George Harrison - Early Takes Volume 1 (Universal)

George Harrison – Early Takes Volume 1 (Universal)

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Last year’s, much-needed and acclaimed, Scorese directed, Living In The Material World (lifted from the title of Harrison’s 1973 album of the same name) George Harrison biopic was a touching, venerable tribute to a man over-shadowed by the vociferating adulation poured on his peers, Lennon & McCartney.

Of course, many of us already knew just why a special and, often, selfless soul the ‘spiritual’ appellated former Beatle was; and that his timeless (yes, a word so fatousely over-used, but in this case is generally valid) meditative songs always seemed …well, deeper, more visceral and forgiving. Hardly flawless, or messianic, Harrison nonetheless spent his life helping others; from orginizing the Concert for Bangladesh to funding the Monty Python troupes Life Of Brian, Harrison used his fame and reverence to make things happen for others. A re-balancing, or if you like, a recent timely reminder of just how creatively erudite he was; his apodictic song-writing skills congrous and sincere, brought to light once again. 2010 saw the 40th anniversary of Harrison’s stunning, critically heralded, solo triumvirate showcase, All Things Must Pass – re-released with bonus material – followed closely by the gamut documentary, and now the Early Takes Volume 1 album – hailed as the “companion piece” to Living In The Material World.

Compiled by record producer Miles Martin (yep that’s right, son of George), this, rather slim, 10-track volume is made-up of choice out-takes, demos and rehearsals for songs that would appear on three of Harrison 70s albums. That inaugural post-Beatles, All Things Must Pass (though afficonados will correct me, that Harrison released the Wonderwall soundtrack and experimental side-project Electronic Music whilst still a member of the ‘Fab Four’ in the late 60s), is given the lions-share, and rightly so, of attention. The self-titled reflective pastoral paean from that album, along with My Sweet Lord, Run Of The Mill, Behind The Locked Door, I’d Have You Anytime and Awaiting On You All, are all intimate stripped-down versions; gentle and hauntingly evocative, humming with ernest musicality: For example, My Sweet Lord’s ethereal hoisanna still resonates but is played with more loosely, the backing uncertain at times of where its going; Run Of The Mill is a little rawer and has a threadbare country feel – the eventual soothing horns and rolling drums missing – and Awaiting On You All is a humbly sweet affair.

Further additions include the 1973 12-string liturgy, The Light That Has Lighted The World – berift of its Spector polished grandaur – and the 1976 bottle-neck slide guitar led Woman Don’t Cry For Me – less proto-disco jiving than the original, played instead like a country blues stomp in the Louisiana swamps. Confident and influence, Bob Dylan‘s Mama You’ve Been On My mind is covered by Harrison here; faithfull to the original in many ways albeit with a hushed plaintive tone and folksy drifting twang. There’s also the lamenting romantic standard, Let It Be Me; an evocative ode covered by everyone including Sam & Dave, Elvis Presley and Chet Atkins (amongst many). Harrison broods and alludes closely to The Everly Brothers cherished version (their hit version is often cited the most); sweetly strummed and sighed with minimum accompaniment and fuss.

Early Takes Volume 1 show’s Harrison as the vunrable craftsman, working through an enlightened catalogue of songs. My only objections are that it seem’s a meagre ungenerous offering – the running order barely troubling the 30-minute mark – though as the title hints, there maybe future editions. There’s also a question over just how exclusive these recordings actually are, as they appear sporadically on re-mastered editions, and are all featured on the special audio CD that came with the Living In The Material World documentary DVD.  Still, if you missed all these opportunities, then this collection is a handy edition to the collection.

30/04/2012

[Rating:3.5]

 

 

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