this and she really had to project her vocals to be heard on the other mics, people talk about Cass' pipes but Michelle could for sure hold her own. Great analysis Fil as always!
If only Michelle had moved over and shared Cass' mic if/when she realized hers wasn't working...ah well, your analysis was impeccable, as always, Fil. Thanks so much for covering this song! 🧡
I didn’t know he was Canadian. 🇨🇦 We lived in Nova Scotia in the early 1970s; it was a beautiful province with lovely people. We hated it when my husband got transferred to British Columbia.
Hi Fil! I spent so much time listening to the Mama’s and Papa’s when my hubby was in Vietnam. Music got me through a very hard year, and these guys helped me smile more. Thanks for the memories, and your take on how they did musically...you amaze me with your talent! Have a great weekend...
One of my absolute favourites of theirs is “ Do you wanna dance” which is just a stunning arrangement with gorgeous orchestration, the very best vocal harmonies , and just an all round best version of this song. So clever to slow it right down and use the harmonies to drive the song.
OMG. What an amazing group. Their harmonies were incredible. Thanks for the diversity of music you analyze. Especially, for those of us who grew up with the music of the 60’s and 70’s.
The amount of great music that evolved during the 60,s was unbelievable. The whole decade of the 60,s was exeptional for the sheer variety and innovation. It left an amazing musical legacy, glad i grew up then.
I enjoy Phil’s breakdown of this song; I just wish he’d picked a video of California Dreamin’ in which all four voices can be heard... so important to this group.
You are so right Michelle Philips soprano is such a big part of this song and it didn't come through as well in this performance - but this song is so great and the soprano part so great also. Monday Monday also really great song by this band.
To be fair, Michelles microphone were probably the ones damaged from The Who’s performance where they damaged the speaker, guitar amp, and some of the microphones on stage, however i wonder how it wouldve sounded like if one of the other people on stage like john had the broken microphone or if Cass and Michelle shared their mics.
I don’t think so. If the mike was damaged, it would have been extremely apparent, as she wouldn’t have been able to hear herself through the fold back. Therefore, they would have changed mikes or she could have shared Cass’s mike. Her missing vocal is more likely as a result of poor recording mixing.
Such a timeless classic with great harmonies. It is always amazing to hear such great performances pre auto-tune. I also love the harmonies on Abba songs and The Corrs.
My kids and I love the Mamma's and the Pappas. That was some awesome vocals and harmonizing regardless of the mic mix up. My uncle and aunt was at that concert in Monterrey. They were captured on camera and they had flowers in their hair ✌️!! ♥️ Them 60's. Really nice analysis here too,.. as always Fil !! 👍🤟
Many fond memories of this song! My sister and I used to do a duet singing this. I enjoyed your analysis and I was sad to not be able to hear Michelle singing due to the microphone!
The first thing I noticed was the missing harmony, which is a big surprise for one of the best harmonic groups in history. Even still, a great performance. Now I've got go find another live performance to get my fix. Cheers!
You should listen to Creeque Alley sometime. Lyrically brilliant and mentions Barry Maguire, John Sebastian, the band members themselves, and others they met along the way to 'making it'; essentially tells their story. Cass and Denny were in a folk band together, I believe, before the Mamas and the Papas. Their voices were so rock solid, just fabulous vocals on them. A lot of people thought Michelle was just eye candy/John's girlfriend but she could sing well too. Interesting info. Love you really digging into the details! :)
Yes, Cass had a great voice, but so do a great many professional singers. What made this band great, is that the combination of their voices, plus the choice of material worked so well together.
An iconic song from the 60’s. Great harmonies, and I especially liked Cass. Enjoyed your analysis with some tidbits about the drama that went on behind the scenes. Thanks, Fil, for this trip down memory lane!
Another great analysis, Fil. I’ve always been attracted to groups whose harmonies were an essential part of the group’s “flavor” (if you will): Peter, Paul and Mary; The Kingston Trio; The Association; Crosby, Stills, Nash and (sometimes) Young; The Mamas and The Papas. I’ve watched this track on the Monterrey Pop Festival DVD and wondered why the top end of this (Michelle’s voice) seemed muted and sometimes entirely absence. Thanks much for answering that question after so many years! You also delved into the background of the group’s formation. The song “Creeque Alley” is their clever take on that history. Here’s a link to the story behind the early history of The Mamas and The Papas: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-h2Os48h6e24.html
A fabulous group and impeccable harmonies! The beauty of this song’s melody really conceals how depressing it can be. Another group whose harmonies I absolutely love is “The Association”. I certainly wouldn’t mind seeing them “earn their wings”! (See what I did there? You’re “Wings of Pegasus” and they need to earn their wings!?.... Bah, you’re a clever chap. You probably saw that right off. Just trying to convince myself that I’m clever as well.) As usual, the background you provide is awesome!
