The recording session for George Harrison's soundtrack album "Wonderwall Music" on Wednesday, January 10, 1968, at EMI Recording Studio in Bombay, India, was a momentous occasion that captured the essence of Harrison's creative journey in the heart of India.
Having arrived in Bombay on January 7, 1968, Harrison was immersed in the vibrant atmosphere of the city as he embarked on recording the soundtrack for the film "Wonderwall." This particular session marked the second day of recording, following the commencement of sessions on January 9.
The studio was alive with energy as Harrison and a talented ensemble of Indian musicians came together to bring his vision to life. Among them were Ashish Khan on sarod, Ahapurush Misra on tabla and pakavaj, Sharad Jadev and Hanuman Jadev on shanhais, Shambu-Das, Indril Bhattacharya, and Shankar Ghosh on sitar, Chandra Shakher on sur-bahar, Shiv Kumar Sharma on santorr, SR Kenkare and Hari Prasad Chaurasia on flute, Vinayak Vohra on taar shehnai, and Rijram Desad on dholak, harmonium, and tabla-tarang.
The studio buzzed with activity as Harrison took on the dual role of producer and creative visionary, guiding the musicians through the intricacies of each composition. Camera crews from Reuters and BBC News were invited to capture the magic of the session, providing a rare glimpse into the creative process behind the album. Though the footage was silent, it offered a visual testament to the collaborative spirit and cultural fusion that defined the recording sessions.
The EMI Recording Studios, located at the Universal Insurance Building in Bombay, provided the perfect backdrop for this musical exploration. As the musicians worked tirelessly to bring Harrison's compositions to life, the studio reverberated with the sounds of traditional Indian instruments blending seamlessly with Harrison's distinctive musical style.
The recording session for "Wonderwall Music" in Bombay stands as a testament to Harrison's adventurous spirit and his deep appreciation for Indian music and culture. It was a pivotal moment in his artistic journey, paving the way for future explorations and collaborations that would leave an indelible mark on the world of music.
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