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Sarasota Spectacular!
Jelani Eddington at the
J. Tyson Forker Memorial Wurlitzer
Grace Baptist Church, Sarasota, Florida
Review by Lew Williams*
Jelani Eddington's latest CD comes to us from one of the finest organs on the American scene today, the 4/32 Wurlitzer at
Grace Baptist Church in Sarasota. The majority of the instrument first saw life as a 3/15 in the Florida Theatre, Jacksonville.
It was in the Miami home of Robert André for a number of years before making the move to Sarasota in 1996 with the generous
support of J. Tyson Forker, successful publisher and former theatre organist. A new four-manual console from Ken Crome arrived
on the scene in 1999, and the organ was premiered in April 2000.
Sadly, Mr. Forker did not live to see that day, but daughter Carole Scutt helped make sure that the project was
completed under the capable hands of Allen Miller and Norman Arnold. Mr. Arnold, it must be told, worked for months regulating
the manual action to perfection, making this instrument one of the most sensitive to touch control. And Allen Miller, long
one of the finest organ men around, has produced an organ of seamless ensembles, beautiful solo stops, and excellent tonal
percussions and traps. It serves equally well as a refined church instrument or a high-kicking showgirl at concert time.
Jelani Eddington brings to the console all of the finest musical qualities, and one can truthfully say that, with
him, perfection is only the point of departure. He has chosen a varied program of mostly familiar music, all played with
elegance, finesse, and authority. The lavish 16-page booklet has plenty of photos, history, and a full description of the
music. Knowledgeable organ buffs will also be pleased to see a number of "listening tips" in Jelani's notes, pointing out
interesting registrations and techniques along the way.
Another Op'nin, Another Show kicks things off in fine style. One can admire the fine ensembles, both
brassy & lush, in this Cole Porter standard. Let's Get Away From It All swings along with varied registrations every phrase
or so, with the tuned percussions chattering back & forth in the second chorus. Like Someone in Love brings
ballad textures to the first chorus and swing to the second. Lovely strings, evenly regulated Trumpet, and buttery Tuba Horn
are some of the delights of this track.
A 20-minute selection from South Pacific presents all the hits from this 1949 classic. A tune-by-tune
commentary is unnecessary here. Suffice it to say that one can marvel at Jelani's interweaving of themes (both verses &
choruses) throughout the sequence, lacing and tying the whole package together. Virtually every combination of sounds
available is explored, notably the quieter Celestes, Vox Humanas, and beautifully integrated percussions during Bali Ha'i.
It is in the classical literature that Jelani's talents truly shine. His interpretation of My Heart at Thy
Sweet Voice pulses and flows naturally, neither rushed nor dragging at any point. The excellent color reeds and
quietest celestes are lovely to hear near the end. I Won't Dance returns the listener to the realm of the musical theatre.
Catch the sassy second chorus, all novelty reeds and gossiping xylophone.
From the New York stage, Jelani heads to the Paris Opera for an extended Suite from Bizet's Carmen,
including all the favorites (Prélude, Habañera, the swaggering Toréadors), as well as some of the less
familiar bits. He is at his most orchestral here, particularly in La Garde Montante and Les Dragons d'Alcala:
intricate passagework and articulate treatment of the solo reeds. The rousing Gypsy Dance brings the whole affair
to a suitably frenetic conclusion.
With a Song in My Heart and The Way You Look Tonight make an attractive couple, and
Mr. Eddington's mastery of phrasing shines throughout the love affair. The Tibia Clausa, Saxophone, & Vox Humana
combinations here are fine, fine, fine.
Transcribing the music of Chopin to the organ can sometimes be a risky venture, as the music, so idiomatic for the
piano, can at times be rather unconvincing on any other instrument. Never fear, for Jelani, an accomplished pianist himself,
has chosen the Valse Brillante in Ab to end his program. He sails through the fearsome scales, arpeggios, and
assorted finger twists without turning a hair, and the Sarasota Wurlitzer keeps up with him all the way to the smasheroo
finale.
Needless to say, another superbly crafted musical offering from Jelani Eddington. Get it!
Available at $18.00 plus shipping charges ($2.00 domestic, $3.00 international) from Jelani himself at
RJE Productions LLC, P.O. Box 45486, Madison, WI 53711-5486, or online at www.rjeproductions.com.
* reprinted with permission
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