Pipeorgan Presentations - Back To Brooklyn

Back To Brooklyn
Dan Bellomy
Brooklyn Paramount
Wurlitzer Theatre Organ

Available on CD
CD $17

UK Customers Only (PPD): CD 12 GBP

To hear samples of the tracks on this cd, click on the track names below.
(The player will continue to play each sample in sequence after your selection - click the pause or close button on the player to stop it)

ABOUT THE ARTIST
I've been asked to share my thoughts with you, gentle reader, about a maker of moods, a console magician, a life artist in every positive sense of the term: NM. DAN BELLOMY. You will perhaps have visited Paris and bathed in the luxurious sounds of the great church organs, improvised upon so remarkably by masters at the height of their profession. Dan Bellomy shares that same visionary, improvisational style except his chosen task is unlocking the mysteries of the theatre organ and making it thrill all comers via the much adored vehicle of jazz.

Jazz. The word calls so much to mind - it really plays on those catch-all words, freedom and emotion. In this album you'll be whisked from a steamy, smoky Havana cabana to a five-star Fifth Avenue palm court; from the razor's-edge excitement of a base-stealing baseball marathon to the velveteen luxury of a seat in an elegantly-restored, grand picture palace. Rhythmic soaring. Individualism.

Sensual ballads also attend the party, as refreshing and satisfying as the toe-tapping jazz arrangements. All fused into this ultra-appealing recording which I have so enjoyed hearing. Something else that recommends it, of course, is that it bears repeated listening. Is this not the ultimate test of fine recording? One doesn't tire of this man's efforts, only marvels at them. He is a grand master of his art and this CD is patently clear evidence to unswervingly justify this claim.

What of the Artiste? I'll say only that from your first encounter with Dan, you later remark on the gentle burr of the Texas accent - he hails from Houston - and the nonchalant way he slips onto the bench and begins to choose the colors, like picking out the most choice offerings from a dish of cocktail nuts - his is a remarkable prowess as he always manages to find the cashews! And quickly! Then the magic begins. A tight, absolutely-controlled technique is obvious as his digits dart around the flight deck. He's blessed with an enviable sense of rock-solid meter and a control of the organ's many devices which never fails to motivate the listener to sail right along with him to an ultimately glorious end.

In addition to making numerous recordings, he has been actively involved in radio and television work and has enjoyed various roles as, for example, radio announcer, author, resident organist in a working theatre, music director, touring performer and teacher, I certainly won't argue with any of that.

I trust you'll share these sentiments and I'm happy to recommend Dan and his efforts to you without reservation.
— Carlo Curley, London

BACK TO BROOKLYN
In a recent concert appearance at the Brooklyn Center of Long Island University, I said to the audience "Welcome back to my Brooklyn living room!"
That's the way I feel when I play in the atmosphere of the old Brooklyn Paramount Theatre. It may now be the gymnasium of the university but the warmth of sound and ambiance produced by the 4/26 Wurlitzer still in its original home creates the feeling of playing at home for a few friends even in the midst of the great hall. It has become a favorite venue for me and I feel that I have a wonderful old friend in that Wurlitzer!

The music in this collection is eclectic in the sense that the moods take us from the bombastic curtain raiser to the smoky jazz club then on to a musical theatre performance in London's West End and back again. It's an hour long journey through some of my favorite music played with love and caring for your musical enjoyment!

ABOUT THE MUSIC
We begin the journey with a piece from the world of musical theatre. Bye, Bye Birdie is the show and “Put On a Happy Face” is the song. Close your eyes and you will hopefully be able to sense the excitement of the console slowly emerging from the pit in the heyday of the Brooklyn Paramount.

“I Don't Know Why” allows me to "play the room" as this languid ballad unfolds into a smooth gentleness of tempo. The wonderful lush ensemble created by this instrument and its acoustic is unsurpassed for playing this type of arrangement. Up tempo, jazzy, a little strange, are all phrases which could describe this arrangement of “Tangerine”. It's bouncy and introduces the melody most definitely before transcending into the improvisational sections. The mood begins as that of a small jazz combo playing in that aforementioned smoky jazz bar before building into the full and tight big band sound of Count Basie. The "just right" tonal regulation of the Post Horn stop allows a crisp and biting solo reminiscent of Doc Severinson and his trumpet!

