Outtake from Cloud Nine CLOUD NINE Following the release of the relatively unsuccessful Gone Troppo in 1982, and Harrison’s increasing frustrations with a changing musical climate, he decided to halt his recording career for other interests, such as film production with his own company, Handmade Films. The odd soundtrack or charity song would surface during this period, but otherwise it was a musically silent period for Harrison. By late 1986 — after a substantial break — Harrison felt the desire to make music again. Wanting to sound contemporary but true to his roots, he asked former Electric Light Orchestra leader and fellow musician Jeff Lynne to co-produce the album with him. After having composed a round of new songs, Harrison entered his home studio, Friar Park, in Henley-on-Thames on 5 January 1987 to begin recording his first new commercial album in five years. Joining Harrison and Lynne in the studio were old friends such as Jim Keltner and Ringo Starr on drums, Eric Clapton on guitar, and on piano both Gary Wright and Elton John. It was clear that a substantial break was what Harrison really needed — he felt refreshed and reinvigorated. For the first time in years he actually wanted to make an album. His enthusiasm to be musically productive again would have an impact on the quality of the music produced for Cloud Nine. Part of Harrison’s strategy for his comeback was making himself seen. He appeared with Starr at the Prince’s Trust Concert that June performing …
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