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~ Cherry Beat ~
Characters - Relationships - Session Musicians - Songs
~ Recording Sessions ~
Part One - Part Two - Part Three - Part Four - Part Five - Part Six - Part Seven - Part Eight
Part Nine - Part Ten - Part Eleven - Part Twelve - Part Thirteen - Part Fourteen - Part Fifteen
Part Sixteen - Part Seventeen - Part Eighteen - Part Nineteen - Part Twenty
Part Twenty-One - Part Twenty-Two - Part Twenty-Three

Mid - Late January 1974

After the overwhelming success of the band's third album, and their two recent hit singles "Shake Rattle and Die", and "Cocoa Star Rookies", the band continued to record new songs in their rock and roll vein, sometimes mixing their music style with blues rock, hard rock, boogie rock, pop rock, and power pop.

The band's intention was for their next album to take most of the year to record, and then release it as a double album. Since they were planning to release their next album in December, the plan was that their next album would be a Christmas one, so the last few songs the band would record for their fourth album would be Christmas themed.

17th January 1974

This was the band's first official recording session for their fourth album. The band members of Cherry Beat would use their music supervisor and producer Chudley Maron as a spare musician to a greater extent than on their third album in which the band played nearly all the instruments themselves. They would employ session musicians to a greater extent for this album so they would have fewer overdubs to record.

On this day the band recorded two original compositions. "The Caravan Song" and "Can't Stop the Jive" were both early 60's american styled rock and roll songs written primarily by Peter McDonald, with input from Sam Whitby. Both songs would be released as a double single, marking the first time a composition primarily by Peter McDonald would be released as an A-Side. Up until then, all the A-Sides were written solely or predominantly by Sam Whitby, since he was proven to have been the stronger half of the McDonald-Whitby partnership in the band's early years.

Both of these songs were not recorded inside the studio. Instead they were recorded outside on the deck of the back of studio. As the back of the building had a large deck, it was perfect for the band to record their rockier numbers. However "The Caravan Song" and "Can't Stop the Jive" were two of the few songs Cherry Beat recorded outside, that weren't recorded live. As Peter described it "We wanted these two songs to sound as if they were recorded live, which is why we decided to record them outside. We did however record earlier takes of these songs in the studio, since we didn't want to accidentally repeat the same event that The Beatles had done back in January 1969".

The Caravan Song

A-Side: Can't Stop the Jive
Chart Position: #1 (UK Single)
#5 (US Single)
Album: Greatest Hits
Released: 15th June 1974 (Single Release)
10th February 1985 (Album Release)
Recorded: 17th January 1974, 3:36 PM, Backyard Deck Outside, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, United Kingdom
Duration: 0:03:16
Genre: Jump Blues, Rock and Roll
Label: Sky Dive Records
Author: Peter McDonald, with Sam Whitby
Producer: Chudley Maron
Personnel: Torquil Dohrn — Backing vocal, Lead Guitar
Peter McDonald — Lead vocal, Höfner 500/1 Violin Bass Guitar
Devon O'Connell — Ludwig Drum Kit
Sam Whitby — Harmony vocal, Rhythm Guitar
Chudley Maron — Electric Piano

Can't Stop the Jive

A-Side: The Caravan Song
Chart Position: #1 (UK Single)
#3 (US Single)
Album: Greatest Hits
Released: 15th June 1974 (Single Release)
10th February 1985 (Album Release)
Recorded: 17th January 1974, 3:20 PM, Backyard Deck Outside, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, United Kingdom
Duration: 0:03:12
Genre: Jump Blues, Rock and Roll
Label: Sky Dive Records
Author: Peter McDonald, with Sam Whitby
Producer: Chudley Maron
Personnel: Torquil Dohrn — Backing vocal, Lead Guitar
Peter McDonald — Lead vocal, Höfner 500/1 Violin Bass Guitar
Devon O'Connell — Ludwig Drum Kit
Sam Whitby — Harmony vocal, Rhythm Guitar
Chudley Maron — Electric Piano

1st February 1974

The band members were in the studio recording two more compositions. "Back on Top" was one of two compositions the band's music supervisor and producer Chudley Maron had written for the group to record. The band refused to record it for their third album, because they wanted their third album to be composed entirely of their own songs. However the band members were pleased to have been offered new compositions by their producer, and agreed to record it for their fourth album. "Bright and Cherry" was a Peter McDonald and Sam Whitby composition, which had been written primarily by Peter.

