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Sidney Torch

Our December issue will contain an records and tape has been acquired. At interview with Sidney Torch, English small gatherings of en­ organist. To many, his name may not thusiasts these were played and re­ have any significance. However, to the played many times ( this was before dyed-in-the-wool buff of long stand­ ATOS). All of them were great, but ing, the name "Sidney Torch" brings one artist stood out from all the others memories of some of the finest 78 rpm - Sidney Torch. Through the years I recordings ever produced in Britain. It was able to acquire nearly all Torch is understandable that only a relatively releases, but the source of supply had few .in America will know Mr. Torch dried up and no more were available. since his records were imported in It was obvious that somehow these Sidney Torch - musician, arranger, a rt i st. limited supply during the 1930's and fine English Columbia (EMI label) ( Co. Ltd.) - (Courtesy - Frank Killinger, Sidney Torch collection.) he has not been involved with the Torch records should be re-released. theatre organ for nearly 35 years. Thus, about twenty years ago I Torch's greatness has not been com­ contacted EMI in , to see if it pletely forgotten, as the forthcoming would be possible to find the original and I met with him and completed the interview will show. masters. Sadly I learned that almost all business for the release ATOS member Judd Walton relates of them had been melted down for the of the Torch originals to Doric how this all came about: war effort. But - they did have brand Records. I explained to Derek on his It was on one of those Saturday new unplayed 78's in their library files next trip that I planned to come to afternoons when I should have been which could be made available for England, accompanied by my wife, home doing chores an event occurred reproducing. Negotiations were begun Verle, and my oldest daughter Jan. that introduced me to a new horizon but my correspondent in England Shortly after arriving in London he of theatre organ music. The scene was became unavailable and the plan ended invited the three of us to dinner. Little a large Salvation Army store in Minne­ in failure. did I realize that I was to acquire a apolis, Minnesota, where I had for A few years later it was my good new son-in-law as a result of that invi­ hours been searching through thou­ fortune to meet Mr. Frank Killinger, a tation! Derek and Jan were married in sands of used 78 rpm records for organ record and RECORDING enthusiast. London on July 17th, 1972, where selections. I met a young man, Joseph Naturally I introduced him to Sidney they now reside. Dietz, who told me of several wonder­ Torch with session after session of One of the main objectives in going fully different English records he had listening, copying, and playing back to England was to meet Torch. Over recently acquired. Little did I realize these exquisite records. the years reports had been received that this was to be my introduction to At about this time, Frank decided that this would be difficult, if not the wonderful world of Sidney Torch, to issue an organ recording under his impossible. Several contacts were Dudley Beavan, Horace Finch, new label, Doric (Tiny James record­ made without success, and as my visit , and other now ing of the Fox Oakland , neared an end, it began to appear that famous Britishers who have a theatre entitled, "Intermission Time" - just the meeting would not be possible. On organ style all their own. The first recently re-released in stereo). I urged arriving at my Hotel in London from a selection we played I will never forget Frank to re-issue the Torch records in trip to Scotland, however, a note was - Torch's 12 inch 78 rpm Columbia synthesized stereo, and he finally waiting for me with the message, recording of "Gypsy Princess" selec­ agreed that it would be a great project "Please call Mr. Torch". The following tions. It was fantastically unbelievable - that these records should again be Tuesday we met for lunch at Verrey's - so different - so precise - so satis­ made available to the now over 4,000 in Regent Street for two hours of fying - it was everything I had theatre organ enthusiasts. Thus, nego­ delightful conversation. I was accom­ dreamed of in rhythmic style organ tiations started once again with EMI, panied by Frank Killinger who was in music! this time through their Marketing London for the summer. My introduction to English theatre Manager, Mr. Derek Allen. Mr. Torch was very gracious, hos­ organ records began a search for any During one of his regularly sched­ pitable and kind and proved to be as I and all British releases. Through the uled business trips to the States, he had expected, a very warm, generous years a large library of these, on came to San Francisco where Frank and considerate person. Above all he

