Volume 26, No. 5 • May 2015 www.pstos.org • www.facebook.com/pstos

Second concert of the 2015 pipe organ pops series A tribute to the genius of and other musical greats named George

George Wright is remembered as one of the most inventive and entertaining theatre of the 20th century. Join in celebrating his memorable music, plus other great music “by George,” recreated for you by none other than the incomparable… JONAS NORDWALL at the 3/25 Kimball- Sunday, June 14, 2:00 Calvary Christian Assembly 6801 Roosevelt Way NE •

JONAS NORDWALL enjoyed a personal studies began at age 4 on the accordion. custom designed Wurlitzer theatre pipe organs friendship with George Wright—and his mu- Besides Portland teachers Joe Parente and in lavish restaurant settings. He has been a fea- sic— over many years . Eileen Hagen, he had tutoring sessions with tured artist for many American Theater Organ Jonas has toured the world playing concerts Charles Magnante and Anthony Galla-Rini, Society national and regional conventions. in theaters and performing arts centers. He has two of the twentieth century’s most famous His performances and recordings have creat- performed in Japan, Europe, and China and has accordionists. At the age of 16, Nordwall per- ed rave reviews, which have stimulated a new made seven concert tours to Australia. formed on the accordion for Sweden’s King interest in the organ. A recent review stated Nordwall has over 25 highly acclaimed re- Gustav Adolf. ” . . . if more organ concerts were as carefully cordings on a variety of labels. His recordings During the 1970s and early ’80s he was programmed and excellently performed, the are frequently heard on the internationally senior staff for the Organ Grinder organ would again be at the forefront of the syndicated radio show, “Pipedreams.” Corporation, where he performed in both musical public.” A Portland native, Nordwall’s first musical Portland and Denver on large, personally EZ on-off I-5! ADMISSION for those not subscribing to the concert series Lots of free parking! PSTOS members $20 • Non-members $25 • 16 and under free with adult Easy access—no steps!

DRIVE DIRECTIONS IMPORTANT! The Calvary parking lot is operated by Diamond, but parking is free for those attending the concert! SOUTHBOUND I-5—Take exit 171 toward NE 71st St/NE 65th St. NORTHBOUND I-5—Take exit 171 for WA-522/Lake City Way Merge onto 6th Ave NE. Take a slight left at NE 70 Continue onto NE toward Bothell. Take a slight right to NE 73rd St, then the first right 70th St. Turn right at Roosevelt Way NE. Destination on the right. onto Roosevelt Way NE. Destination will be on the right. PUGET SOUND PIPELINE • MAY 2015

Please consider becoming an EVENT SPONSOR PSTOS A $500 sponsorship for one series Coming Events VOL. 26, NO. 5 – MAY 2015 concert will greatly help us continue presenting world-class programs. ▲ Published monthly by Sponsorships are tax deductible. JONAS NORDWALL Puget Sound Society Contact Treasurer Jon Beveridge at The 2nd of the 2015 6521 NE 191st ST [email protected] “Pipe Organ Pops” Kenmore, WA 98028-3453 series

Puget Sound Theatre Organ Society is a non-profit organization Sun., June 14, 2 pm furthering the appreciation, restoration, and use of the historic Theatre Pipe Organs of the 1920s, through education. PRESIDENT’S Calvary Christian Assembly OFFICERS Message President–Jeff Snyder, [email protected] ▲ Past Pres.– Bob Zat, [email protected] The last time Donna Catered Italian dinner with Vice President–Russ Evans, [email protected] Parker was scheduled PETE EVELAND at Secretary–Susan Buchholz, [email protected] to play for PSTOS, the HLCC Wurlitzer Treasurer–Jon Beveridge, [email protected] the event had to be Plus RAY HARRIS and his accordion. DIRECTORS canceled because of Gil Drynan, [email protected] • Bob Buchholz, [email protected] snow. The weather on Sunday, August 9 April 18, however, was Jake Cihla, [email protected] • Terry Perdue, [email protected] Haller Lake anything but snow. It Community Club COMMITTEES was a beautiful after- Organ Restoration & Maintenance–Bob Zat noon both outside and