Back on Top

Album: Merry Christmas
Released: 21st December 1974
Recorded: 1st February 1974, 9:21 AM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, United Kingdom
Duration: 0:03:25
Genre: Boogie Rock, Rock and Roll
Label: Sky Dive Records
Author: Chudley Maron
Producer: Chudley Maron
Personnel: Torquil Dohrn — Backing vocal, Lead Guitar
Peter McDonald — Backing vocal, Höfner 500/1 Violin Bass Guitar
Devon O'Connell — Lead vocal, Ludwig Drum Kit
Sam Whitby — Backing vocal, Rhythm Guitar
Chudley Maron — Backing vocal, Hammond Organ
Oliver Janas — Harmonica

Bright and Cherry

Album: Merry Christmas
Released: 21st December 1974
Recorded: 1st February 1974, 11:46 AM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, United Kingdom

8th November 1974, 9:21 AM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, United Kingdom [1]

Duration: 0:03:27
Genre: Pop Rock
Label: Sky Dive Records
Author: Peter McDonald, with Sam Whitby
Producer: Chudley Maron
Personnel: Torquil Dohrn — Backing vocal, 12-String Lead Guitar
Peter McDonald — Lead vocal, Höfner 500/1 Violin Bass Guitar
Devon O'Connell — Ludwig Drum Kit
Sam Whitby — Harmony vocal, Acoustic Rhythm Guitar
Chudley Maron — Grand Piano
Riley Ganz — Percussion, Sleigh Bells [2]
Chester McGlade — Cello

12th February 1974

The band members were in the studio again recording two more original compositions. "Mary-Anne" was a composition written solely by Peter McDonald, while "Sexy Young Hips" was a composition written solely by Sam Whitby.

Mary-Anne

B-Side: Sexy Young Hips
Chart Position: #2 (UK Single)
#11 (US Single)
Album: Merry Christmas
Released: 21st December 1974 (Album Release)

17th March 1975 (Single Release)

Recorded: 12th February 1974, 12:55 PM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, United Kingdom

13th February 1974, 9:41 AM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, United Kingdom
8th November 1974, 9:27 AM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, United Kingdom [3]

Duration: 0:03:38
Genre: Pop Rock
Label: Sky Dive Records
Author: Peter McDonald
Producer: Chudley Maron
Personnel: Torquil Dohrn — 12-String Lead Guitar
Peter McDonald — Double tracked lead vocal, Harmony vocal, Höfner 500/1 Violin Bass Guitar
Devon O'Connell — Ludwig Drum Kit
Sam Whitby — Classical Rhythm Guitar
Riley Ganz — Percussion, Sleigh Bells [4]
Chester McGlade — Cello
Bryce Beighley — Harpsichord

Sexy Young Hips

A-Side: Mary-Anne
Chart Position: #49 (UK Single)
#53 (US Single)
Album: Merry Christmas
Released: 21st December 1974 (Album Release)

17th March 1975 (Single Release)

Recorded: 12th February 1974, 1:39 PM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, United Kingdom

13th February 1974, 11:18 AM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, United Kingdom

Duration: 0:03:46
Genre: Boogie Rock, Rock and Roll
Label: Sky Dive Records
Author: Sam Whitby
Producer: Chudley Maron
Personnel: Torquil Dohrn — Lead Guitar
Peter McDonald — Höfner 500/1 Violin Bass Guitar
Devon O'Connell — Ludwig Drum Kit
Sam Whitby — Double tracked lead vocal, Backing vocal, Rhythm Guitar
Chudley Maron — Hammond Organ
Oliver Janas — Harmonica

13th February 1974

Peter McDonald records a harmony vocal overdub for "Mary-Anne". He also double tracks his lead vocal for the song.

Sam Whitby records a backing vocal overdub for "Sexy Young Hips". He also double tracks his lead vocal for the song.

9th March 1974

The band members were in the studio again recording two more compositions. "Diamonds and Cherries" was a Peter McDonald and Sam Whitby composition, which had been written primarily by Peter.

"Back Together" was the second of the two compositions the band's music supervisor and producer Chudley Maron had written for the group to record. The band refused to record it for their third album, because they wanted their third album to be composed entirely of their own songs. However the band members were pleased to have been offered new compositions by their producer, and agreed to record it for their fourth album.

