By Sam Brunson
Almost seven years ago(!), Leandra wrote about the Beatles’s “Taxman” to celebrate its 50th anniversary. At around the same time, I tried to figure out and record the song.
At the time, unfortunately, neither my playing nor my recording chops were up to the challenge. Over the pandemic, though, I spent some time and money on instruments and recording equipment and have gotten a lot better at it.
So about a week ago, I decided to record a version of “Taxman.” I listened around to various versions and ended up modeling my version largely on the recording by Bill Wyman’s Rythm Kings (and, to a lesser extent, Soulive).
I’m not quite sure I’m done yet; I’m tempted to add a horn section to the recording. But, in the meantime, here’s my recording:
In large part, I’ve been recording to make TikToks. Originally the goal with TikTok was to embarrass my kids by playing songs that middle-aged dads really shouldn’t be playing, but they weren’t embarrassed so my goal shifted to playing fun songs that people like.
I’ll probably eventually film some stuff and put together a “Taxman” TikTok but, in the meantime, I hope you enjoy my tax-themed music!
To the extent you’re interested, I programmed the drums and did the recording in Studio One. I played the bass and organ on my Yamaha electric piano, using the organ sound from a Roland JV-1010. I recorded all of the melody and harmony parts on my Akai EWI 4000s. And the tenor sax solo is on my tenor.
The Surly Subgroup 