Wonderful Land (minus strings)

[drakula63]

This sounds interesting. A little empty without the orchestra.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_rR0trs ... ef-xSXROu0



Not seen it before now. Not sure where the performance is from.

[nivramarvin]

I suppose they are posing to their own playback. I hear an acoustic rhythm guitar. And the fadeout reveals that too.

[UlrichS]

This clip comes from the Dutch TV programme "Rudi Carell Show", which was broadcasted on 8. April 1962. The Shadows appeared together with Cliff Richard, who sang "When The Girl In Your Hearts...", "The Young Ones" and "Do You Wanna Dance".
The original broadcast had the Shadows on playback with the single release including strings.
Hope this helps.
Ulrich

[UlrichS]

Following is the clip as originally broadcasted:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHUCgk2fS00

[GoldenStreet]

This sounds interesting. A little empty without the orchestra.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_rR0trs ... ef-xSXROu0

Or 'New Stereo Processed Original Mono.'

I suppose they are posing to their own playback. I hear an acoustic rhythm guitar. And the fadeout reveals that too.

In the interests of visual symmetry, I doubt if Bruce ever appeared with the relevant acoustic guitar (e.g. Cliff's J200) on televised, mimed (or even live) performances of the hits of the early period.

Bill

[Uncle Fiesta]

Actually, I quite like this version of WL!

The word I'd use isn't 'empty', it's 'uncluttered' - many of these tunes are strong enough to stand up on their own with just the guitars, bass and drums.

(When I write and record a new Shads-type instro, I even keep the keyboards to a minimum.)

It always intrigued me that Atlantis had an orchestra although it really wasn't needed, whereas Theme For Young Lovers, which was crying out for one, didn't!

[Uncleboko]

Actually, I quite like this version of WL!

The word I'd use isn't 'empty', it's 'uncluttered' - many of these tunes are strong enough to stand up on their own with just the guitars, bass and drums.

(When I write and record a new Shads-type instro, I even keep the keyboards to a minimum.)

It always intrigued me that Atlantis had an orchestra although it really wasn't needed, whereas Theme For Young Lovers, which was crying out for one, didn't!

I agree, never liked strings whether real or synthesised cluttering up the Shadows

[PeterfromBerlin]

Dear all,

a chance to listen to 'Wonderful Land' without strings was already given by playing the CD 'The Cliff Richard Show Live at the ABC Kingston 1962'.
It's very interesting to listen to Brian Bennett's drumming and to compare it with Tony Meehan's original drumming on the orignal record.
I attented several Shadows concerts in the sixties where the band never played any titles which originally featured an orchestral accompaniment.
I had to wait until 1978 at the London Palladium to get a first impression how 'Wonderful Land' or Atlantis' could sound 'Live', thanks to Cliff Hall's keyboard talents.

'Theme for young lovers' got orchestral additions in the meantime, too, just check the Shadows' live version on 'The Final Tour'. This song sounds even better than before.

Best regards

Peter

[drakula63]

I do think that the strings and horns suit Wonderful Land. They lift it somehow and make it sound more.... wonderful. On the other hand, I don't think that the synth strings added to Apache when played live helped it. I do agree about the 'strings' on Theme For Young Lovers, again, they suit it perfectly.

[iefje]

The studio version (take 13) without the orchestral accompaniment was first issued on the 1993 UK compilation CD "Everything Of Value - Rarities 2". The earlier take 8 was released (also without the orchestral accompaniment) on the 1997 UK compilation CD "The Shadows At Abbey Road".