The Johnny Arthey Orchestra: “Instrumental Performances Of The Same Exciting Vocal Versions”
16 Comments Published May 1st, 2007 in Treasure
Johnny Arthey is a rather typical product of the British pop music machine of the sixties. He came up through the ranks, distinguishing himself first as an instrumentalist (he was a pianist for a military orchestra during his national service), then later conducting orchestras for the BBC. Soon he was one of the clique of go-to producer/arrangers for radio, television and, of course, pop records. He holds the particular distinction of scoring the strings added to records by such Jamaican artists as The Pioneers and Marcia Griffiths when they were released for the British market. He also masterminded the Reggae Strings and co-wrote the theme to the popular British children’s program, “The Double Deckers.” Like so many of his contemporaries, Arthey also recorded his share of production music records. Along the way, he released an intermittent string of instrumental recordings of popular titles.
Our current example is from the early 60s, when the dominance of the Lennon/McCartney songwriting juggernaut demanded the inclusion of not one, not two, but three tunes by the prominent duo. And aside from Millie Small’s “My Boy Lollipop” and Dusty Springfield’s “Wishin’ And Hopin’,” the rest of the songs are all by a who’s who of Beatle also-rans. Dave Clark Five (“Bits And Pieces”), Gerry & The Pacemakers (“How Do You Do It”), Searchers (“Needles And Pins”), the Kinks (“You Really Got Me”) and Manfred Mann (“Do Wah Ditty Ditty”) are all represented. The standout track, however, has to be the Rolling Stones hit “Time Is On My Side.” The signature Arthey strings saw moodily at the melody, while throughout, a lead guitar freaks out in a nervous Richardsian approximation of a blues lick. The track stands in dirgelike contrast to the album’s otherwise cheerful and up tempo contents.
At the end of the day, all I really want from a record is a faceless rhythm section with a full orchestra backing it up. If the group wants to add some originals, that’s fine; but really, it’s all about “instrumental performances of the same exciting vocal versions.” This album delivers those requirements in spades. Hell, all you have to do is look at the cover and you know you’re in for some excitement. Whoever titled this record really knew how to market their product.
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Dude!
You made it to boingboing! That is killer. I love your wacky downloads! Except for that Christmas one. That sucked.. Talk about bait and switch! There was no singing on that one. I am still bitter! (haha)
I am still lovin Tres Guitars. I will download this one and check it out..
Man the thing is now I have to go dig for this one. The static will only make it better. Ooh, i wonder if is available on reel to reel.
Oboy; now I can see if the preventative measures I took the last time I got Boing Boing-ed were effective or not!
I enjoyed the whole album. Solid good stuff.
Sorry for the thumbs down on the Xmas lp Greg, but here at Bostworld, the holiday season is all about bitterness!
We love Johnny Arthey’s instrumental performances of the same exciting vocal versions.
Listening to it on average 10 times a day. We play it when we have guests, we’ve taken it to club on an ipod and played it there to great approval. Thanks
Glad my rip is holding up under such conditions. The vinyl itself was really quite noisy and required some rather severe surgery.
We are so very sorry and sad to hear of Johnny’s passing early this morning. He will be remembered with great affection and admiration for not only the wonderful musician that he was but also his kind and caring character and personality. With great sadness and wonderful memories. N & B. 27th October 2007
Just found this having heard of Johhny’s death. Sad news. I had a crush on his daughter when I was a teenager. He was a really nice guy and really encouraged my interest in music, I’m still playing even if I didn’t make a career of it.
I have only just heard of Johnny’s passing , a really lovely guy.
I worked with him in the Phil Tate band at Hammersmith Palais and Ilford palais
for over two years.
He wrote arrangements for the Ivy Benson ladies band at the time and I had a mail order business sending printed orchestrations by mail and anything Johnny was unable to spend time on he would pass onto me.
I also used to see him flitting about the publisher’s in Denmark St from time to time-
a very busy and well deserved – a popular bloke indeed.
Bill Doran
Johnny Arthey was also involved with Greater Media and the IBMA (International Beautiful Music Association) during the 1980′s producing exclusive “custom” instrumental music with Nick Ingman, Geoff Eales, Tom Schizzano, and John Fox. Most of this work was produced by Bob Chandler of Greater Media and WGAY FM. For more information on other artists and Johnny’s custom music please join the Yahoo group BeautifulInstrumentalsandVocals. Erik
Did you design the site on your own or is this a free template? Either way, it looks great. Cheers.
It’s a heavily modified template.
Since the late ’60′s I have been trying to track this album down, after having heard a few cuts on one of the pioneer fm-stereo stations in Portland, Ore. Now in October of ’09, following an endless search through garage sales, flea markets and used lp stores, I’ve struck the mother lode! I couldn’t be more thrilled. Johnny Arthey should have had a succession of hit albums, given his talent for orchestration for strings, rhythm and guitars. It’s all rich, and enjoyable; time after time after time.