Author

www.linflanagan.eu

GUITARIST, EDUCATOR & AUTHOR

LIN FLANAGAN BA(Hons), MA(Mus), FVCM(Hons), FLCM, LGSM, LLCM(TD), LGSM, DipABRSM

BOOK DESCRIPTION

Sir George Martin produced almost all of the Beatles recordings between 1962 and 1970. With the exception of a volatile period during the creation of the Let it Be album, from which he was largely absent, his contribution was far greater than that of a mere supervisor. His work as the group's record producer involved crucial roles as a manager, arranger, composer, performer and mentor.

His importance to the Beatles' music is apparent throughout the three recognised periods in the group's career. During the first period, which began with their signing to Parlophone in 1962 and ended with the Rubber Soul album, he transformed them from a local club act into a good, but stylistically typical, pop group. This was followed by a period of musical innovation, under Martin's guidance, which included the seminal album Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. The third period, which began with the The Beatles and continued through to the group's end in 1970, saw a reduction in his control and was consequently volatile, antagonistic and ultimately self-destructive for the Beatles. This is clearly reflected in the inconsistency of their music during this era.

Sir George Martin is one of a handful of individuals who are frequently and contentiously acclaimed as 'The Fifth Beatle'. However, few fans are aware of the evidence which substantiates the producer's entitlement above any other figures. With reference to the three periods in the Beatles' career, this book examines Martin's pivotal contribution to the Beatles' music through his many roles, and justifies the validity of his label of 'The Fifth Beatle'. By uncovering the magnitude of his input into the music that was recorded by the group, particularly in the areas for which they are revered, this book also reveals why it is more accurate to recognise Martin in a much greater and more crucial role, as the most important individual to be involved, and ultimately as the architect of the phenomenon of the Beatles. (October 2011)

AUTHOR

Lin Flanagan has written on a wide range of musical subjects, and has been a regular columnist for Acoustic Magazine in the UK since 2009. He has also written articles for American Profile and Just Jazz Guitar magazine in the USA. The subject of his first Masters Degree thesis was the impact of the media of recordings and radio upon the evolution of jazz in France, Brazil and the USA. Lin is currently working on his PhD dissertation about the music of the legendary American jazz guitarist Johnny Smith.

Lin is also the author of Sir George Martin: The Fifth Beatle or the Architect of the Phenomenon of the Beatles? which broke new ground in the literature about the Beatles. It is available via Amazon Kindle from the following websites:

Amazon.co.uk Amazon.com Amazon.fr Amazon.de Amazon.it Amazon.es

If you do not have a Kindle, you can still read this insightful e-book on your PC, by downloading Amazon’s ‘Kindle for PC’ software. There are also Kindle Apps, which will enable you to download and read it on iPad, iPhone, iPod touch, Mac, Blackberry, and Android-based devices. A brief and free preview of this revealing book can be accessed through Google Books by clicking here.