George Martin Orchestra Reissues

To commemorate what would have been the 100th birthday of Beatles' producer George Martin, Parlophone Records/Warner Music is reissuing three of his classic 1960s orchestral cover albums. The vinyl reissues were recut from the original master tapes by Miles Showell and were supervised by Giles Martin, who we interviewed in Tape Op #103.

These albums are fun, and by modern standards, a bit kitschy. I just imaging walking through a Harrod's of London department store and hearing these tracks fill the air as I try on a pair of wingtips, or browse for an ascot and cigarette holder. Owning these albums comes with the mandatory throwing of a cocktail party where Harvey Wallbangers, Mai Tais, Sidecars and Gimlets will be served alongside deviled eggs, grape jelly meatballs, and a classic cheese ball.

On Off The Beatle Track, bossa nova and rhumba flavored versions of Beatle classics sit alongside others with melodies played on harmonica, arrangements that feature mouth harp, congas, Dave Brubeck-ish swinging affairs, and, well, you get the picture. It makes clear Martin's talents as an arranger and orchestrator and, as we all know, the combination of these skills partnered with the Beatles' songwriting was an undeniable pairing.

The notes on the back of the 1966 release, And I Love Her, begins "The most acceptable of all LP albums is the one that can be played periodically for armchair listening and relaxation, or is equally suited to a background role, providing a cosy atmosphere at a party or a gathering of friends-like the disc which you now hold in your hands, and which I guarantee will give just as much satisfaction in its dual capacity in ten years' time as it does today." I couldn't agree more.

On November 6th, Off The Beatle Track, Help!, and ...and I Love Her will be available on streaming services for the first time, and these are the first vinyl releases in decades. Fans of George Martin's work can also look forward to George Martin: The Scores, a collection of complete, life-size reproductions of dozens of his original handwritten scores including “Yesterday,” “A Day in the Life,” “Strawberry Fields Forever,” “Here Comes the Sun,” “Live and Let Die,” and more. In addition to the manuscripts, several arrangements have been meticulously re-recorded in London’s legendary Abbey Road Studio Two.

Pre-order here:
https://www.curvebenderpublishing.com/george-martin-the-scores