Program Coordinating Team– inside Kenyon Hall. We’ve been looking ▲ Bob Buchholz, Jo Ann Evans, Barb Graham, Ray Harris, forward to having Donna back for a long JOHN ATWELL, from Melbourne, Susan Buchholz, Jamie Snell, Jeff Snyder, Bob Zat time and it was worth the wait. Not only Australia, and the Scholarships–Carl Dodrill, [email protected] did we enjoy Donna, but she also brought 3rd of the 2015 Paramount Volunteer Coordination–Phil Hargiss, [email protected] along Martin Ellis, another very talented “Pipe Organ Pops” Membership Coordinators–Jeff & Rachel Snyder theatre organist/pianist. The duets on series Haller Lake keys–Bob Zat and organ with both artists switching Sun., Sept. 27, 2 pm Hospitality HLCC–Ellen Sullivan, 206-365-7554 back and forth were wonderful. It’s always Calvary Christian Facebook–Lisa Kuhn, Jeff Snyder a joy to see artists share the spotlight and Assembly enjoy each other’s talent. Both Donna NEWSLETTER & WEBSITE and Martin are such good ambassadors for

Pipeline Editors–Russ & Jo Ann Evans, [email protected] ▲ the theatre organ. They are such excellent Pipeline Online Website–Tom Blackwell, [email protected] Tribute to ANDY CROW musicians and know how to connect their LIAISONS Remembering Andy’s listeners to their music. AMICA & POF–Carl Dodrill lifetime of dedication Speaking of being an ambassador, have Haller Lake Community Club–Bob Zat to the theatre organ. you invited a friend to Jonas Nordwall’s Paramount Theatre–Phil Hargiss upcoming concert or to a movie in the June This event was originally Washington Center–Andy Crow Silent Movie Mondays series, both in June? planned in 2013 but Calvary Christian Assembly–Jeff Snyder Over 1500 Paramount patrons heard the but was canceled due AGO–David Locke Wurlitzer during the March series. (Thanks to Andy’s health. We to our dedicated PSTOS Paramount Publix are happy to be able to JOINING PUGET SOUND THEATRE reschedule it! ORGAN SOCIETY IS QUICK AND EASY! crew for all of your hours and hours of For a one year household membership, send a $25 work to have it ready). Silent movies are Sat., Oct 24 check payable to PSTOS together with your name(s) as a great way to introduce a friend to the Bill Keller home, Olympia you would like them to appear on your name badges, sound of the theatre organ. your address with complete 9-digit ZIP code, your email The program committee works hard to ▲ address, and your phone number to: HOLIDAYS at HALLER —Our own bring excellent organists for our concert JAMIE SNELL will headline the day with PSTOS, Jon Beveridge, Treasurer series at Calvary, not only for the enjoy- “Old Fashioned Christmas Fun, Music 9594 1st Ave. NE #453, ment of our members, but also so you can and Grand Singalong!” Seattle WA 98115-2012 invite a friend. Music lovers don’t always OR...you may securely join PSTOS or know that they would enjoy the music of Our PSTOS holiday renew your membership ONLINE! the organ, it’s an instrument one really has celebration returns to Go to: www.pstos.org to search out to hear. But hearing it played HLCC with music, food, Click on “Join PSTOS .” well, it’s hard not to enjoy it. fun, and camaraderie. Secure! Share your enjoyment with a fellow Sun., December 6, 2 pm No checks! music lover in June. Invite a friend to an No stamps! upcoming event. Haller Lake A few clicks and it’s done! See you in June! Community Club 2 PUGET SOUND PIPELINE • MAY 2015 From the Donna Parker & Martin Ellis Wow at Kenyon Hall MAILBOX internationally, perform- ing in Canada, Austria, Hi, and thank you so much for the mention Australia, Japan, and New of the Lincoln’s 89th birthday party. It was Zealand. She and Martin a great success. We had over 350 people Ellis are members, along attend. We know for sure some of them saw with Jonas Nordwall, of the item in the Pipeline. Trio Con Brio, a musical Anne Steel, manager of the Raymond performing group that Theater, attended and made a deal with uses three separate organs Jeff. He will do “The General” at Ray- played simultaneously for mond on May 24th at 7 pm. I hope the grand orchestral effects and Raymond organ behaves as well as the unusual concert programs. Lincoln organ did. Martin Ellis was the first Loved the letter about the Tom Ha- winner of the ATOS Young zelton concert at the Par- Organists Competition in amount. We were also there. I met Tom 1986. He has held several and organ man Ed Stout shortly thereafter church positions including when Tom came up to play our then new- Principal Organist and to-us Wurlitzer. Assistant Music Director at Fred Beeks North United Methodist The full house at Kenyon Hall on the af- Church in , and is current- ternoon of April 18 was eager with anticipa- ly Music Director at St. James Lutheran tion for Donna Parker’s concert on the fine Church in Portland. He has aslo served TRADER JOE’S 2/13 Wurlitzer. So it was a surprise when as Associate Organist at Uncle Milt’s Pipe SILENT MOVIE hall master Lou Magor introduced Martin Organ Pizza in Vancouver WA, as Senior Ellis, Parker’s long-time musical partner, Staff Pianist/Organist for the Indianapolis MONDAYS to share the stage. Their first number, a pi- Children’s Choir, and as house organist of June Series ano/organ duet of Michael Bublé’s “It’s a the Hilbert Circle Theatre in Indianapolis. Beautiful Day,” left no doubt that Ellis was He has been a featured artist at conventions paramount theatre a worthy collaborator. Parker and Ellis took of The American Guild of Organists, The turns at the piano and organ, playing a wide Organ Historical Society, and The Amer- Celebrating the 25th anniversary range of genres: standards like “What’ll I ican Theatre Organ Society. He enjoys a of Martin Scorsese’s do?” and “Nice Work if You Can Get It”; diverse career as a pianist, choral and or- two classical works, Rossini’s “La Danza” chestral arranger, professional accompanist, “The Film Foundation” and Lemmens’ “Fanfare in D”; the upbeat and classical and theatre concert organist, Latin tunes “Cumana” and “Brazilian performing across the U.S. The post-screening CineClub in the Sleigh Bells”; and rock songs Paramount bar is a community discussion including “Moon Dance,” about the film, covering trivia a medley from Grease, and questions and exploring silent film in the more recent “Beautiful” general. Led by a film industry specialist, by Christina Aguilera. By the it takes place following each film. All ages end, the audience was clearly welcome. awed by both performers’ consummate musicianship. Film price $10. All films at 7:00pm. Donna Parker has served as Official Organist for All films in this series accompa- the Dodgers, nied by the Mighty Wurlitzer. Product Specialist for Conn Organ Company, and Organ- ist for the Los Angeles Sports June 1 — THE MARK OF ZORRO Arena. She has been staff organist for a The Wurlitzer sounded excellent, thanks Accompanied by Walt Strony number of restaurants including Roaring to preparation by its chief technician, Bob June 8 ­— MY BEST GIRL 20s in Grand Rapids MI, Paramount Music White. In addition to the musical treats, Accompanied by Christian Elliott Palace in Indianapolis, Organ Grinder in many in the audience partook of the hall’s Portland OR, Uncle Milt’s in Vancouver trademark rootbeer floats and other goodies June 15 ­— THE UNHOLY THREE WA, and Organ Stop Pizza in Phoenix and served by volunteers at intermission. The Accompanied by Tedde Gibson Mesa. In 1996 she received the American concert was a joint venture by Kenyon Hall and PSTOS; many thanks to Lou Magor, June 22 — SNOW WHITE Theatre Organ Society’s prestigious Organ- ist of the Year Award. She has entertained Geri Cooper, and helpers from both groups Accompanied by Donna Parker theatre organ audiences across the U.S. and who made this event run so smoothly. 3 PUGET SOUND PIPELINE • MAY 2015 PAGES FROM THE PAST…Treasures from the Archives

