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Trumpeter in Penny Lane recording passes away

Trumpeter in Penny Lane recording passes away

The death has taken place of David Mason who played the trumpet solo on the recording of the Beatles’ song Penny Lane. He was 85.

Mr. Mason played for leading orchestras as well as being trumpet professor at the Royal College of Music for 30 years.

He had studied at the RCM before joining the orchestra of the Royal Opera House.

After this, Mr. Mason went to the National Symphony Orchestra before joining the Philharmonia where he remained for many years.

His involvement with the Beatles came about in 1967 when he received a telephone call from the group’s producer George Martin (now Sir George). 

Paul McCartney had seen him playing in a performance of Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos and felt his trumpet playing could provided what he needed for Penny Lane.

It was decided that his B-flat piccolo trumpet was the instrument for the job. 

The recording at the famous Abbey Road studios was delayed as McCartney had not written the music. However, over a period of several hours Paul McCartney established what he wanted for the track.

Mr. Mason then recorded the piece for which he received a payment of £20 10 shillings.

Some people claimed the trumpet solo was speeded up on the final recording, but Mr. Mason said this was not the case.

Penny Lane was eventually released as a double A single with Strawberry Fields.

He also contributed to several other Beatles’ songs, including Magical Mystery Tour and All You Need Is Love.

To listen to the Penny Lane track Click here.

 

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