Andrew Lardieri brings up an interesting subject comparing the two
arrangements of the march, "Our Sammies", which appears on Wurlitzer
Style 165 rolls 6509 and 6539 (and also on 'lost roll' 6553 which is
the same version that appears on 6509).

This is one of a few tunes that were arranged more than once in
Wurlitzer's lifetime, the others being "Peggy O' Neil" and "Three
O'Clock In The Morning" which was done twice by the _same_ arranger.
(One I believe is the 'song' version with the other almost being a
concert waltz.)  There could be another I'm forgetting, but I think
there were only three tunes that were re-done.

I actually think that the 6509 version of "Our Sammies" is significantly
better than the 6539 counterpart.  The arrangement is much cleaner,
'punchy', and really brings the best out of the march.  This version was
done by Charles Nilson who was Wurlitzer's main arranger for band organ
music from around 1915-1916 to his death in 1924.  About 85 percent of
all band organ rolls from this time were done by him.  Interestingly
enough, he also did a number of Pianino rolls though I am yet to hear
other scales with music by him.  His arranging style is very distinct
and has a bit of a European influence.

The 6539 version in my opinion is rather sloppy in form and
embellishments and for whatever reason uses the trumpets and trombones
in _quiet_ sections of the songs rather than the louder sections.
This could have a nice effect if seldom used, but all the existing
rolls that this arranger did (6532, 6537, 6538, 6539, and 6511-B) have
this in almost every single quiet section in every single tune.

Granted, this is just my opinion.  I've found over the years that almost
everyone in the hobby differs in what they think 'the best music' is.
As an arranger I've had many people tell me what I should be doing
music-wise and sometimes I agree and take the advice..., although other
times I do not.

Regardless, I'm glad that there is such a large library of original
Wurlitzer Style 165 rolls for a variety of different tunes and
arrangements to be enjoyed by many.  Hopefully someday another batch
of original rolls is found to expand the library further!

Mikey Mills
http://www.mechanicalmusic.org/