Description
“The remixed, refreshed, and remarkable sound on these discs is nothing short of miraculous…”
(The Judy Garland Experience)
Judy Garland vocals
orchestras & chorus conducted by
Mort Lindsey, Geoff Love,
Norrie Paramor & Harry Robinson
with
Saul Chaplin vocals on ”Please Say ”Ah”!”
Recording dates: 11 Ocotober 1957 – 12 August 1964
Recording venue: Abbey Road Studios, London
Engineers: Peter Bown, Stuart Eltham? & Malcolm Addey
Producers: George H. Martin, Norman Newell & Bill Miller
Remastering engineer: Ian Jones (Abbey Road Studios)
Remixing engineer (CD2, tracks 1-8 & 15-22): Peter Mew (Abbey Road Studios)
CD issue producers: Jonathan Summers & FHR, assisted by John Fricke
Liner notes: Jonathan Summers
Additional notes: John Fricke
Release date: 24 October 2011
Total duration: 2 hrs 29 mins 02 secs
From 1955 through 1964, Judy Garland was one of the most celebrated, acclaimed, and best-selling album artists on the EMI/Capitol roster. On several occasions during those years, she had the opportunity of recording at Abbey Road Studios. This 2CD set assembles her work done there between October 1957 and August 1964.
Not only are 12 previously unreleased alternate takes included but, more significantly, a completely unknown/undocumented recording of a song called Please Say ”Ah”! The Mort Lindsey orchestration of this song is complicated and marvellous, the band on top form; Garland and her vocal partner, Saul Chaplin, are having a wonderful time and this great piece of fun, liberally sprinkled with Garland”s infectious laugh, demands to be heard! This historic issue is the very first composite compact disc celebration of its kind and a guaranteed collector”s item for anyone who appreciates the Great Popular Songbook — and “the World”s greatest entertainer.”
Press Quotes
“The remixed, refreshed, and remarkable sound on these discs is nothing short of miraculous… the clarity of the sound and the immediacy of Garland’s performances make this very special album sound like it was recorded yesterday… these recordings, and Judy’s performances on them, have never sounded better… The CD’s are packaged exquisitely and obvious care was taken every step of the way in regards to design and execution.” (The Judy Garland Experience)
“A fascinating and scrupulously well-assembled collection… This is a marvellous release.” (Classical Source)
“The best reason to listen to The London Studio Recordings, though, is the remastering… Garland is in particularly healthy voice, have exceptional warmth and presence. This may be the best-sounding Garland release out there.” (The Philly)
“…handsome Abbey Road set… the lady is in terrific voice…” (Sunday Times)
“…a splendid and noble accomplishment… Musical archeologists, First Hand has unearthed musical treasures that were waiting to be unearthed, and for that they deserve the highest praise. Besides all the tracks new to CD, the previously issued London Sessions from 1960 have here been restored to a point that far surpasses previous releases. The classy digipak, along with the well-written, informative 31-page liner notes by Jonathan Summers, are added reasons for calling this set one of the most important Judy Garland releases ever.” (ARSC Journal)
“Judy Garland The London Studio Recordings, 1957-1964 is a revelatory glimpse of a singer as a mature artist. The sound quality is excellent, and captures the range of vocal tones.” (Audiophile Audition)
“The recordings have been remastered for top-quality sound, bringing Garland’s theatrical style closer to the listener… most of these remastered recordings are superb, with great presence… Fans of Judy Garland will undoubtedly snap up this compilation, elegantly presented in a wallet with perceptive sleeve-notes by Jonathan Summers. But all lovers of fine singing are advised to get this album.” (Musicweb-International)
“…First Hand Records deserves much praise for releasing this material in its generous tribute to Judy; as do those who strived to ensure these expertly remastered recordings really make this project such a well-packaged collector’s item.” (In Tune International)