Diamonds and Cherries

A-Side: Takin' a Ride for Money
Chart Position: #45 (UK Single)
#49 (US Single)
Album: Merry Christmas
Released: 21st December 1974 (Album Release)

29th January 1975 (Single Release)

Recorded: 9th March 1974, 9:59 AM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, United Kingdom

10th March 1974, 11:03 AM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, United Kingdom
8th November 1974, 9:36 AM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, United Kingdom [3]

Duration: 0:03:18
Genre: Pop Rock
Label: Sky Dive Records
Author: Peter McDonald, with Sam Whitby
Producer: Chudley Maron
Personnel: Torquil Dohrn — Backing vocal, Lead Guitar, Handclaps
Peter McDonald — Lead vocal, Höfner 500/1 Violin Bass Guitar, Handclaps
Devon O'Connell — Ludwig Drum Kit, Handclaps
Sam Whitby — Backing vocal, Rhythm Guitar, Handclaps
Chudley Maron — Electric Piano
Wiley Stancill — Baritone Saxophone
Ricky Stanbery — Tenor Saxophone
Shaun Galloway — Baritone Saxophone
Ernesto Selby — Tenor Saxophone
Marvin Comer — Drums with brushes
Riley Ganz — Sleigh Bells [4]

Back Together

Album: Merry Christmas
Released: 21st December 1974
Recorded: 9th March 1974, 10:30 AM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, United Kingdom

10th March 1974, 11:14 AM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, United Kingdom

Duration: 0:04:10
Genre: Blues-Rock, Rock and Roll
Label: Sky Dive Records
Author: Chudley Maron
Producer: Chudley Maron
Personnel: Torquil Dohrn — Backing vocal, Lead Guitar
Peter McDonald — Backing vocal, Höfner 500/1 Violin Bass Guitar
Devon O'Connell — Lead vocal, Ludwig Drum Kit
Sam Whitby — Backing vocal, Rhythm Guitar
Chudley Maron — Backing vocal, Electric Piano
Riley Ganz — Maracas

10th March 1974

Peter McDonald, Sam Whitby, Torquil Dohrn, and Devon O'Connell record handclaps for "Diamonds and Cherries".

Peter McDonald records handclaps for "Back Together".

8th April 1974

The band members were in the studio again recording two more original compositions. "Great Lips" was a composition written primarily by Devon O'Connell, with input from Torquil Dohrn.

"Great Lips" became the first Devon O'Connell song to be commercially released. "Takin' a Ride for Money" was written primarily by Peter McDonald, with input from Sam Whitby.

Great Lips

Album: Merry Christmas
Released: 21st December 1974
Recorded: 8th April 1974, 12:30 PM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, United Kingdom

9th April 1974, 12:46 PM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, United Kingdom

Duration: 0:03:57
Genre: Country Rock, Rock and Roll
Label: Sky Dive Records
Author: Devon O'Connell, with Torquil Dohrn
Producer: Chudley Maron
Personnel: Torquil Dohrn — Backing vocal, Tack Piano
Peter McDonald — Backing vocal, Höfner 500/1 Violin Bass Guitar
Devon O'Connell — Lead vocal, Ludwig Drum Kit, Cowbell
Sam Whitby — Backing vocal, Grand Piano
Chudley Maron — Sleigh Bells
Riley Ganz — Maracas
Marvin Comer — Conga Drums
Grady Ashman — Viola

Takin' a Ride for Money

B-Side: Diamonds and Cherries
Chart Position: #3 (UK Single)
#6 (US Single)
Album: Merry Christmas
Released: 21st December 1974 (Album Release)

29th January 1975 (Single Release)

Recorded: 8th April 1974, 2:45 PM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, United Kingdom

9th April 1974, 12:23 PM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, United Kingdom
8th November 1974, 9:54 AM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, United Kingdom [3]

Duration: 0:04:07
Genre: Pop Rock
Label: Sky Dive Records
Author: Peter McDonald, with Sam Whitby
Producer: Chudley Maron
Personnel: Torquil Dohrn — Harmony vocal, Electric Guitar
Peter McDonald — Lead vocal, Höfner 500/1 Violin Bass Guitar, Tape Loops
Devon O'Connell — Backing vocal, Ludwig Drum Kit
Sam Whitby — Harmony vocal, Electric Guitar
Chudley Maron — Grand Piano
Riley Ganz — Percussion, Sleigh Bells [4]

9th April 1974

Peter McDonald records and adds tape loops to "Takin' a Ride for Money".

Devon O'Connell records and adds cowbell overdubs to "Great Lips".

14th May 1974

The band members were in the studio again recording two more original compositions. "Sweet Little Suzie" was a composition written solely by Sam Whitby, while "She's Really Fun" was written solely by Torquil Dohrn.

