Beatles as pianists.....

simer4001 · Post by **simer4001** » Thu Aug 17, 2006 4:38 am

I have that book as well, but like most I have it wrapped up because the ages are loose. It is a pretty cool book and definitely an easy read. I think casual Beatle fans would get a lot out of it.

westtexasrickenbacker · Thu Aug 17, 2006 6:32 am

George Martin was a very talented musician.

He undoubtedly helped the Beatles recordings with his string arrangements, odd keyboard parts, and overall production skills.

I think it was a perfect storm: Beatles, George Martin, and the talented engineers they had at Abbey Road. Particularly Emerick.

studiotwosession · Post by **studiotwosession** » Thu Aug 17, 2006 8:36 am

Illustrated Record I remember as being one of the first publications of all on the fabs (of course it was at least several years after the Hunter Davies book, and several lesser known books on Apple, etc.)

But it was definitely a first of a kind to rely mainly on big color pages with photos (which as it seems you all experienced as well often got lose and went flying.)

i remember a friend of mine in high school simply gave up trying to keep the book together and thus tacked up many of the pages to his cork-boarded wall (remember those square ft. cork tiles that were ubiquitous in the 70s?)

westtexasrickenbacker · Thu Aug 17, 2006 11:55 am

Speaking of George Martin, does anyone know how he is doing these days? I think he retired, is that correct?

cowboy_joe · Post by **cowboy_joe** » Thu Aug 17, 2006 12:03 pm

I think he's pretty much retired, Alex, I understand he was having difficulty with his hearing. I believe he still "consults," and seems to keep in pretty frequent contact with Paul.

leesh · Post by **leesh** » Thu Aug 17, 2006 12:36 pm

He did a lot for "Love" in Vegas along with Giles...

shamustwin · Post by **shamustwin** » Fri Aug 18, 2006 4:59 am

I started buying every and any book to do with the Beatles in the '70's, when they were starting to become an aftermarket cash cow for anyone with a pen.

I have The Illustrated Beatles in very good condition, as well a lot of other books, including the ever popular "Growing Up With The Beatles".

brammy · Post by **brammy** » Sat Aug 19, 2006 10:32 am

Ha.... yea, I did the same thing. Some of those cash-cow 'me too' books (in the 70s 80s and 90s) were really horrible. Still they are fun to look at once in a while.

brammy · Post by **brammy** » Sun Aug 27, 2006 4:34 pm

Its a little known fact that Ringo was an accomplished pianist as well as rippin guitarist. For instance, I have it on good authority that "Martha My Dear" showcased Ringo's keyboard work.

winston · Post by **winston** » Sun Aug 27, 2006 5:02 pm

Here we go again. Ringo actually can play the keys. He is also proficient playing percussion on old wooden packing cases. I will not reveal my sources however.

westtexasrickenbacker · Mon Aug 28, 2006 9:52 am

Ringo is also on record as saying he loves Beethoven's poems.

brammy · Post by **brammy** » Tue Sep 12, 2006 5:08 pm

Dont we all?

blue_meanie · Post by **blue_meanie** » Wed Sep 20, 2006 4:51 pm

Gotta love John's keyboard playing at Shea Stadium with his elbows.

brammy · Post by **brammy** » Sat Sep 30, 2006 10:54 am

and here is that Vox Continental organ:

http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0100regionalnews/tm_objectid=15400855&method=full&siteid=50061&headline=final-chance-to-see-gear-that-conquered-america-name_page.html

wolfgang · Post by **wolfgang** » Sat Sep 30, 2006 10:08 pm

Brian,
wasn't it the hinges of the old wooden packing case to make the crickets chirping on Words of Love?