Orchestral overdubs for "The Boys of Dungeon Lane"

On this day, orchestral overdubs for Paul McCartney’s album “The Boys of Dungeon Lane” were recorded at Abbey Road Studio 2. The session was conducted by Ben Foster, who shared the date on Instagram. According to an insider report, five songs were worked on during the session, though the specific titles remain unconfirmed. On the album’s release, three tracks feature orchestral arrangements credited to Foster as conductor: “Life Can Be Hard“, “Salesman Saint“, and “Momma Gets By“.

Trombone player Carol Jarvis, who contributed to recording sessions for the album, shared a photograph of herself with Paul McCartney at Abbey Road Studio 2. The date of her contribution has not been confirmed; it is possible she was present during this overdub session.

A room full of undeniable magic today – probably my favourite session ever

Ben Foster – From Instagram, June 12, 2024

Paul’s Incredible 20th Solo Studio album is out today – orchestral arrangements by me and my brilliant friend Giles @mashupmartin – the hand picked 64-piece orchestra was conducted by me and recorded in Studio 2 @abbeyroadstudios – a massive honour to be part of something so so special – what a man and what an album !

Ben Foster – From Instagram, May 29, 2026

I know one of the string players who have recently done sessions for Paul at Abbey Road (played on 5 tracks). She noted that Paul’s vocals sounded much improved and wondered if they were older vocal takes … It was sometime between May/July.

User lavalamp3 – From Steve Hoffman Music Forums, September 2024

Sir Paul McCartney’s new album ‘The Boys of Dungeon Lane’ is unlike anything he’s shared before. Stories of post-war childhood, early adventures with John Lennon and George Harrison, the resilience of his parents, and a collection of newly inspired love songs. Personal, revealing, and extraordinary.

I had the absolute honour of playing on this album. A real pinch-me moment. Recorded in the legendary Studio 2 at Abbey Road – the very space where The Beatles created timeless classics like ‘Come Together’, ‘Something’, ‘Here Comes The Sun’, and ‘All You Need Is Love’.

It was a truly special session with the incredible @benfostercomposer at the helm, and a memory I’ll treasure forever. Paul even had a toot on my beloved @rathtrombones R1!

From Carol Jarvis on Instagram, May 29, 2026

Session activities

1. Life Can Be Hard

   Written by Paul McCartney

   Recording • It is not known with certainty whether orchestral overdubs for this song were recorded on this day.

2. Salesman Saint

   Written by Paul McCartney

   Recording • It is not known with certainty whether orchestral overdubs for this song were recorded on this day.

3. Momma Gets By

   Written by Paul McCartney

   Recording • It is not known with certainty whether orchestral overdubs for this song were recorded on this day.

Staff

Musicians

Production staff