Inspired by the recent debate, I dug out my LP of this from the
box where it's languished the past few years. (ASV Living Era, AJA
5007, same number as the CD).  Given the conflicting statements about
the date of this, I note that the LP gives the recording date as 19-21
February 1981.

It is interesting, listening to the LP in comparison with both the
1926-1927 Victor recordings in Trinity Church, New Jersey, and the HMV
Abbey Road, London, recordings of 1938.  The 1920s organ recordings
seem simpler and less busy than the rolls.  Contrary to what you might
expect, the balance of staccato and extended notes is quite similar in
both forms.  Perhaps it's because of the traditional music roll
practice of extending notes?

The sound on the ASV LP is mushier than either original, probably from
the ambience added because the Paramount Organ Studio is a relatively
small room for a theatre organ.  Perhaps the weakest aspect is the use
of a single manual which doesn't separate the parts as clearly as
Waller's own recordings.  Scanning the roll into MIDI and separating
the musical lines for the different manuals would get closer to the
original style, I think.

However, I think the ASV recording makes a satisfactory organ recording
and captures much of Waller's style, and is certainly more satisfactory
than initial expectations would suggest!  Waller's phrasing and
registration aren't conventional theatre organ style, and although some
organ fans don't like it this rather misses the point.  Some of the
1920s organ records are quite superb, even though they are less widely
known than the 1930s band recordings.  They would probably transcribe
quite nicely to piano roll.

Julian Dyer