Happy Anniversary: Jack Nitzsche, ST. GILES CRIPPLEGATE

46 years ago today, Jack Nitzsche quietly released an orchestral album which took its title from the location of its recording.

Although he first came to the attention of music fans for his 1963 song “The Lonely Surfer,” Nitzsche soon became known predominantly for his contributions to the arrangements of other artists’ material, including songs by The Rolling Stones, Buffalo Springfield, and Neil Young. Indeed, it was his work on Young’s HARVEST that provided Nitzsche with the opportunity to record a new solo LP for Reprise Records.

The result, ST. GILES CRIPPLEGATE, was recorded at St. Giles Cripplegate Church in London, England, resulting in a sound which was described by many as being a cross between classical music and movie scores. Although it was originally released in a run of only 2,000 copies, the LP nonetheless captured the attention of a number of critics, which is impressive. It’s also arguable that the album was directly responsible for Nitzsche securing work in Hollywood scoring films: he subsequently wrote the music for – among other motion pictures – One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, 9 ½ Weeks, Starman, The Razor’s Edge, and Stand by Me.

If any of this sounds like ST. GILES CRIPPLEGATE might be up your alley and you’ve never heard it before, now’s as good a time as any to give it a spin.