“Oh, that piano, it was magnificent. Words cannot describe the pleasure of listening back to the final mix of ‘Hey Jude’ on four giant Tannoy speakers which dwarfed everything else in the room.”
~Paul McCartney
Trident Studios was a British recording facility located at 17 St. Anne’s Court in London’s Soho district between 1968 and 1981. In mid-1968, Trident Studios were among the first in the UK to use Dolby noise reduction, and employ an eight-track reel to reel recording deck. I realize an eight-track recording deck is laughably small today but back then, it was a huge deal.
While Abbey Road Studios still only used four-track at the time, Trident’s Ampex eight-track machine drew The Beatles on July 31, 1968 to record the first single for their Apple label.
But the studio is not why I brought you here today. This piano is.
A feature synonymous with the studio was the “Trident Piano,” a handmade Bechstein grand piano over 100 years old and often described as “the best rock and roll piano ever.”
It was notoriously difficult to play because of its stiff hammers, meaning that the player had to really hit the keys to get something out of it. Despite this notoriety, the bright and crystal clear sound it delivered attracted loads of musicians.
And every song in today’s medley features that very same glorious piano Paul McCartney used on that July evening in 1968.
Play button is on the left … Volume slider is on the right
The Trident Piano Medley
Beatles – America – Elton John
Nilsson – David Bowie – Queen
Mott The Hoople – Carly Simon – T. Rex
How can we forget the times we have had!! We need more love in this world today!! Been less and less on FB as everyone seems to be angry with what’s going on and the political posts are out of hand!! Keep doing what your doing Ray!! Changes are good!! The Beatles said it!! Take a sad song and make it better!!
Thank you, Fred. I do what I can. It may not always please everyone but it sure beats yelling at people.
Great songs Ray!! Remember to let her into your heart then you can start to make it better. Like the flowers need the rain you know I need you, don’t have much money I’d buy a big house where we both could live. My gift is my song and this one’s for you, but I guess that’s the way the story goes. You always smiled but in your eyes your sorrow showed. I can’t give anymore, you don’t know what I was waiting for, chchchchanges. At anytime an invitation you can’t decline, caviar and cigarettes when you are twenty-five. All the girls seemed to say be your partner, you are so vain, get it on!! Get it on, bang the bong, get it on.
Thanks, Penny. I can always count on you! ❤
I’m not talented like Penny & Fred, so I”ll just say I enjoyed it very much and thank you
Nancy, EVERYONE is talented … Hell, just surviving seems to take a special talent in this world. ❤
Ray I agree with Fred that Facebook is full of anger and hate and makes you feel like you hate to even get on Facebook. But these songs Ray are what we look forward to. It brightens our day. I basically check on my kids and my grandchildren, and what is happening with class of ’68 and your rockin’ Streamingoldies Medlies! I’m keeping the faith. Thanks Man!
Sharon, your comment brightened MY day! ❤