The following article about Jesse Crawford’s recording fame is reproduced from an undat- History In the Making ed publication from the Wm. Bunch archives.

JESSE CRAWFORD HELD TWO RECORDING HONORS— original label name. Marsh had invented the electrical recording HE WAS THE FIRST ARTIST TO SELL ONE MILLION RE- head which took sound through the early carbon microphones and CORDS FOR VICTOR, AND WAS THE FIRST ORGANIST TO amplifiers and inscribed the wax masters electrically. Recordings produced through this method were the first RECORD A THEATRE ORGAN ELECTRICALLY. successful ones made of the Theatre Wurlitzer. Earlier at- tempts had been made to capture this large organ by means of the acoustical method of recording, and each try was a dismal failure. Jesse jumped at the chance to be heard on phonograph records. This alone would have been satisfactory to Marsh. But the organist foresaw, possibly, a new era in recording and became an enthusi- astic investor in the company. He considered Marsh a genius. And the good man was just that! However, like so many endowed with brilliant, inventive minds, he lacked business acumen and as a re- sult, the business failed. Other firms bought the record masters and soon all Autograph tunes were turning up on other labels. Jesse, of course, lost his entire investment in the firm. He still admired Marsh and regretted that the business could not continue. After Marsh was bankrupt, the Autograph label was bought up by a group of business men and for years was distributed through one of the leading five and ten cent stores throughout the United

