I just want to tell everyone that I recently received a copy of the music
cassette tape produced by George Bogatko, "Nickelodeon Toe Tappers".  It
is a recording featuring realizations of automatic piano and orchestrion
music as if it were being played on actual instruments.  To say it is
amazing is a severe misrepresentation.  I was so impressed by the
accuracy of the details, I simply could not believe my ears.  Familiar
to all who collect recordings of coin operated pianos, several of these
compositions even start with the coin drop and pump whirring noises!

The music is traditional snappy stuff featuring some incredibly complex
rhythms, and haunting melodies.  They have utilized many new compositions
and arrangements by some very talented individuals for this project.
These geniuses are George Bogatko, Frank Himpsl, and Stephen Goodman.
There are also tunes newly arranged for automatics by the ragtime-era
composer George Cobb.  How they write such great music is beyond me, but
everything is absolutely top-notch and expertly recorded.

Just for the record, I get nothing from this!  I just want to pass along
my review of what I feel to be one of the neatest and most unusual
automatic music recordings to ever be produced.  If you enjoy this stuff,
DO NOT pass it by!  You can order it by calling 1-800-290-1774.  Ask for
"Nickelodeon Toe Tappers".  The cost is $8.95 plus shipping.  You will
not be disappointed.

John D. Rutoskey
Automatic Music Machines
Baltimore, Maryland

 [ Mike Ames played a selection when I was around the corner from the
 [ instrument collection at his museum.  I thought a real instrument
 [ was playing!  -- Robbie