Johnny Duffy - An Excursion In Hi-Fi

Moon Of Manakoora

Johnny Duffy
At The Magnificent Theater Pipe Organ
An Excursion In Hi Fi
Liberty SL 9003
1956

This is an interesting Liberty project. When you open the book-fold jacket you are met with not only a spread of copy and photos, but also a four page insert which tells the story of the organ that was used to make this recording. Another organist of note, the actor best remembered for his role as George Wilson on CBS's TV series Dennis The Menance, Joseph Kerns, had his house built around this organ which was purchased from Warner Brothers Studio in 1955. The insert features photos of the space age exterior and interior of the home along with additional photos of the organ. I can't find any mention online of the house.

The album isn't consistent conceptually but there are a few atmospheric tunes to enjoy and of course, there is the great jacket to collect.

From Billboard - December 22, 1956: A meticulous engineering job has been done on this waxing of performance by a superior organist on a superior instrument. For pipe organ enthusiasts the sound will frequently be a revelation. Duffy has chosen a well-balanced program, mostly standards plus a couple of his own compositions, which offer a sampling of his instrument's virtuosity in a variety of musical moods. This should be fine sales bait for lovers of pipe organ listening.

Port Au Prince
Cuban Love Song
Come Back To Sorrento
Cross Country
Moon Of Makakoora
Cornish Rhapsody
Moonlight On The Ganges
It Happened In Monterey
Autumn In Rome
Down The Old Ox Road
Pigalle
American Rhapsody