Gerald Shaw – A State Visit (CD)

2019 CD release of his 1986 Audicord cassette (AC167) playing the Wurlitzer organ in The State Theatre, Kilburn during an organ club concert in 1966. Running time 41:21. Digitally remastered from the original master tapes.

Favourites from the Operas (arr. Shaw) (8:47)
All The Things You Are / The Very Thought Of You (5:35)
Selections from Whiskey Galore (arr. Fred Hartley): Adios Mexico / The Irish Washerwoman (6:56)
Selections from Espana (arr. Shaw) (11:17)
Richard Rodgers Selection: The Sound Of Music / Blue Room / I’m In Love With A Wonderful Guy / The Surrey With The Fringe On Top / Falling In Love With Love / Climb Ev’ry Mountain (8:40)

This is a live concert and contains a certain amount of audience noise, including coughing. ​While high-end recording equipment was used, the sound quality is not the highest and the recording is more of a historic record of the organ, venue and artiste rather than audio excellence.

ORIGINAL SLEEVE NOTES (1986)

Gerald Shaw was born in Scotland being the son of Captain Frank Shaw, author of stirring sea stories. It was teaching and not music that he began to make his career and it was five years before the lure of music took him to his first professional appointment at the Regal, St. Leonards. From there he became resident at the Paramount, Glasgow until military duties intervened. When peace returned he settled in Manchester playing the Wurlitzer at the Odeon and this was followed by somewhat more exotic posts in Lisbon and Cairo. Gerald eventually became resident at the Odeon, Marble Arch and then moved to Rank’s flagship, the Odeon, Leicester Square. This post lasted many years and involved Royal Film performances and frequent broadcasts. Despite this busy period in the sixties, he still found time to play for his many fans and is here featured at the Wurlitzer organ of the State Theatre, Kilburn, recorded at a club meeting in 1966.

Location recording by Les Brumpton.
Photo and sleeve notes by Noreen and John Foskett.
© 1986 Audicord Records.
Digital remastering and new sleeve design by MSS Studios 2019. ORGANS.uk.