Studio One, EMI Studios, Abbey Road
Producer: George Martin
Engineer: Geoff Emerick
This was the first day the orchestral instruments were recorded for ‘All You Need Is Love’. The musicians were also present for the next two sessions, culminating in the worldwide satellite broadcast Our World on 25 June 1967.
Four violins, two cellos, two saxophones, two trombones, two trumpets, and an accordion were recorded playing George Martin’s score. It took 10 takes, numbered 34-43, but with a reduction mix simultaneously created.
The session took place from 8-11pm. The takes were never released, and were largely to check that the recording would work on the day of Our World. Similar rehearsals took place on 24 June.
The musicians were: Sidney Sax, Patrick Halling, Eric Bowie and Jack Holmes (violin); Rex Morris and Don Honeywill (tenor saxophone); Evan Watkins and Harry Spain (trombone); Jack Emblow (accordion); and Stanley Woods and David Mason (trumpet). Stanley Woods also played flügelhorn on the recording.
The orchestra on the ‘Our World’ worldwide TV transmission was conducted by ex-Manfred Mann guitarist/flute/saxophone player Mike Vickers who later helped George Harrison with the programming of the early synth’ used on the ‘Abbey Road’ album and was an arranger for EMI artists The Hollies, Cilla Black, and Ken Dodd among others besides having The Mike Vickers Orchestra.