After fifty years in the vaults, Paul McCartney & Wings' legendary One Hand Clapping sessions finally see an official release with newly mixed tracks, rare Beatles classics, and never-before-heard recordings from the original sessions.
Fifty years after the initial recording, Paul McCartney & Wings’ One Hand Clapping sessions, one of the most bootlegged live albums out there, finally sees the light of day as an official release. At the time of recording, Wings were basking in the success of Band On The Run, which was dominating the UK charts. Despite the fervent demand for new material, the album remained in the vaults - until now. The much sought after recording, newly mixed and expanded, includes 12 previously unheard tracks alongside reworked Beatles classics. Originally conceived as a rockumentary directed by David Litchfield, One Hand Clapping captures McCartney and Wings in their prime, performing live in the studio at Abbey Road over four days in August 1974.
The sessions mark a pivotal moment for Wings, showcasing the band’s refreshed lineup following the departure of Denny Seiwell and Henry McCullough. The new group, featuring guitarist Jimmy McCulloch and drummer Geoff Britton, alongside Paul, Linda, and Denny Laine, brought a fresh energy to the studio. Also contributing were orchestral arranger Del Newman and saxophonist Howie Casey, adding their special touches to the recordings.
One Hand Clapping opens with an instrumental jam, setting the tone for an album that showcases the band's biggest hits and beloved tracks. Lose yourself in live versions of "Live And Let Die," "Band On The Run," "Jet," "My Love," and "Hi, Hi, Hi." Then revel in "Junior’s Farm," Paul’s iconic solo piece "Maybe I’m Amazed," and reimagined Beatles classics like "Let It Be," "The Long And Winding Road," and "Lady Madonna." Sit back in wonder as Denny Laine takes the spotlight with a heartfelt rendition of the Moody Blues hit "Go Now," while McCartney delivers a solo piano version of the Tin Pan Alley standard "Baby Face."
Beyond the standard version, you can grab yourself an online-exclusive 2LP + 7-inch package featuring solo performances recorded in Abbey Road's backyard. These intimate tracks include the unreleased "Blackpool," the Beatles' "Blackbird," Wings' b-side "Country Dreamer," and covers of Eddie Cochran’s "Twenty Flight Rock" and Buddy Holly’s "Peggy Sue" and "I’m Gonna Love You Too."
One Hand Clapping is a historical document that captures the essence of Wings during a period of reinvention and heightened creativity. It provides a rare glimpse into the band's dynamic, showcasing McCartney's unparalleled talent and the camaraderie of the musicians who were able to keep up with him, and complement him. As McCartney continues to perform these songs in sold-out stadiums worldwide, One Hand Clapping offers fans an invaluable connection to the raw, unfiltered magic of Wings at their peak.