Sweet Little Suzie

A-Side: Her
Chart Position: #42 (UK Single)
#46 (US Single)
Album: Merry Christmas
Released: 21st December 1974 (Album Release)

16th May 1975 (Single Release)

Recorded: 14th May 1974, 11:11 AM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, United Kingdom
Duration: 0:03:12
Genre: Boogie Rock, Rock and Roll
Label: Sky Dive Records
Author: Sam Whitby
Producer: Chudley Maron
Personnel: Torquil Dohrn — Lead Guitar
Peter McDonald — Höfner 500/1 Violin Bass Guitar
Devon O'Connell — Ludwig Drum Kit
Sam Whitby — Double tracked vocal, Rhythm Guitar
Chudley Maron — Electric Piano
Riley Ganz — Percussion
Ricky Stanbery — Tenor Saxophone
Shaun Galloway — Baritone Saxophone

She's Really Fun

Album: Merry Christmas
Released: 21st December 1974
Recorded: 14th May 1974, 12:12 PM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, United Kingdom

8th November 1974, 10:07 AM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, United Kingdom [1]

Duration: 0:04:27
Genre: Blues-Rock
Label: Sky Dive Records
Author: Torquil Dohrn
Producer: Chudley Maron
Personnel: Torquil Dohrn — Lead vocal, Lead Guitar
Peter McDonald — Backing vocal, Höfner 500/1 Violin Bass Guitar
Devon O'Connell — Backing vocal, Ludwig Drum Kit
Sam Whitby — Backing vocal, Rhythm Guitar
Chudley Maron — Electric Piano
Harris Galvin — Hammond Organ
Tod Lowy — Bongo Drums
Riley Ganz — Percussion, Sleigh Bells [2]
German Sprinkle — Alto Saxophone

15th May 1974

Sam Whitby double tracks his vocal on "Sweet Little Suzie".

6th June 1974

The band members were in the studio again recording two more original compositions. "Don't Listen to Her" was a composition written solely by Torquil Dohrn, while "Her" was written primarily by Sam Whitby, with input from Peter McDonald.

Don't Listen to Her

Album: Merry Christmas
Released: 21st December 1974
Recorded: 6th June 1974, 9:45 AM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, United Kingdom

7th June 1974, 1:02 PM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, United Kingdom
8th November 1974, 10:13 AM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, United Kingdom [1]

Duration: 0:03:28
Genre: Pop Rock
Label: Sky Dive Records
Author: Torquil Dohrn
Producer: Chudley Maron
Personnel: Torquil Dohrn — Lead vocal, Lead Guitar, Moog Synthesizer
Peter McDonald — Backing vocal, Höfner 500/1 Violin Bass Guitar
Devon O'Connell — Harmony vocal, Ludwig Drum Kit
Sam Whitby — Backing vocal, Acoustic Rhythm Guitar
Chudley Maron — Lowrey Organ
Riley Ganz — Sleigh Bells [2]

Her

B-Side: Sweet Little Suzie
Chart Position: #1 (UK Single)
#4 (US Single)
Album: Merry Christmas
Released: 21st December 1974 (Album Release)

16th May 1975 (Single Release)

Recorded: 6th June 1974, 10:54 AM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, United Kingdom

8th November 1974, 10:19 AM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, United Kingdom [3]

Duration: 0:03:53
Genre: Pop Rock, Raga Rock
Label: Sky Dive Records
Author: Sam Whitby, with Peter McDonald
Producer: Chudley Maron
Personnel: Torquil Dohrn — Backing vocal, Lead Guitar
Peter McDonald — Harmony vocal, Höfner 500/1 Violin Bass Guitar
Devon O'Connell — Backing vocal, Ludwig Drum Kit
Sam Whitby — Lead vocal, Rhythm Guitar
Chudley Maron — Lowrey Organ
Riley Ganz — Percussion, Sleigh Bells [4]
Dominique Caraveo — Sitar
Blaine Christ — Bass Pedals

7th June 1974

Torquil Dohrn records a moog synthesizer overdub for "Don't Listen to Her".

15th June 1974

Single Release — Can't Stop the Jive / The Caravan Song

19th July 1974

The band members were in the studio again recording two more original compositions. "Shakin' Up the Seventies" was a composition written by Sam Whitby, while "Nancy" was written by Peter McDonald.

Shakin' Up the Seventies

A-Side: Nancy
Chart Position: #43 (UK Single)
#45 (US Single)
Album: Merry Christmas
Released: 21st December 1974 (Album Release)

9th July 1975 (Single Release)

Recorded: 19th July 1974, 4:55 PM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, United Kingdom
Duration: 0:03:30
Genre: Boogie Rock, Rock and Roll
Label: Sky Dive Records
Author: Sam Whitby
Producer: Chudley Maron
Personnel: Torquil Dohrn — Backing vocal, Lead Guitar
Peter McDonald — Backing vocal, Höfner 500/1 Violin Bass Guitar
Devon O'Connell — Ludwig Drum Kit
Sam Whitby — Double tracked lead vocal, Rhythm Guitar
Chudley Maron — Lowrey Organ
Oliver Janas — Harmonica

