Hi there MMD Music Fans.  I was going through some catalogs and a new
CD caught my eye, "Karussells of Europe, Belgium and Germany".  The ad
describes the CD as recordings of band organs from Europe.

Well, the person writing the ad knows nothing about what he is
describing, for these instruments are not band organs but orchestrions!
The CD says the recordings are of a Popper Iduna, Hupfeld Helios,
Welte Wotan Brass Band and a Phillips/Wurlitzer Style 32 PianOrchestra;
22 selections including Billboard March, Blue Danube, Ragtime, El
Capitan and more.

It goes on to say the CD is imported from Europe.  Well, the label is
American (Klavier).  This makes me wonder where and who recorded this.
It sure sounds like the collection at San Sylmar, for they have all the
described orchestrions.  There are only two Welte Wotan Brass Bands
known to exist: San Sylmar's and the recently restored Wotan now
belonging to the Milhous Brothers in Florida.  The Milhous collection
does not have a Popper Iduna that I know of, but I could be wrong.

Needless to say, I ordered it on-line at www.cdnow.com (not a plug, but
they listed it whereas some other places I looked did not) and I will
post a review when I listen to it.  It's good to see something new
coming out by a big commercial label -- they just need to get the facts
right, and let's hope the CD is a good one.

Thomas Grace

 [ This CD is listed in the new catalog I just received: KD-77022,
 [ "Karussells of Europe".  Three other CDs (77006, 77014, 77025)
 [ feature organist Tom Hazelton playing the San Sylmar theatre organ.
 [ No recording date is given for these products but it seems to be
 [ a new series, possibly inaugurated after Kalmus acquired Klavier
 [ Records from Harold Powell.  The new catalog is available from
 [
 [   Klavier Music Productions
 [   6403 West Rogers Circle
 [   Boca Raton, FL 33431-0157
 [   klavierecord@earthlink.net
 [   http//www.klavier-records.com/
 [
 [ All CDs in the catalog are $15.95.  Also included is the well-known
 [ Klavier series of reproducing piano performances; see 000315 MMD.
 [ -- Robbie