Paul Greenwood – Follow The Crowd CD (2002) Blackpool Opera House Wurlitzer

2002 release at the Wurlitzer organ in the Blackpool Opera House.
Released on the Audicord label in 2002. Previously released on cassette in 1995.

Running time: 59.54.
Code: ACD 229.

The Seaside: Crest of a Wave / The Fleet’s in Port Again / Anchors Aweigh
Romance: Moonlight and Roses / Days of Wine and Roses / I Love You Because
Tin Pan Alley Rag
Sing Along with Me: Ain’t She Sweet / You are My Sunshine / Five Foot Two, Eyes of Blue / Yes, Sir, That’s My Baby
Showtime Greats: On the Street Where You Live / Rose Marie / There’s No Business Like Show Business
Whatever the Weather: Keep Your Sunny Side Up / Singing in the Rain / Riding on a Rainbow
Waltz Songs: Sally / Peggy O’Neill / She Was One of the Early Birds / Daisy Bell
Le Reve Passe (The Soldier’s Dream)
Selection from “Me and My Girl”: You Would if You Could / Once You Lose Your Heart / Take it on the Chin / Me and My Girl
Ralph Reader Melodies: Follow the Crowd / These are the Times / Somebody Cares / When a Band Starts to Play
Dream / Once in a While
Selection from Walt Disney’s “Aladdin”: Prince Ali / A Whole New World / Friend Like Me
Children’s TV Themes: Thomas the Tank Engine / Fireman Sam / Postman Pat
Lottery Fever: Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? / Pennies from Heaven / We’re in the Money
Funiculi Funicula
Something Blue: Blue Moon / Alice Blue Gown / My Blue Heaven
Jolson Favourites: Who’s Sorry Now / Baby Face / Swanee / Toot Toot Tootsie
Wartime Memories: White Cliffs of Dover / Bless ’em All / We’ll Meet Again / There’ll Always Be an England

Original 1995 Sleeve Notes

The Wurlitzer organ in Britain’s largest theatre, the 3000-seat Opera House, Blackpool, is rather special, being the last to be shipped to this country, and considered by them to be their finest British installation, With a 3-manual console and 13 ranks of pipes in two understage chambers, it was built to a specification by Horace Finch, who opened it on 14th July 1939. It has suffered some periods of inactivity over the years. Moreover, all the pipes and windchests in the Main chamber, including the unique Tibia Plena rank, were removed in 1989 to permit the construction of special equipment needed in the summer show. Four years were to elapse before it was replaced, but the organ has been returned to full working order.

Paul Greenwood has featured this Wurlitzer since 1981, performing interval music, adding dignity to ceremonial events and, not least, accompanying stage shows, notably the renowned Gang Show. For many years he has also been on the team of resident organists in the famous Dolly’s Bar at the Cliffs Hotel, playing the magnificent Baldwin electronic organ. He is also the organist of Holy Cross Parish Church. The music on this album reflects some of the wide variety that he regularly performs, hopefully with something to suit most age groups. So ‘Follow the Crowd’ into the magnificent Opera House, and enjoy Paul Greenwood at the Mighty Wurlitzer.

Produced and recorded by John Greenwood.