Nancy

B-Side: Shakin' Up the Seventies
Chart Position: #2 (UK Single)
#9 (US Single)
Album: Merry Christmas
Released: 21st December 1974 (Album Release)

9th July 1975 (Single Release)

Recorded: 19th July 1974, 6:15 PM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, United Kingdom

8th November 1974, 10:29 AM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, United Kingdom [3]

Duration: 0:03:32
Genre: Folk Rock, Pop Rock
Label: Sky Dive Records
Author: Peter McDonald
Producer: Chudley Maron
Personnel: Torquil Dohrn — Harmony vocal, Lead Guitar
Peter McDonald — Lead vocal, Höfner 500/1 Violin Bass Guitar
Devon O'Connell — Ludwig Drum Kit
Sam Whitby — Harmony vocal, Rhythm Guitar
Chudley Maron — Tack Piano
Oliver Janas — Harmonica
Riley Ganz — Sleigh Bells [4]

20th July 1974

Sam Whitby double tracks his vocal on "Shakin' Up the Seventies".

11th August 1974

The band members were in the studio again recording two more original compositions written by Peter McDonald and Sam Whitby. "Sweet Sunshine" was a composition written primarily by Peter McDonald, while "Really Hot" was written primarily by Sam Whitby.

Sweet Sunshine

Album: Merry Christmas
Released: 21st December 1974
Recorded: 11th August 1974, 11:43 AM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, United Kingdom

8th November 1974, 10:36 AM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, United Kingdom [1]

Duration: 0:03:19
Genre: Power Pop
Label: Sky Dive Records
Author: Peter McDonald, with Sam Whitby
Producer: Chudley Maron
Personnel: Torquil Dohrn — Harmony vocal, Lead Guitar
Peter McDonald — Lead vocal, Höfner 500/1 Violin Bass Guitar
Devon O'Connell — Ludwig Drum Kit
Sam Whitby — Harmony vocal, Rhythm Guitar
Chudley Maron — Tambourine
Riley Ganz — Sleigh Bells [2]

Really Hot

Album: Merry Christmas
Released: 21st December 1974
Recorded: 11th August 1974, 12:32 PM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, United Kingdom

8th November 1974, 10:43 AM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, United Kingdom [1]

Duration: 0:03:27
Genre: Power Pop
Label: Sky Dive Records
Author: Sam Whitby, with Peter McDonald
Producer: Chudley Maron
Personnel: Torquil Dohrn — Harmony vocal, Lead Guitar
Peter McDonald — Harmony vocal, Höfner 500/1 Violin Bass Guitar
Devon O'Connell — Ludwig Drum Kit
Sam Whitby — Double tracked lead vocal, Rhythm Guitar
Chudley Maron — Lowrey Organ
Riley Ganz — Percussion, Sleigh Bells [2]

12th August 1974

Sam Whitby double tracks his vocal on "Really Hot".

22nd August 1974

The band members were in the studio again recording two more original compositions. "Pixie" was a composition written by Peter McDonald, while "Brown Haired Gorgeous Girl" was written by Sam Whitby.

Pixie

Album: Merry Christmas
Released: 21st December 1974
Recorded: 22nd August 1974, 11:43 AM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, United Kingdom

23rd August 1974, 10:45 AM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, United Kingdom
8th November 1974, 10:51 AM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, United Kingdom [1]

Duration: 0:03:19
Genre: Pop Rock
Label: Sky Dive Records
Author: Peter McDonald
Producer: Chudley Maron
Personnel: Torquil Dohrn — Acoustic Rhythm Guitar, Handclaps
Peter McDonald — Vocal, Höfner 500/1 Violin Bass Guitar, Handclaps
Devon O'Connell — Ludwig Drum Kit, Handclaps
Sam Whitby — Electric Piano, Handclaps
Chudley Maron — Tambourine
Tod Lowy — Bongo Drums
Riley Ganz — Percussion, Sleigh Bells [2]
Chester McGlade — Cello
Luciano Ransome — French Horn

Brown Haired Gorgeous Girl

B-Side: Charlotte Wood
Chart Position: #2 (UK Single)
#6 (US Single)
Album: Merry Christmas
Released: 21st December 1974 (Album Release)

12th August 1975 (Single Release)

Recorded: 22nd August 1974, 12:32 PM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, United Kingdom

8th November 1974, 10:58 AM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, United Kingdom [3]

Duration: 0:03:27
Genre: Rhythm and Blues, Rock Music
Label: Sky Dive Records
Author: Sam Whitby
Producer: Chudley Maron
Personnel: Torquil Dohrn — Lead Guitar
Peter McDonald — Höfner 500/1 Violin Bass Guitar
Devon O'Connell — Ludwig Drum Kit
Sam Whitby — Vocal, Rhythm Guitar
Chudley Maron — Electric Piano
Riley Ganz — Percussion, Sleigh Bells [4]
Ernesto Selby — Tenor Saxophone
German Sprinkle — Alto Saxophone

23rd August 1974

Peter McDonald, Sam Whitby, Torquil Dohrn, and Devon O'Connell record handclaps for "Pixie".

