In 1972, the Who collaborated with the London Symphony Orchestra to produce a full symphonic version of the rock opera Tommy.
The album reimagined the album with a 104-piece orchestra and a 60-member choir along with guest performances by Ringo Starr (Uncle Ernie), Rod Stewart (local boy), Steve Winwood (father), Richie Havens (the Hawker), Maggie Bell (mother), Merry Clayton (Acid Queen), Graham Bell (lover), Richard Harris (doctor) and Sandy Denny (nurse). From the Who, Pete Townshend sang the narrator, John Entwistle as Cousin Kevin and Roger Daltrey in his traditional role as Tommy.
On September 11, Ode Sound and Visual Records will release the album in a new 24/192 bit rate remastering. The set will be available on CD and 2-LP gray colored vinyl along with via digital download. The original 20-page insert is also being reproduced.
Townshend said of the album “I always saw the Who’s version of Tommy as more of a sketch and felt there was more that could be done with it. The London Symphony project, I think, paved the way for more to come.”
Lou Adler, owner of Ode who also released the album in 1972, said “When Lou Reizner explained his idea and concept for the recording of Tommy and that Pete Townshend was on board, that moved me to become involved. The recording sessions in England were dynamic and mind-boggling. The size and sound of the London Symphony Orchestra, the Chambre Choir voices and the addition of the amazing soloists made Reizner’s dream a reality.”
The track list:
Overture – London Symphony Orchestra
It’s A Boy – Sandy Denny
1921 – Graham Bell/Steve Winwood/Maggie Bell/Roger Daltrey
Amazing Journey – Pete Townshend
Sparks – London Symphony Orchestra
Eyesight to The Blind – Richie Havens
Christmas – Steve Winwood/Roger Daltrey
Cousin Kevin – John Entwistle
The Acid Queen – Merry Clayton
Underture – London Symphony Orchestra
Do You Think It’s Alright? – Maggie Bell/Steve Winwood
Fiddle About – Ringo Starr
Pin Ball Wizard – Rod Stewart
There’s A Doctor I’ve Found – Steve Winwood
Go To The Mirror Boy – Richard Harris/Roger Daltrey/Steve Winwood
Tommy Can You Hear Me? – Maggie Bell
Smash The Mirror – Maggie Bell
I’m Free – Roger Daltrey
Miracle Cure – Chambre Choir
Sensation – Roger Daltrey
Sally Simpson – Pete Townshend
Welcome – Roger Daltrey
Tommy’s Holiday Camp – Ringo Starr
We’re Not Gonna Take It – Roger Daltrey
See Me, Feel Me – Roger Daltrey
——————————————————————————————————————————————
Stay informed with the Noise11.com daily music news email. All your music news in one daily summary Subscribe to the Noise11 Music Newsletter here
Follow Noise11.com on Facebook and Twitter
more from vvnmusic.com
