George Martin

Beatles producer George Martin was hanging up his earphones after several decades of making legendary recordings, and decided to make one more where he called all the shots. Settling on a selection of Beatles tunes he had originally produced, he set about pairing up unlikely accomplices with specific tunes and arrangements in mind. The results are in the true George Martin orchestrated tradition, with several interesting twists and turns along the way. Kicking off with a surreal duet between Robin Williams and Bobby McFerrin on "Come Together," other highlights include Goldie Hawn's giggly nightclub chanteuse reading of "A Hard Day's Night," Jeff Beck's majestic playing on "A Day in the Life," Jim Carrey's energetic take on "I Am the Walrus," and Sean Connery's reflective album closer, "In My Life." Tracks from Phil Collins, Celine Dion, Billy Connolly, Vanessa-Mae, and John Williams (and Martin himself conducting) complete this well-done "tribute within a tribute" swan song. ~ Cub Koda, All Music Guide