11th September 1974

The band members were in the studio again recording two more original compositions. "You're Rather Gorgeous Today" was a composition written primarily by Sam Whitby, with input from Torquil Dohrn, while "Iced Tea" was written primarily by Peter McDonald, with input from Torquil Dohrn.

You're Rather Gorgeous Today

Album: Merry Christmas
Released: 21st December 1974
Recorded: 11th September 1974, 3:43 PM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, United Kingdom

8th November 1974, 11:05 AM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, United Kingdom [1]

Duration: 0:03:46
Genre: Country Rock, Pop Rock
Label: Sky Dive Records
Author: Sam Whitby, with Torquil Dohrn
Producer: Chudley Maron
Personnel: Torquil Dohrn — Harmony vocal, Lead Guitar
Peter McDonald — Harmony vocal, Höfner 500/1 Violin Bass Guitar
Devon O'Connell — Ludwig Drum Kit
Sam Whitby — Lead vocal, Rhythm Guitar
Chudley Maron — Electric Piano
Riley Ganz — Percussion, Sleigh Bells [2]
Jared Underhill — Trumpet
Delmer Matousek — Trombone
German Sprinkle — Alto Saxophone
Chester McGlade — Cello
Ned Morphis — Violin
Neal Nobriga — Viola

Iced Tea

Album: Merry Christmas
Released: 21st December 1974
Recorded: 11th September 1974, 5:11 PM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, United Kingdom

8th November 1974, 11:17 AM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, United Kingdom [1]

Duration: 0:03:21
Genre: Experimental Rock, Psychedelic Pop
Label: Sky Dive Records
Author: Peter McDonald, with Torquil Dohrn
Producer: Chudley Maron
Personnel: Torquil Dohrn — Harmony vocal, Lead Guitar
Peter McDonald — Lead vocal, Höfner 500/1 Violin Bass Guitar
Devon O'Connell — Ludwig Drum Kit
Sam Whitby — Backing vocal, Rhythm Guitar
Chudley Maron — Tambourine
Tod Lowy — Bongo Drums
Riley Ganz — Percussion, Sleigh Bells [2]
Bennie Mourer — Cymbals
Taylor Stgermain — Wood Block
Lester Irion — Rain-stick
Wm Shorty — Vibraphone
Bennett Ackles — Celesta

29th October 1974

The band members were in the studio again recording two more original compositions. "Charlotte Wood" was a composition written primarily by Torquil Dohrn, with input from Peter McDonald. The song was inspired by Torquil's girlfriend at the time, Charlotte Henderson. Peter McDonald got the idea to name the title of the song "Charlotte Wood", since he thought it sounded more interesting than naming the song "Charlotte Henderson". Torquil agreed.

The band also recorded their first Christmas song for their 1974 double album which was intended to be a Christmas album. "Happy Christmas" which was a joint effort between Peter McDonald and Sam Whitby.

Charlotte Wood

A-Side: Brown Haired Gorgeous Girl
Chart Position: #43 (UK Single)
#44 (US Single)
Album: Merry Christmas
Released: 21st December 1974 (Album Release)

12th August 1975 (Single Release)

Recorded: 29th October 1974, 6:00 PM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, United Kingdom

8th November 1974, 11:32 AM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, United Kingdom [3]

Duration: 0:04:10
Genre: Folk Rock, Raga Rock
Label: Sky Dive Records
Author: Torquil Dohrn, with Peter McDonald
Producer: Chudley Maron
Personnel: Torquil Dohrn — Lead vocal, 12-String Acoustic Guitar
Peter McDonald — Harmony vocal, Höfner 500/1 Violin Bass Guitar
Devon O'Connell — Backing vocal, Bass Drums
Sam Whitby — Backing vocal, Acoustic Guitar
Chudley Maron — Tambourine
Riley Ganz — Maracas, Sleigh Bells [4]
Ernesto Selby — Tenor Saxophone
Alphonse Labounty — Boehm System Clarinet
Dominique Caraveo — Sitar
Jere Batres — Finger Cymbals