22 THEATRE ORGAN OCTOBER, 1972 was forthright in his opinions and is Tiny James, Alameda, California, ATOS FLOWER truly an individual musically. The noted, "His orchestral background is meeting was the highlight of the entire so beautifully evident in his excellent trip - without exception. renditions. Many of today's organists Farny Wurlitzer Rose He gave us his approval of the find themselves emulating his style reissue on Doric label, and offered his almost without realizing it as it was so At the annual Board of Directors help in any way possible. At a later very modern. His present orchestral meeting in July , the motion was passed meeting with Mr. and Mrs. Killinger, work is further evidence of his great to declare the Famy Wurlitzer Rose as he provided many pictures from his musicianship. It must be remembered the official flower of ATOS. personal collection for our use. that when his Columbia records were The motion was brought to the The Sidney Torch Columbia record made, there was no stopping and attention of the meeting by Dick re-issue on Doric label will soon be splicing of tape - they were done Simonton who advised that this plant available (see ad on page 15). It was straight through - amazing!" had been developed by TY-TEX Nur­ given the final degree of perfection by Billy Nalle, New York City, New series of Texas. the meeting with Mr. Torch and his York, observed, "He is one of only Upon contacting Mr. Charles Cadey warm reception to the project. two players of major rank of that first of the nursery firm , we were told how There is no question as to the theatre organ era, the other being this flower came into being . genius of his music. The following Buddy Cole, who seemed aware that Mr. Cadey stated: "The rose was comments from some of our finest musical language in every way was named for Mr. Famy Wurlitzer in artists here in the States is testimony turning the corner into a new day. He recognition of his outstanding con­ worthy of review! had vision to see that pop music was tributions to the field of Music during Larry Vannucci, San Anselmo, changing and reflected that in his own the past sixty-three years." California , stated , "Sidney Torch is an thinking which was imaginative and Because of his high regard for Mr. artist of unsurpassed precision and fresh - he did not retrogress to the use Wurlitzer , Mr. John Bilotta , a rep­ accuracy. Most organists cannot per­ of other organists' style as a crutch. resentative of Wurlitzer Organization form with both hands nearly as well as His playing is forward looking, has in Neward , N.Y., asked us to name a Torch can with his left hand alone! It great anticipation, with no looking rose for Mr. Wurlitzer. After meeting is all done in such good taste - he was backward ... original and fresh!" Mr. Wurlitzer and learning of his love years ahead of his time!" The entire interview with Mr. Torch for roses, this came about. Jim Roseveare, San Francisco, was recorded. It has been transcribed It took seven years to bring this California, comments, "Torch im­ and will appear in the December issue seedling to its present status , and presses me with his superb technique of THEATRE ORGAN. His back­ is a cross between Poinsetta and combined with good imagination. ground, recording experiences, views Charlotte Armstrong. Rhythmically he seems so very much a and opinions are thoroughly explored. A haunting old rose fragrance is part of the instrument. His arrange­ After nearly 35 years of silence, Mr. just one of the charming attributes ments, while typically English, are as Torch tells his observations of the con­ of this new hybrid tea which has inspiring today as they were in the temporary theatre organ scene. proved to be just as happy in the North 30's - even more so, having stood so Watch for this exclusive highlight in as in the South. well the test of time!" December. □ The rose is ideal for a cut flower. The bud is a rosey red which opens slowly and gracefu!Jy into a magnificent 4" flower that shades from a rich red into a lighter color of Charlotte Arm­ strong when fully opened. This is a The f ull spectrum of his tone palette - an d the ex­ very prolific variety, its continuous citing sound of the Wheeler Studio Organ have been bloom is in classic hybrid tea form. thrillingly reproduced - on this full stereo alburn. While plants may be expected to average 3 to 4 feet in the North , warmer climates may look for growth of 5 to 6 feet. Each bush is covered l\~oung Man's Fant~··· with luxuriant glossy foliage which has a strong inbred resistance to diseases. Other numbers include : Price - one bush is $3.75 , plus Carioca - In My O~n Little $1.00 packing and handling charge; Corner - On the S . S . Ber-nard three bushes for $9.90 , plus $1.00 Cohn - Poinciana - Dans e packing and handling. These are two years old , field fresh plants , ready Macabre - e.Iean - This Nearly to plant in your garden. Was Mine - I Come From the For further information or order , Town of Mira - Anda luc ia . contact: Charles R. Cadey TY-Tex Rose Nurseries , P.O. Box 532, Tyler, Tom Gnaster, 347 Hickory, Chicago Heights, IL 60411 Texas 75701. Mr. Cadey will be happy CUSTOM FIDELITY STEREO RECORDING-2954 $5.50 pp. to furnish a color picture of this beautiful rose upon request. □

OCTOBER, 1972 THEATRE ORGAN 23