Studio Two, EMI Studios, Abbey Road
Producer: George Martin
Engineer: Norman Smith
The Beatles’ first Sunday recording session lasted just over three hours, in which time they recorded three songs. The first was ‘I’m Happy Just To Dance With You’.
The group recorded the rhythm track first, taking two attempts to get it right. Onto this George Harrison double-tracked his lead vocals; Ringo Starr added an Arabian drum part during the verse; and John Lennon and Paul McCartney recorded backing vocals onto the final track of the four-track tape.
The second and third songs weren’t included on The Beatles’ forthcoming A Hard Day’s Night LP, but were instead released on a standalone EP. ‘Long Tall Sally’ was the EP’s title track: the group recorded the Little Richard cover version in a single take, with George Martin on piano.
The final song of the day was John Lennon’s ‘I Call Your Name’, which had previously been recorded by Billy J Kramer and the Dakotas. The song, which The Beatles completed in seven takes, featured a shuffle rhythm during the guitar solo, which Lennon later claimed was an attempt at ska.
Of the seven takes, three were complete. The final version included an overdub of double-tracked lead vocals and cowbell, and the guitar solo, edited in from take five.
I love reading the history of the Beatles songs, recording sessions, travel, and history of the group. Although I have a few books about them, I’m always learning more. I’m so glad when I see a photo on social media and someone has thought to include the history of the picture and why it was taken. Sometimes I wish I’d known more when the Beatles were still recording and touring but it means just as much to me to learn things now. Thank you to everyone that is willing to share what they know.