If there were such a title as "The Fifth Beatle" it would belong to their producer George Martin. He not only signed them, he created the production techniques necessary to realize their musical vision.

In the early days of recording the word producer meant anything from getting the musicians to the studio to fully scoring and recording the session. Martin, a classically trained musician was placed in charge of comedy and pop records at EMI. He would soon transform recorded music when he took a chance on the Beatles.

Martins vast recording and musical experience along with his penchant for taking risks was a perfect fit for the Band. He soon recognized the talent he had signed was no ordinary "Beat" group and that the usual production would not work. He did this by getting around and defying EMI's rigid recording guidelines, the limitations of four track technology and a cavernous recording studio that would soon become a temple.

Martins great gift was his taste and his ability to keep the musical picture in focus. The Beatles decision to stop touring triggered a musical sea change that would create unheard of production challenges. The Beatles were no longer hemmed in by what they could produce onstage. They could now take the music to the limits of their imagination.   

Martin was particularly skilled at leveraging the Beatles considerable financial clout to get the recording budget necessary for their later work. He would also contribute unique instrumental scores that highlighted the songs instead of smothering them. His major innovation was making the studio his instrument. He is largely responsible for the reputation and sound of Abbey Road.

Martin was by no means perfect. What made him different was that he consistently strived to correct mistakes with subsequent reissues.The latter part of their career became a production nightmare as the group began to battle amongst themselves over a variety of issues. The biggest problem was trying to satisfy everybody, sometimes it showed. 

George Martins career with the Beatles and many other artists too numerous to mention has become the stuff of legend. His status and Knighthood are well deserved. Music and the craft of recording are better for his contributions.

                                             The Groove continues...

When Ed Sullivan said "The Beatles". It was a night that I and many other aspiring musicians will never forget. Where many people saw four charming Mop Tops, I and many others heard a real band.

The Beatles first performance on Sullivan was by no means flawless. They were nervous and in the middle of a publicity whirlwind. What got them through was their skill as ensemble musicians. 

The Beatles were an overnight success that took years of hard work. They played every gig they could lay their hands on. Hamburg, Germany was the place where the band we know came together. Stu Sutcliffe left and Paul took over the bass spot. This was an important change that many people overlook. 

Paul was born to be a bass player, He not only had all the necessary tools but he would bring a guitar like fluidity to the electric bass. George and John no longer had to double rhythm parts. Freed from having to cover for Sutcliffe, John And George developed clearly defined roles that became a big part of the Beatles sound. John's powerful rhythm Guitar and George's lyrical approach provided the contrast that had been missing.

Ringo would be the final addition to the Beatles sound. He had a great groove and his remarkable consistency both live and in the studio gave the Beatles the solid foundation they needed to push the musical envelope.

1963-1966 are the the Band years. Their cohesion and sound were forged by constant live performing. They took full advantage of that by recording their first album Please Please Me in a long ten hour session.

The albums fourteen tracks were recorded "Live" in the studio. The band vibe that permeates the record would continue with their other recordings until the release of Rubber Soul. From that point on the music would grow beyond what guitars, bass and drums could produce.

                                          The groove continues...