One of the most inspirational and original albums ever recorded was released on this day fifty years ago, the 1st June 1967. Produced by George Martin and engineered by Richard Lush and Geoff Emerick, it was a project that included some of the most innovative recording processes ever attempted.
Here are two links to fascinating interviews with Richard Lush (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dbg8Feyx9Lg) and Geoff Emerick (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D5caf6mAACA) talking about all the unusual techniques and new creative approaches to recording, and also the inventions discovered and adopted during the process of making the album. Breaking new ground at every stage, with microphone techniques, instruments, and the whole approach to capturing recorded sound, it has become a landmark in the history of music.
I was very privileged to work with Geoff Emerick many years ago when recording at Bray Studios in Windsor, Berkshire. I never plucked up the courage to ask him about the experience of recording the Beatles, and I wish I had! The interview here, and there are many others on YouTube, make up for missing that opportunity.
And remember! The only version of Sgt Pepper’s that we should listen to is the Mono one!