The White Album Ensemble

The White Album Ensemble has been performing the quirky double album “The Beatles” official name. It was never designed to be a “live” group of songs, but we did it for 20 years, often sell outs. But Many have said it was perhaps a better single lp, many songs were not up to the quality of previous “serious” lps, like Rubber Soul, and Revolver.

So this year we will do an abridged version, 16 song out of 30, making space for the comple “Revolver” lp at 30 minutes, for an opening act. We will utilize a string quartet, and a horn section, to “not cheat” on the accuray, alowing room for the group to express their musicianship, without rearranging the songs. A lovely local tradition, and wonderful Xmas present! history- It began as a Luthier’s dream, to put together a crack team of top local musicians to perform the Beatles’ “White Album” live, in a theatre setting with lights, dance and a full-screen video presentation. After selling out both debut shows and creating a considerable buzz around town, the word of mouth from neighbors, friends and co-workers about the quality and vibe of the performance persuaded the group to keep on doing more concerts.

After six more sold out performances, including the Rio Center for the Performing Arts in Santa Cruz, Ca, and the Henry Mello Center, the group decided (rather ambitiously) to add another show, Rubber Revolver, performing the Beatles’ Rubber Soul and Revolver albums, along with the four singles that were released concurrently (“We can work it out” and “Day Tripper” were released with Rubber Soul; “Rain” and “Paperback Writer” with Revolver). No small task, as many considered these to be the peak of creativity for the most popular group in history.

Once the “mission” was established, it became impossible to stop- performing post-touring era ( they stopped touring in 1966, at Candlestick park in San Francisco) Beatles recordings live, with real instruments, and no tapes. Wherever possible they began using horns, strings, Indian instruments, additional background vocalists or whatever it takes to recreate the many overdubs which are the records’ sound and feel.

There is an attitude when approaching this task of “What would the Beatles do, if they performed this song live?”

Show time: 8:00 PM, doors 7:00 PM
Tickets: $37.50 Gen, $47.50 Gold Circle
Advance tickets: www.tix.com
Event Website: www.whitealbumensemble.com