In another contrast with his 1970 triple album, Harrison engaged a small core group of musicians to support him on "Living in the Material World". Gary Wright, who shared Harrison's spiritual preoccupations, and Klaus Voormann returned, on keyboards and bass, respectively, and John Barham again provided orchestral arrangements. They were joined by Jim Keltner, who had impressed at the 1971 Bangladesh concerts, and Nicky Hopkins, whose musical link to Harrison went back to the 1968 Jackie Lomax single "Sour Milk Sea". Ringo Starr also contributed to the album, when his burgeoning film career allowed, and Jim Horn, another musician from the Concert for Bangladesh band, supplied horns and flutes. The recording engineer was Phil McDonald, who had worked in the same role on "All Things Must Pass".