I also loved The Association's 'Along Comes Mary' including the quite busy lyric. That certainly was an era for those kind of songs and wonderful vocal arrangements.
Love this one Fil....these videos from the Monterey Pop Festival are so great to have, as unpolished as they were at that time for recording these big music concerts. By the time Woodstock came around, it got done really well. For a group that lasted such a SHORT time, they made a HUGE impact on the music scene. So glad to see people getting exposed to their beautiful time in rock n roll.
Enjoyed your commentary... This is one of my favorite bands, who had such a distinctive sound, so instantly recognizable and appreciated more thanv50 years later. Wonderful!
The original words were “...began to pray..”. When practicing for the recording, Cass was heard to mistakenly sing “ ...pretend to pray..”. They adopted the change as it gave a slightly enigmatic edge to the words.
I too was California Dreaming in 1967, so 2 months into 1968, I moved there. 'I call Your Name' is one of my favorite Mama Cass songs. Played their music all the time in the hippie village of Pacific Beach, Ca.
Thanks Fil - too bad the recording wasn't better - but it is a great analysis of this 'not very good' recording lol. Thanks for the background info on them as a band too!
Legends. Technical difficulties were not going to detract from the level of talent we see on this performance. At this time people immediately realized how amazing Cass Elliot was and people wanted to see her live at any cost. Yes Denny was a very, very special artist.
Was so fortunate to see them live in Phoenix. It was fantastic and Mama Cass really made the Mamas and the Papas unique. Thanks Fil for another interesting analysis.
I'm glad you straight away brought up the fact that Michelle Phillips' mic apparently wasn't on; I thought I was crazy but it just turns out I have good ears!😎 I love the 4-part harmonies; now please do Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young- their harmonies are AWESOME. Thank you, Fil!😍
I love that you love and feature music from previous decades. I do feel lucky I was young during the times of the most significant musical decades ever. And to live in So Calif. I just wish the uniqueness and quality of creativity had continued after the 70’s. There is a reason younger people still listen to it today. Cass was amazing! Thank you!
Love your insights! The Mamas and Papas themselves thought they were the worst performance of the festival. (see and hear the DVD boxset of the Monterey Pop Festival) John Phillips was so busy organizing and promoting the Festival (which was his idea), along with Michelle, that they didn't have time to rehearse. On top of that, Dennis was missing (due to the "soap opera" of the group), and did not show up until 1/2 hour before they were set to take the stage.
Thank you Fil, l really enjoy your videos. I’m not a musician but love music and have learned so much from you that has made me appreciate even more the talent and work input of the bands and singers that I like to listen to.
I have to sing along with this song every time I hear it, many memories come flooding back whenever it's on, which I believe is one of the true signs of a great song.
Takes me back to being 18, slightly buzzed and listening to some sort of HS choral group do this song. This really is a great song and all four voices blend perfectly (when all the mics are working). Another fabulous job, Fil.
STELLA: You're too late, I'm sorry to say. L.A. began noticeably changing (and not for the better) in 1986. By 1992, the party in paradise was over, and that's why I left late that year and moved not just out of L.A. but out of the entire state. Los Angeles is now a long way away from the L.A. of The Mamas & The Papas, Jim Morrison & The Doors, and the 'Good Vibrations' of The Beach Boys. (And it kinda breaks my heart, because I practically grew up in the shadow of Lifeguard Station #26 on Santa Monica Beach.)
D-Fens DogG True. But I still love the BEST state in the USA. SF is in no way what it was like back in 1969. Nor is New York City, or anywhere. But SF Had even more of a dramatic break with that hippie spirit, time, culture values etc. etc. due to the corrupting wealth and the social re-engineering of digital/virtual life and E-strangement . LA was more conservative, and has always been about Hollywood ,and to a degree , conspicuous consumption and attainment of wealth and status. But I do miss the ladies of the canyon…and the music today? Without vinyl, the music is “perfect“ but cold.
I'm going through your back catalog again. Great analysis. Toward the end, as you're talking about their other songs. "I saw her", "I saw her again....." actually one of my favorite parts of that song.
I really like this group growing up. Another group that was really great was Spanky and our gang. Sunday morning. The did a live performance on the Mike Douglas Show. Please considered reviewing them. Thanks
Great information - and you also make great videos of your own musical talent - always look forward to viewing all your videos - thank you for posting Fil
