Alan Civil (horn on For No One)

[Hello Goodbye]

When I first heard For No One and Penny Lane, I was immediately struck by the horn solos.  I wonder how much Mr. Civil and Mr. Mason contributed to their composition.  Mr. Mason, I think, is being deferential to Paul when he says "And eventually, of course, we got to what he liked and this is what he wrote."

[Hello Goodbye]

Wow.
And I bet (a) that he only got Musician Union rates, and (b) that he didn't know he'd done it until someone like Mark Lewisohn told him he had!

David Mason was paid 27 pounds 10 shillings for his work.  This video has a bit of the original cor anglais backing instrumental which Paul wasn't happy with...


David Mason Penny Lane Trumpeter

[Hello Goodbye]

Penny Lane with the cor anglais instrumental...


04 - The Beatles - Penny Lane (Take 9) (RM8)

[Mr Mustard]

It's somehow more fascinating hearing about this contribution than if it had been someone well known in pop music, like a famous session musician such as Nicky Hopkins or Jimmy Page or Jimi Hendrix.

You could argue that that trumpet (not French Horn!) on 'Penny Lane' is the more famous single sound on a Beatles recording.....which could make it the most famous single sound in the history of recorded music.

Wow.
And I bet (a) that he only got Musician Union rates, and (b) that he didn't know he'd done it until someone like Mark Lewisohn told him he had!

Hey don't forget Johnnie Scott and his flute on "You've Got To Hide Your Love Away" !!!