The Narrow Way
"The Narrow Way" is the third suite on the studio half of Pink Floyd's fourth album Ummagumma.[1] It is a three-part song written and performed entirely by David Gilmour, using multiple overdubs to play all the instruments himself.
"The Narrow Way" | |
---|---|
Song by Pink Floyd | |
from the album Ummagumma | |
Published | Lupus Music Ltd. |
Released | 25 October 1969 (UK) 10 November 1969 (US) |
Recorded | 2 May 1969 |
Genre | Psychedelic rock, progressive rock, psychedelic folk |
Length | 12:17 |
Label | Harvest Records |
Songwriter(s) | David Gilmour |
Producer(s) | Norman Smith |
Different parts
Part One (3:27)
Part one of the song was called "Baby Blue Shuffle in D Major" when played by the band in a BBC broadcast on 2 December 1968;[2] it also strongly resembles the tracks "Rain in the Country (take 1)" and "Unknown Song" recorded (but eventually not used) for the soundtrack of Michelangelo Antonioni's film Zabriskie Point in November/December 1969. This portion features layered acoustic guitar with some spacey effects overtop.
Part Two (2:53)
Part two features an electric guitar and percussion which modulate heavily at the end, forming a drone that leads into part three.
Part Three (5:57)
Part three of the song features Gilmour's only vocal contribution to the studio part of the album.[3] This final part was incorporated into The Man and the Journey by the full band on their 1969 tour.
Personnel
- David Gilmour – guitars, vocals, bass, piano, organ, mellotron, drums, percussion
References
- Strong, Martin C. (2004). The Great Rock Discography (7th ed.). Edinburgh: Canongate Books. p. 1177. ISBN 1-84195-551-5.
- Mabbett, Andy (1995). The Complete Guide to the Music of Pink Floyd. London: Omnibus Press. p. 29. ISBN 0-7119-4301-X.
- Manning, Toby (2006). "The Albums". The Rough Guide to Pink Floyd (1st ed.). London: Rough Guides. p. 161. ISBN 1-84353-575-0.