Happy Christmas

A-Side: A Christmas Tale
Chart Position: #4 (UK Single)
#3 (US Single)
Album: Merry Christmas
Released: 21st December 1974 (Album Release)

23rd December 1975 (Single Release)

Recorded: 29th October 1974, 7:30 PM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, United Kingdom
Duration: 0:03:48
Genre: Christmas Music, Pop Rock
Label: Sky Dive Records
Author: Peter McDonald, Sam Whitby
Producer: Chudley Maron
Personnel: Torquil Dohrn — Backing vocal, 12-String Acoustic Guitar
Peter McDonald — Double tracked lead vocal, Höfner 500/1 Violin Bass Guitar
Devon O'Connell — Backing vocal, Ludwig Drum Kit
Sam Whitby — Lead vocal, Acoustic Guitar
Chudley Maron — Backing vocal, Grand Piano
Harris Galvin — Backing vocal, Hammond Organ
Tod Lowy — Backing vocal, Bass Drums
Riley Ganz — Backing vocal, Sleigh Bells
Elodia Torian — Backing vocal
Alexandra Wright — Backing vocal
Katie Russell — Backing vocal
Amber Stark — Backing vocal
Charlotte Henderson — Backing vocal

30th October 1974

Peter McDonald double tracks his vocal on "Happy Christmas".

6th November 1974

The band members were in the studio again recording two more original compositions. "Snowman" was a composition written by Sam Whitby, which he had written while thinking about "Happy Christmas" which they'd recorded several days earlier.

"Phoenix" was a psychedelic folk song written by Torquil Dohrn.

Snowman

Album: Merry Christmas
Released: 21st December 1974
Recorded: 6th November 1974, 10:58 AM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, United Kingdom

7th November 1974, 11:43 AM, 12:26 PM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, United Kingdom

Duration: 0:03:35
Genre: Christmas Music, Pop Rock
Label: Sky Dive Records
Author: Sam Whitby
Producer: Chudley Maron
Personnel: Torquil Dohrn — 12-String Acoustic Guitar
Peter McDonald — Höfner 500/1 Violin Bass Guitar
Devon O'Connell — Ludwig Drum Kit
Sam Whitby — Double tracked lead vocal, Double tracked harmony vocal, Double tracked backing vocal, Acoustic Guitar
Chudley Maron — Grand Piano
Harris Galvin — Hammond Organ
Tod Lowy — Bass Drums
Riley Ganz — Sleigh Bells

Phoenix

Album: Merry Christmas
Released: 21st December 1974
Recorded: 6th November 1974, 2:01 PM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, United Kingdom
Duration: 0:04:04
Genre: Psychedelic Folk
Label: Sky Dive Records
Author: Torquil Dohrn
Producer: Chudley Maron
Personnel: Torquil Dohrn — Double tracked lead vocal, Acoustic Guitar
Peter McDonald — Harmony vocal, Höfner 500/1 Violin Bass Guitar
Devon O'Connell — Ludwig Drum Kit
Sam Whitby — Backing vocal, Acoustic Guitar
Chudley Maron — Electric Piano
Harris Galvin — Hammond Organ
Riley Ganz — Sleigh Bells

7th November 1974

Sam Whitby records and adds harmony and backing vocals to "Snowman". He also double tracks his lead, harmony, and backing vocals on the track.

Torquil Dohrn double tracks his lead vocal on "Phoenix".

8th November 1974

Session musician Riley Ganz records sleigh bell overdubs for "Bright and Cherry", "Mary-Anne", "Diamonds and Cherries", "Takin' a Ride for Money", "She's Really Fun", "Don't Listen to Her", "Her", "Nancy", "Sweet Sunshine", "Really Hot", "Pixie", "Brown Haired Gorgeous Girl", "You're Rather Gorgeous Today", "Iced Tea", and "Charlotte Wood".

The sleigh bell overdubs were added to the majority of the songs that would be released on Cherry Beat's 1974 Christmas album, to give the album a more Christmas feel. Note that the overdubs that were recorded on this day were not included on these songs when they were released on singles, or other albums.

2nd December 1974

The band members were in the studio again recording one last composition for their 1974 Christmas album. "A Christmas Tale" was written primarily by Peter McDonald and Sam Whitby, with input from Torquil Dohrn, and Devon O'Connell. The musicians that participated in the track's creation were the same ones that participated in the recording of "Happy Christmas".

