Fans of THE WHO can look forward to the Friday, September 11 reissue of the 1972 recording of TOMMY as performed by the London Symphony Orchestra and Chambre Choir with guest soloists Pete Townshend, Roger Daltrey and John Entwistle, along with Rod Stewart, Ringo Starr, Steve Winwood, Merry Clayton, Richie Havens, Sandy Denny, Maggie Bell, Graham Bell, and actor Richard Harris. The re-mastered set (available on CD and vinyl formats and digital download) will be released via Lou Adler's Ode Sound & Visual Records and distributed by The Orchard.
After over 30 years of being out of physical print, THE WHO's rock opera TOMMY is returning to the world the way it was meant to be recorded and listened to with the addition of a full orchestral dimension (conducted by David Measham and arranged by Wil Malone), both lush and appropriately bombastic, to the comparatively spare original version that THE WHO released in 1969. The concept of producer Lou Reizner, TOMMY was recorded for and released on Lou Adler's Ode Records in 1972. It was performed by and featured the 104-piece London Symphony Orchestra and the 60-voice Chambre Choir.
"I always saw the Who's version of Tommy as more of a sketch and felt there was more that could be done with it," says Pete Townshend. "The London Symphony project, I think, paved the way for more to come."
"When Lou Reizner explained his idea and concept for the recording of Tommy and that Pete Townshend was on board, that moved me to become involved," adds Lou Adler. "The recording sessions in England were dynamic and mind-boggling. The size and sound of the London Symphony Orchestra, the Chambre Choir voices and the addition of the amazing soloists made Reizner's dream a reality."
The 1972 recording has been re-mastered at 24/192 bitrate. In addition to the sonic re-mastering, the reissue will be pressed on grey vinyl and include the original design concept libretto with a 20-page color illustration of the characters and lyrics. The original release of the album won a Grammy for Best Album Package and Rod Stewart's version of "Pinball Wizard" has become a staple of best-of collections throughout his career. ALLMUSIC.COM's Bruce Eder called this recording of TOMMY "...a beautiful interpretation of the piece..." praising in particular Daltrey's performances raving, "...all of Daltrey's numbers are outstanding..." and "the majestic conducting of David Measham..."
CHARACTERS
(in order of appearance)
NARRATOR: Pete Townshend
NURSE: Sandy Denny
LOVER: Graham Bell
FATHER: Steve Winwood
MOTHER: Maggie Bell
HAWKER: Richie Havens
ACID QUEEN: Merry Clayton
TOMMY: Roger Daltrey
COUSIN KEVIN: John Entwistle
UNCLE ERNIE: Ringo Starr
LOCAL LAD: Rod Stewart
DOCTOR: Richard Harris
