NOT FADER WAY
What was the atmosphere like when The Beatles cut “The “White Albumâ€? How confident was David Bowie on Ziggy? The legendary producer-engineer Ken Scott, who shaped the sound of many of rock’s best-loved albums, tells Ken Sharp
The roll call is impressive. The Beatles, David Bowie, Elton John, Harry Nilsson, the Jeff Beck Group, Supertramp and the Mahavishnu Orchestra are among the legendary acts that have been lucky enough to enjoy the benefits of Ken Scott’s production and engineering talents.
Ken Scott’s new book, Abbey Road To Ziggy Stardust, is an engaging and absorbing chronicle of his life at the controls. It is an extraordinary story, tracing Scott’s 50-year-plus career, one that’s seen him leave his unique sonic stamp on some of rock’n’roll’s most enduring records. RC spoke with Scott, who provided fascinating insights of what it’s really like to be behind the mixing board.
RC: Take us through how you came to work at Abbey Road.
Ken Scott: I knew what I wanted to do at the age of 12 and a half. I received a tape recorder for Christmas and enjoyed playing it and being one of the earliest illegal downloaders, recording everything off the radio. Then there was a TV show that I paid very close attention to as it was based around a young English female singer that I really had the hots for. Most of it was filmed in the recording studio. At one point they panned from her around the room and up to this huge glass window at the end of this studio …
by Ken Sharp
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