The Beatles in Their Prime: Rubber Soul, Revolver and Sgt. Pepper
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Osher Center, University of Pittsburgh (attendance restricted to Osher members), Oakland (Pittsburgh), PA
Fifty years ago, The Beatles released “Rubber Soul” – the first in a string of three LPs generally regarded as among their very best. “The Beatles in Their Prime” focuses on these three landmark recordings – why Rubber Soul, Revolver and Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band still sound catchy, innovative and even profound. Through guided listening to the recordings, as well as examples played by the instructor on guitar, this five-session presentation will explore the following topics: - What made the Lennon-McCartney songwriting partnership/rivalry magical -The role of producer George Martin (R.I.P. March 8, 2016), sometimes called “The Fifth Beatle” -The group’s innovative use of emerging recording studio technology - How the band was influenced by Indian ragas, Bob Dylan, musique concrete and the Beach Boys - How cultural currents of the 1960s, from drugs to Eastern religions, shaped The Beatles, and vice-versa
Peter King is a guitar teacher, performer and lecturer who lives in Aspinwall. He worked as a pop and jazz music critic at The Pittsburgh Press and the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and earned an M.M. in guitar performance at Duquesne University. He has released two CDs, “The Road to Ubatuba” and “Dancing on a Long Leash” and is recording a third.