Here's one of Jack Nitzsche's many arrangements with Leon Russell on piano. Recorded January 30, 1963, the songs here are "What About You" (written by Bodie Chandler of Barry & the Tamerlanes) and "Daydreams" (written by Al Hazan). Hazan was Nitzsche's contractor for the session. Hazan was the producer of the four songs tracked, and the two here were put out on Fred Astaire's AVA label. Other top musicians playing included Tommy Tedesco, Carol Kaye, Jimmy Bond, Hal Blaine, Ray Pohlman and Al DeLory. Hazan, used Leon on many sessions for songs he wrote.
During an interview with Jack for my book Superstar in a Masquerade, Jack said Leon, "was nothing special," and that, "he was dependable." From his tone, it sounded like spite and jealousy, as Leon went on to become a millionaire rock star and the top-grossing act on tour in America in 1973.
The singer's name on this was a suggestion by songwriter Al Hazan, who thought her last name Matheny wasn't very appealing. Her first name Charlotte made him think O'Hara, from the film Gone With The Wind, would suit her, so she used it. Charlotte also used other names on her recordings, like Bonnie & The Treasures for "Home of the Brave," produced by Jerry Riopelle in Phil Spector's style, with Leon on piano.
A third song done that session, "I Don't Want To Be The One," written by Chandler and Barry DeVorzon, can be heard from an acetate, on Anthony Reichardt's YouTube channel.
