Posted by “It’s Lovely To Be Back In London” (Judy at the Dominion, 1957)
Don’t forget! The new 2-CD set Judy Garland – The London Studio Recordings 1957-1964 hits stores on October 11.
The set features 14 previously unreleased tracks (15 if you count the quick intro chat to the alternate take of “It’s Yourself”). All of the tracks have been newly remastered, many from the original session masters. However, after many searches of the EMI UK/Abbey Road and Capitol USA archives, it was discovered that some of those session masters did not survive. In those instances, the original Capitol edited masters were used. Have no fear, regardless of the source materials they all sound better than ever, having been remastered at “96kHz/24bit hi-definition sound.”
The details of the set are provided at The Judy Garland Online Discography. The set is packaged in a sturdy hardbound “digi-book” (similar to the “book” style of recent Warner Home Video DVDs like A Star is Born and the upcoming Meet Me In St. Louis), housing the two discs in sleeves and the liner notes by the set’s producer Jonathan Summers with an “afterword” by John Fricke. The booklet also features a nice smattering of photos and album cover art.
The big news for fans is the inclusion of the alternate takes. Most notably, the previously unknown “Please Say ‘Ah’!” This demo was recorded by Judy and music supervisor Saul Chaplin for possible use in Judy’s final film I Could Go On Singing. The intent was to have co-star Dirk Bogarde eventually supplant Chaplin’s vocals. That never happened, but this demo survives. Summers’ liner notes give a nice account of the history of this previously unknown song. At just under five minutes it’s longer than expected and completely charming. It’s a breezy lark that both Judy and Saul are obviously enjoying. You’ll enjoy it too!
This is a definite “must have” for all Garland fans. It goes without saying that it would make a great holiday gift.
Note that the set will not be available for digital download. To purchase the CD, click here.