“This Is the Moment” is again from the theatre. The Frank Wildhorn musical “Jekyll and Hyde“ provided this lovely ballad. Again, the melody is introduced and the arrangement builds to the sound of a full symphony orchestra.

Fats Waller has always been well known for his piano and composition work. Not many realize that Fats was also an organ fan having made a few recordings on pipe organ. This arrangement of “Honeysuckle Rose” was inspired by a good friend and his unique harmonization of some sections of the piece. Not to be confused with a direct Fats Waller interpretation, I have incorporated the harmonic sequences from my friend with my own "thing" to bring you this final product.

Not all that long ago I had the opportunity to make another of my frequent trips to England for a few concerts. Aside from the pleasure of doing the concert performances, I always enjoy the opportunity to take advantage of some of the wonderful musical theatre offered in London's West End. At the suggestion of a friend I saw “Miss Saigon”. “Sun and Moon” is a gorgeous ballad from this show and gives me the chance to explore a few of the more subtle effects available from this instrument. I can only hope that I am able to convey to you the emotional impact the music has on this player.

“There Will Never Be Another You” is another of those swinging jazzy things that work so well on the right pipe organ. There is something to be said for THIS original Wurlitzer. It may be a few years old, but it never fails to "keep up!"

The music of Michel Legrand has coloured the moods of many movies and shows for a good many years. “The Umbrellas of Chembourg” provided the beautiful melody “Summer Me, Winter Me”. This piece takes the Wurlitzer from the softness of a purring kitten to the roar of the MGM lion! It all proves the old saying that when it comes to sound, sometimes "less is more!"

Lullaby of the Leaves is one of those "standards" that will last until the end of time. I have chosen to do it in a jazz and swing styling that seems to suit it perfectly. As always, the LIU Wurlitzer provides just the right balance of B-3, jazz combo, and jazz big band sound to make this a real swinger!

“The Days of Wine and Roses” is included in this collection for many reasons. It is an obvious masterpiece ballad written by Henry Mancini for the movie of the same name. It is the sort of arrangement which explores the tonal resources of the LIU Wurlitzer from ppp to sfz. The last and probably most important reason is that it is the favourite song I play of a gentleman who has the dubious distinction of being probably my best friend.... period! So, I offer this heart felt arrangement for all to hopefully enjoy especially Lee.

“'S Wonderful!” is just one of those great tunes that fits in anywhere at any time. I choose to gently swing it a bit and I hope Mr. Gershwin would approve!

“On My Own” is the closer to this set and again is given to us through the magic of the musical theatre. “Les Miserables” is the show for which it was written and hopefully this inclusion proves yet again that material from the theatre goes wonderfully on the Theatre Pipe Organ.

ABOUT THE ALBUM
During the final preparation of this album the theatre organ world lost a very special member of the family. Robert Walker was the caretaker of this wonderful Wurlitzer at Long Island University for nearly 30 years. He lived this instrument and passed from our midst always thinking about making this even better than the premier theatre organ concert instrument that it is. Bob was a very special person and his passing is a great loss to the world of the theatre pipe organ restoration and rehabilitation. I offer this collection of tunes in some small way to let Bob know that I for one miss him terribly.

A sincere thank you from this musician goes to all the great folks who helped make this album happen. Tonemiester Peter Tague accomplished the monu- mental task of capturing this instrument in a way that makes the listener feel they are sitting in the best seat of the old Brooklyn Paramount! Bravo, Peter!
The New York Theatre Organ Society and its LIU crew .... Bob, Warren and Keith are to be commended for the efforts consistently necessary to keep this incredible instrument in the sort of condition that makes most every major artist who plays it look forward to the "next time!"
A sincere "thank you" to Mr. Carlo Curley who so graciously consented to write a few words for this album liner. His eloquence with words is surpassed only by his digital dexterity!

Thanks with a smile must go to Junior's Restaurant whose wonderful food service, and close proximity to Brooklyn Center were extremely instrumental in keeping this artist gastronomically satisfied during the hours of preparation and recording! :)

Very special appreciation goes to our Executive Producer, Ken Petersen. His friendship and belief in this project is most important AND most appreciated.

Lance Bowling of Cambria Master Recordings coordinated all our efforts to bring
these sounds to you, the listener.

Thank You
Dan Bellomy