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George Martin Orchestra

Last updated on December 30, 2022

For the recording of “The Family Way” soundtrack, producer and arranger George Martin hired some session musicians, which were given the name “George Martin Orchestra” or “George Martin and his orchestra“. The full list of those musicians is unknown, but Steve Turner, in the book “Beatles ’66“, gives some names:

Martin then subjected the composition to enough repeats, variations, and restatements to fill out twenty-four minutes of a recording. This was later recorded at CTS Studios over three days by the George Martin Orchestra (actually a collection of session musicians including Neville Marriner and Raymond Keenlyside on violins, John Underwood on viola, and Joy Hall on cello), but Paul took the composer’s credit.

From “Beatles ’66” by Steve Turner, 2016
English singer, songwriter and musician Paul McCartney in a studio to record 'The Family Way', November 1966. At the back is cellist Therese Motard. Composed for the film of the same name, 'The Family Way' is considered by many to be the first Beatles solo album. A photoshoot for The Sunday Times.
English singer, songwriter and musician Paul McCartney in a studio to record ‘The Family Way’, November 1966. At the back is cellist [Joy Hall]. Composed for the film of the same name, ‘The Family Way’ is considered by many to be the first Beatles solo album. A photoshoot for The Sunday Times.

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