From the Odeon Manchester with Charles Smitton and Trevor Willetts


Price Including Post & Packing £6.00





 

From the Original LP Sleeve) "The Wurlitzer pipe-organ in the Odeon (ex Paramount) Manchester was shipped to this country from America on the 14th July, 1930. Job No. 2120, the instrument was known as a Publix No.1 model and was designed by the famous American organist, Jesse Crawford, who later played it in person when he visited Manchester in the thirties. The only one of it's kind to be installed outside America, it was at the time of the recording the largest theatre pipe organ remaining in any European Theatre. The organ was opened on October 6th, 1930 with Charles Smart at the console, since when it has been played and broadcast by many famous organists. Apart from a series of 78 r.p.m. records made by Henry Croudson in its early years, this is the first solo record to be issued of this wonderful instrument. The organ was cleaned in 1947 when the Solo Vox Humana rank was replaced by an English Horn, and as it exists today there are 20 ranks (sets) of pipes installed in two huge chambers (rooms) on either side of the theatre proscenium arch. The organ possesses the usual traps and percussions and has an unenclosed Master Xylophone and upright piano, which is featured on this recording. In 1969 Robin Richmond christened the Odeon, Manchester organ "The Queen" Wurlitzer and we are sure you will agree that she sounds her regal best under the hands of two capable musicians who present for your enjoyment a selection of well-loved melodies".
 
The organ was removed upon the closure of the Odeon and moved to the Free Trade Hall, Manchester. A further move resulted in the organ being installed at its present location in Stockport Town Hall.

Tracks: Charles Smitton - Estrelita. (Signature Tune), Chu Chin Chow, Love's Last Word is Spoken. (with Enid Powell, Soprano), Girls Were Made to Love and Kiss, Don't Be Cross. (Enid Powell), Lights of Vienna. Always (Enid Powell), Estrelita (Signature Tune).
Tracks: Trevor Willetts - We'll All Go Riding on a Rainbow. (Signature Tune), Under the Double Eagle, The Very Thought of You, Opera Melodies, Transatlantic Lullaby / Mood Indigo, Tunes of the Twenties, Lucky Old Sun, Debroy Sumers Medley.


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