Jesse Crawford is not only famous for his role as leading the- atre organist throughout the world, but also for two outstanding achievements in the recording industry. He was the first artist ever to gain the honor of selling over one million phonograph records of a single release. This was his famed “Valencia,” made for the Victor Talking Machine Company and released on their Victor Re- cords label, which is remembered for the trademark showing a dog listening to his master’s voice coming from a large Victrola horn. The second honor, historically important because it was a revo- lutionary change in what would effect the entire recording indus- try, was his participation in the first organ recordings that were made electrically. The year was 1924. Jesse Crawford had become interested in a new method of making recordings electrically. A man by the name of William B. Marsh was the inventor. He had formed Marsh Lab- oratories, Inc. Jesse invested in the new concern, and also became one of Marsh’s artists, recording the Chicago Theatre Wurlitzer in the new medium. The firm produced these recordings, plus a great many selections under the “Autograph” label. Today they are collector’s items. It is unknown how many recordings were made under the 4 PUGET SOUND PIPELINE • MAY 2015 PAGES FROM THE PAST… Continued

States and Canada. Anyone owning an orig- There was so much equipment in the studio inal Marsh record can easily determine its it was impossible to get to the console. authenticity. The name Marsh Laboratories, The organ was never restored or tuned Inc. appears within a shield on the lower following the war and was never heard portion of the label. The Crawford selec- again in the studio. It was subsequently tions on two original Autograph labels are sold to Richard Loderhose and removed “Old Virginia Moon,” backed with “Hon- to his residence on Long Island. Crawford est and Truly” and”A Kiss in the Dark,” continued to record for Muzak and Decca, backed with “Don’t Mind the Rain.” but there being no pipe organ available in Autograph records by Jesse Crawford , he used a Hammond. paved the way to great fame for the organ- Crawford’s greatest success came to him ist. The Victor Talking Machine Company at the ornate console of the Paramount was impressed with his artistry and con- Theatre Wurlitzer in New York City. Here tracted with him to record for them on the he was the “Peacock of the Organ World,” two manual, eight-rank organ in Wurlitzer’s “The Poet of the Organ.” The Mighty Chicago store on Wabash Avenue. The Wurlitzer, which he designed, was a genie company spent a great deal of money for who granted his every musical wish and acoustical recordings; Jesse played into made him an internationally famous theatre a big horn that was constructed in the organist for all time. Whatever Crawford basement studio. It is not known how contrived was soon copied, adapted and ad- many recordings were produced by this opted by theatre organists the world over. method before Victor adopted the electrical The fame of the instrument also spread recording system. Even after he had moved of Jesse Crawford, but when he left the until finally it was acknowledged to be to New York City to become solo organist theatre in 1932 he had no place to put it the finest organ ever built by the Wur- at the famed New York Paramount Theatre, and therefore did not exercise his right of litzer Company. The artist who designed Crawford continued to return to Chicago ownership. The organ eventually reverted and played it, the theatre in which it was to make records. to the building which was then owned by erected, and the organ itself became an un- Paramount and became the property of the beatable combination that was to be heard corporation. Crawford left it there with the until 1932 when Jesse Crawford concluded understanding that he could use it to make his engagement at the theatre. He was the recordings and broadcasts. highest paid theatre organist, and without For many years after he left the theatre, doubt the most popular theatre organ and well into World War II, Jesse returned recording artist. to this studio organ to make recordings. At the conclusion of his lengthy Par- There were well known contemporary amount engagement, Jesse sailed off to organists who also recorded the organ. In England. He appeared in several theatres 1935 Crawford made a series of recordings and his popularity there was as great as in on this instrument for Muzak. the U.S. Use of the organ was discontinued about the middle of the war. The studio was turned into a secret labora- tory which produced one record per day containing the identification sequence of U.S. and Allied aircraft. Helen Crawford It was used for identifica- tion to prevent our own About 1928 this changed when the anti-aircraft guns from fir- Wurlitzer Company realized Crawford’s ing on our planes. During popularity was something worth capitaliz- the peak of the war this ing on. The firm made an astounding offer: studio became so strategic They would install in a special studio in the and put under such secrecy Paramount Building a four manual organ that it was not possible on which Jesse could make his record- to get anyone into the ings—and give the instrument to Crawford area other than engineers and the Paramount Theatre free of charge directly connected with in return for having the Wurlitzer name the project. Muzak had printed on each record label produced a contract from the War there. In reality the organ was the property Department for this work. The Crawford Family 5