Best of Wurlitzer Organ
The dually pontific and whimsical sound of the Wurlitzer pipe organ, once the staple accompaniment music in dance halls and movie houses in the early and middle parts of the 20th century, has declined over the years with the rise of recorded music. This contemporary recording of the massive, melodious instrument features a selection of delightful and intelligently chosen renderings of popular songs and music from the era when the Wurlizter was king. Dominated by stylish medleys, the disc is both giddily cheerful (theSmilemedley features "You're Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile," "Smile, Darn Ya, Smile," and "Smiling Through") and sweepingly heartfelt (for example, the medley featuring a brings-tears-to-your-eyes rendition of "Cherokee"). Individual selections "Buffon" and "Kitten on the Keys," two songs intended for keyboard, are especially appropriate on the Wurlitzer organ for their crazy pace and maniacal use of chimes and bells. Rounding out the selections are several classical pieces that resound and fill with life--including Mozart's "Rondo Alla Turce" and Arendo's "Eleonora." The only disappointing selection on the entire disc is Satie's incongruous "Gymnopedie No. 1," which sounds melancholy and slow among the other selections.--Bryony Angell