A Christmas Tale

A-Side: Happy Christmas
Chart Position: #2 (UK Single)
#2 (US Single)
Album: Merry Christmas
Released: 21st December 1974 (Album Release)

23rd December 1975 (Single Release)

Recorded: 1st December 1974, 5:37 PM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, United Kingdom
Duration: 0:04:02
Genre: Christmas Music, Pop Rock
Label: Sky Dive Records
Author: Peter McDonald, Sam Whitby, with Torquil Dohrn, Devon O'Connell
Producer: Chudley Maron
Personnel: Torquil Dohrn — Harmony vocal, 12-String Acoustic Guitar
Peter McDonald — Lead vocal, Höfner 500/1 Violin Bass Guitar
Devon O'Connell — Harmony vocal, Ludwig Drum Kit
Sam Whitby — Lead vocal, Acoustic Guitar
Chudley Maron — Backing vocal, Grand Piano
Harris Galvin — Backing vocal, Hammond Organ
Tod Lowy — Backing vocal, Bass Drums
Riley Ganz — Backing vocal, Sleigh Bells
Elodia Torian — Backing vocal
Alexandra Wright — Backing vocal
Katie Russell — Backing vocal
Amber Stark — Backing vocal
Charlotte Henderson — Backing vocal

2nd December 1974

Session musicians Ellsworth Hutchins and Ricky Stanbery were called into the studio to record overdubs for two songs that Cherry Beat had covered back in 1971 on this day.

Ellsworth would record a violin overdub for the band's cover of "Soldier of Love (Lay Down Your Arms)". While Ricky would record a tenor saxophone overdub for the band's cover of "The Twist".

The mixes of both songs without the overdubs recorded during this session were released on the Cherry Beat compilation album "Rock and Roll Covers, 1971" in 1988.

5th December 1974

The band recorded a new composition on this day. "I've Been Pinched" was written primarily by Sam Whitby, with input from Peter McDonald. Although it was written and recorded during the sessions for the band's 1974 Christmas album, it was not intended to be released on that album. It was not intended to be released on the band's next album either, come to that.

I've Been Pinched

Album: Neapolitan
Released: 2nd November 1976
Recorded: 5th December 1974, 9:22 AM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, United Kingdom

24th March 1976, 10:28 AM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, United Kingdom [5]
26th March 1976, 9:50 AM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, United Kingdom [6]

Duration: 0:03:38
Genre: Boogie Rock, Rock and Roll
Label: Sky Dive Records
Author: Sam Whitby, with Peter McDonald
Producer: Chudley Maron
Personnel: Torquil Dohrn — Backing vocal, Lead Guitar, Handclaps [7]
Peter McDonald — Harmony vocal, Höfner 500/1 Violin Bass Guitar, Handclaps [7], Cello [8]
Devon O'Connell — Backing vocal, Ludwig Drum Kit, Handclaps [7], Percussion [9]
Sam Whitby — Lead vocal, Rhythm Guitar, Handclaps [7]
Chudley Maron — Lowrey Organ

21st December 1974

Album Release — Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas — Album

Chart Position: #1 (UK Release)
#1 (US Release)
Released: 21st December 1974
Recorded: 1st February - 1st December 1974, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, United Kingdom
Genre: Christmas Music, Pop Rock, Rock and Roll
Label: Sky Dive Records
Producer: Chudley Maron
Track Listing — Disc One: Happy Christmas
You're Rather Gorgeous Today
Back Together
Mary-Anne
Sexy Young Hips
Diamonds and Cherries
She's Really Fun
Don't Listen to Her
Snowman
Bright and Cherry
Phoenix
Her
Sweet Sunshine
Track Listing — Disc Two: A Christmas Tale
Iced Tea
Back on Top
Brown Haired Gorgeous Girl
Nancy
Really Hot
Great Lips
Takin' a Ride for Money
Pixie
Charlotte Wood
Shakin' Up the Seventies
Sweet Little Suzie

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 The mix released on the 1993 Compact Disc reissue of Merry Christmas omitted the sleigh bell overdubs recorded on this day.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 The mix released on the 1993 Compact Disc reissue of Merry Christmas omits the sleigh bells.
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 The single mix omitted the sleigh bell overdubs recorded on this day.
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 The single mix omits the sleigh bells.
  5. The mix released on the 1993 Compact Disc reissue of Merry Christmas omitted the handclap overdubs recorded on this day.
  6. The mix released on the 1993 Compact Disc reissue of Merry Christmas omitted the cello and percussion overdubs recorded on this day.
  7. 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 The mix released on the 1993 Compact Disc reissue of Merry Christmas omits the handclaps.
  8. The mix released on the 1993 Compact Disc reissue of Merry Christmas omits the cello.
  9. The mix released on the 1993 Compact Disc reissue of Merry Christmas omits the percussion.
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