Andrew Barrett had mentioned receiving his cassette from a Central Park
carousel operator named Anthony Simpson. Years ago I wrote to the
carousel there, looking for recordings. It was Anthony who wrote back.
We corresponded by mail several times, and he also gave me some
cassettes of organs, including the Ruth at Central Park.
Now for some good news and bad news. As luck would have it, I have
the same cassette as Andrew Barrett, labeled "Carousel Mix, courtesy
of Flushing Meadows, NY 1987". I agree, it's a wonderful tape. The
bad news is that Tony (Simpson) didn't list all the songs. However,
there are a couple of previously unidentified titles on the cassette.
Here is what Tony wrote down:
1. Colonel Bogey
4. Stein Song
6. Anchors Aweigh
8. South of the Border
11. So Long, Mary
18. Cuckoo Waltz
20. Chimes (probably referring to the chime solo)
22. Medley from "Carmen"
23. Lustige Brueder Marsch
24. Cowboy Ballad
25. Automobil Gallop
27. Espana Waltz
29. Beer Barrel Polka
31. Can-Can
There are no organ makes or models listed. I recall Tony saying that
this cassette is a mix of recordings played at the Flushing Meadow
carousel when their organ wasn't working. There was no mention of
the tape being made at an organ rally, which makes Andrew's post
intriguing.
I have lost contact with Tony Simpson over the years. He moved to
Los Angeles in the late 1990s, and I haven't spoke to him since.
Does anyone know how to contact him?
Sharon Marie
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