George Martin

While generally presented in a chronological fashion, each disc is likewise aptly subtitled. Disc one -- "Crazy Rhythms" -- features pre-rock & roll big band ("High Society"), skiffle ("Don't You Rock Me Daddy-O"), and dance music ("Scottish Polka" and "Saturday Jump"). In addition, there are tracks from other well-known yet rarely heard artists such as Jimmy Shand ("Bluebell Polka") and Rolf Harris ("Sun Arise"). The "Transports of Delight" on disc two highlight spoken-word and comedy sides produced by Martin in the '50s and '60s. Well-known artists and recordings from Peter Sellers ("All the Things You Are") and Spike Milligan ("The Wormwood Scrubs Tango") are spotlighted along with two apocalyptic pieces from the +Beyond the Fringe ensemble -- "Aftermath of War" and "The End of the World." Disc three, "That Was the Decade That Was," celebrates the '60s rock & roll renaissance. Of course, "the Fab Four" are represented. Likewise, Billy J. Kramer and the Dakotas ("Do You Want to Know a Secret?"), Gerry & the Pacemakers ("How Do You Do It?"), and Cilla Black ("It's for You") are also continuity connections to the Beatles. George Martin produced and scored classical as well as pop recordings. Healthy samplings of his classical productions are featured on disc four, "Gold Fingers." Among these are performances of "Coronation Scot" by Sidney Torch and his orchestra from the BBC Radio series "Paul Temple," as well as "Barwick Green," the theme from another Auntie Beeb program, "The Archers." Discs five and six chart Martin's most endearing work from the '70s and beyond. As with every selection on Produced by George Martin, "Smiles of the Beyond" -- which highlights jazz, pop, and fusion -- and "Nice Work" -- highlighting an eclectic mix of Martin's later productions -- are his personal favorites. These include his work with Stan Getz ("Marrakech Express"), Jeff Beck ("Diamond Dust"), and Paul McCartney "Live and Let Die." ~ Lindsay Planer, All Music Guide