I worked at the Granada Slough in the early 80’s. The cinema had been tripled and the organ was hidden behind the screens. I think it was the American theatre organ society that arranged concerts with the sound in the original theatre and the hidden organ and organist projected onto the screen. I had the privilege of having a few plays on this organ when the cinema was closed for the day
What a great video. The Grange is one of my favourite places. I love to attend open days and also to play the organ whenever the opportunity arises. It's one of my favourites, and Jonny Ling is a true gentleman and he is generous to a fault.
Excellent video, I love the Granada WurliTzers and I always wondered what became of this one. I only ever got the Granada, Slough once and that was for a very unusual concert played by Byron Jones. It was unusual because although we heard the organ in the normal way we had to watch Byron in action on CCTV because the cinema management had taken the console off the lift and put it in the wings of the stage where it was otherwise out of sight.
Totally fabulous! Huge congratulations on the 8R Wurlitzer, sounds like 20R!! Lovely room for her as you say and fab the lift was restored and included. Another priceless gem has been saved for all time! Bravo guys, great job, also fabulous playing, Blackpool, bright and great rhythmic energy!!! Adrian in Bermuda! ❤️
I think it is wonderful and fortunate that organ enthusiasts in the UK have remained excited about the Wurlitzer organs which have been installed and are being used over there. It saddens me somewhat that the people of the US have thrown them all out save a few which wound up in pizza parlors.
Excellent playing with 'shades of Reginald Dixon' thrown in! It reminds me of the Granada Clapham Junction which 'Mr Blackpool' made several recordings on. Thank You!
These Granada Wurlitzers do sound nice and seem to always punch above their weight? I seem to remember they were all assembled using factory spares as by 1937, Wurlitzer were not selling organs back in the USA to often? I was surprised to see the Buttermarket Wurlitzer had been removed! Lets hope it doesn't end up like the Turners Wurlitzer in storage indefinitely?
Excellent. Do you know what the plan is for the Buttermarket Wurlitzer? I saw it played by Richard Hills a few years ago whilst still in Shrewsbury - another lovely instrument.
