Rock trivia

[Benny Profane]

So I just learned last night that Dave Mason does that acoustic guitar intro to Jimi's All Along the Watchtower. After all this time. And I thought I knew it all.

[Dexter Rutecki]

Hmmmmmm....
Not listed in the original liner notes, although based on Keith Shadwick's excellent book about Hendrix's music Mason was probably there when Watchtower was recorded. It seems he might have played bass on the track? I'll do some more checking, but I always thought Jimi was playing that guitar. It's not so much an intro. as it is just the same figure that plays throughout.
Where'd you get this from?

edit: poked around and found the same info (Mason on the 12 string) on several sites. Haven't found anything completely authoritative, but it seems more and more likely.
Who woulda thunk it.

[Benny Profane]

Somebody lent me this Radio show history of Jimi on CD, and it was mentioned there. Winwood was around for Voodoo Chile (organ) around the same time, so it kinda fits.

[Dexter Rutecki]

Yeah, I know there were a few guys sitting in for a lot of those sessions (Mason was a regular), just didn't know his guitar actually made it onto the album.
Still haven't gotten a definitive source, but that's pretty interesting. I've seen Jimi playing a 12 string himself, so I just assumed it was him.

Are you familiar with the rap record Jimi made? I think he played both guitar and drums on it.

edit: Buddy Miles played drums, Jimi was on bass and guitar. Lightnin' Rod 'rapped'.