This is a true story
In nineteen seventy-one, 500 reels of priceless Beatles rehearsal tapes vanished without a trace.
Thirty years later, they were recovered by British and Dutch police. What’s been discovered is a goldmine of rare and abandoned Beatles music.
Almost Songs is a live experience that reveals the untold saga of the stolen tapes and reimagines a treasure trove of unearthed Beatles music - published yet left unfinished.
Featuring today’s new artists, immersive visuals, bold arrangements, lush soundscapes, and vivid storytelling, it pays homage to the uncelebrated, late-era, lost works of the Beatles and the decades-long journey that revealed these hidden treasures.
This is a true story
In the seventies, over 150 hours of Beatles rehearsal tapes - including nearly sixty rare and abandoned pieces of original music - were stolen from the band's headquarters.
Decades later, these priceless recordings were recovered by police and featured prominently in the 2021 Get Back docuseries.
Curated with reverence and thoughtful, lush, new arrangements, Almost Songs re-imagines these recent additions to the beatles canon as a 'what-if' live show, weaving beautiful, uncelebrated works into a compelling, untold narrative about the theft and recovery of the stolen tapes, shining a light on forgotten Beatles music that was nearly lost to history.
About the artists
Meet some of the creative minds behind Almost Songs, a Los Angeles and Altadena-based ensemble dedicated to reviving and reimagining unfinished Beatles compositions:
Brett Lyda - Creator, Writer, Storyteller
As the creator and storyteller of Almost Songs, Brett Lyda delves into the Beatles' archives to uncover and reimagine lost tracks from the Get Back sessions. Beyond his musical endeavors, Brett has an extensive career in television editing, contributing to acclaimed docudramas such as Deadliest Catch, Swamp People, Ice Road Truckers, and Storage Wars. His expertise in crafting compelling narratives, whether through music or film, brings a unique depth to the Almost Songs project.
Juli Crockett - Director, Writer
An Alabama-born artist, Juli Crockett is a multifaceted talent: theater director, playwright, singer, songwriter, retired (undefeated) professional boxer, and ordained minister. She leads the alt-country/Americana band The Evangenitals and is known for her adaptations of classic literature and philosophy in theater. Juli's diverse pursuits reflect her dynamic approach to art and storytelling.
Gal Musette - Singer, Songwriter
A singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Southern California, Gal Musette has opened for renowned artists such as Macy Gray, Suzanne Vega, Rufus Wainwright, and Donavon Frankenreiter. Her performances showcase unique interpretations of unfinished Beatles songs spanning various genres and eras, from classic standards to modern gems.
Ethan Lavenstein - Horn, Keyboards
A versatile jazz horn player and keyboardist, Ethan Lavenstein is known for his dynamic performances and improvisational skills. Based in Los Angeles, Ethan has collaborated with numerous local bands and artists, contributing his rich, melodic lines to a variety of rare Beatles songs.
Andrea Baker - Violin
A Pasadena-based violinist and educator, Andrea Baker has been teaching classical violin to children and young adults for several years. Beyond classical, Andrea also teaches contemporary styles exploring genres such as rock, blues, Scottish fiddle, and Middle Eastern music. She has performed on national television, including the reality show "America's Next Great Band," as well as on NPR radio shows and with "The Moth Mainstage" storytelling series. Andrea is passionate about sharing the expression of our collective human experience through the vehicle of music.
Lana Drincic - Piano
A Los Angeles-based pianist and composer, Lana Drincic released her album "Lana Drincic and Friends" in November 2024. The album features original compositions blending indie and jazz influences, showcasing her versatility and collaborative spirit. Lana's work reflects a deep commitment to exploring diverse musical landscapes and creating immersive auditory experiences.
Paul Livingstone - Sitar
A sitarist and lifelong resident of Altadena, Paul Livingstone has dedicated his career to blending traditional Indian music with contemporary styles. He is one of the few American disciples of the legendary Pandit Ravi Shankar and has also trained under esteemed maestros Pandit Rajeev Taranath and Amiya Dasgupta. Tragically, Paul and his partner Alma lost their home and recording studio in the devastating Eaton Fire. Despite this loss, Paul continues to inspire the community through his music and resilience.
Together, this ensemble brings a unique blend of talents and experiences to Almost Songs, offering audiences a fresh take on the Beatles' unfinished works.
Q&A with Michael Ellis
Residing in the United Kingdom, Michael Ellis played a key role in the dramatic recovery of the stolen Beatles rehearsal tapes in the Netherlands. As part of ‘Operation Acetone’, the undercover mission that retrieved these historic recordings, his firsthand experience offers a unique perspective on a pivotal moment in music history. Serving as an adjunct to the show, Michael and his team of investigators are happy to share their story in Q&A sessions, providing audiences with an insider’s look at the events that led to these lost tapes finding their way back to the world.