Richard Hills plays Tiger Rag

[78chuck]

What a fantastic arrangement!

[jazzboyfin]

To all the 63,414 people ( to date) who have watched this video of Richard Hills, today a new CD master went to the pressing plant of Richard at the Southampton Guildhall Compton organ - 78 minutes of wonderful music played by a master of both classical and theatre organ styles, on a giant and unique classical/theatre organ. To be released and for sale worldwide in mid February. Google Silver Street Music for more information. Peter (the producer)

[bcoxsoundguy]

Sweet job. Fidelity is just fine. THIS IS YOU TUBE FOR CRYING OUT LOUD! Entertaining to watch and listen to. Thanks for posting this video for the planet. The practice it takes to pull something like this off and make it look that easy is huge. I appreciate your taking the time to tape and post stuff like this.

[davidgray2]

After Richard, I honestly don't know why any other theatre organist would bother playing tiger rag. He OWNS it.

[TheJuicyfruitx]

how would i buy something like this for a reasonable price?

[mnechoda1]

It is high time that the people who create these videos understand that the audio is actually the most important part. Too bad the audio is one of the worst I have ever heard.... why bother?

[EditorJohn]

@mnechoda1 : Aha! The mysterious punch-up-the-conker of YouTube has found his way to this channel! Or perhaps not so mysterious :) I am flattered!

[alijanlondon]

@mnechoda1 Actually I think the audio on this clip is the one of the very best I've heard on Youtube and i'm interested to know if the audio was recorded separately, or if a high quality mic was attached. Don't forget Youtube recompresses files which can spoil audio audio a little. Not everyone can carry around BBC Radio standard recording equipment

[mnechoda1]

@alijanlondon Having worked as a recording engineer, I think if you placed your microphone inside of, or close to the pipe loft, the sound would have been 100% better... you could have done, then, a montage of stills for the video.... we already know what hands look like. Placement is the key, especially without a BBC or any other high-quality equipment.

[alijanlondon]

@mnechoda1 I'm sure it would but that's not practical in a public hall which was an open day, it's still far superior to the sound on most organ recordings here. People do like to see what's going on which is almost impossible during a concert - that's the whole point of this clip, and youtube

[3dwurli]

@mnechoda1 Ive found that stills videos with recordings dont seem to be watched as much. As already said, people like to be able to see whats going on. To me, the sounds far better than the norm on youtube.

[davidgray2]

@mnechoda1 I think the audio's clear enough to hear very well everything that Richard's doing. It was obviously just a quick off the cuff video. And the fact that you spend your time commenting on the audio quality, and not Richard's playing, leads me to believe your priorities are a little off.

[Captionmarvelous]

I thought he was fantastic. Comparing one great organist with another great organist of another era is just a waste of time. Give this guy the credit for all he deserves. I used to think George Wright was the greatest organist that ever lived but now when I find hear this new talent, I can't help but think that if George Wright were still alive, he would have been the first to say Bravo to Richard Hills!

[animesis]

Does anyone know where one might get a transcription of this version of the tiger rag?

[animesis]

I defy every person and group that decided their hall or music room was better without its Wurlitzer and sent them off to the junk heap in the past decades.

[TheMysticalOrgan]

I thought I would try to put into words my feelings about this, but I kept running out of superlatives. Staggering technique, such lightness of touch, but being able to really communicate the music in a way not a lot of players with such virtuosity can do. He's in a different league to the likes of Cameron Carpenter, or more or less anyone I can think of who's put finger to Wurlitzer in the last 20 years.

[LuxGamer4ever]

Amazing how fast he can play! Really good music! Like it!

[three37]

Now this is music, WOW!

[tenthreeleader]

Superb perforrnance and a joy to watch!

[alejandroomi]

Dios bendiga tus manos... May Gld bless your hands - You are a MASTER at the organ!

[Organgrinder1010]

I'm winded just watching! He's fantastic! Incredibly accurate in addition to being faster than I thought humanly possible!

[iltromboncini32]

As a predecessor of mine at Westminster Abbey (an unfortunately non-ballroom environment), I can safely say that Richard is world-class at what he does. Bravo!

[mrbigarms]

I saw Richard Hills perform yesterday and was totally blown away, he seems to have a super human ability.

[EditorJohn]

@comptonplus - Well, the person concerned does describe himself as eccentric, so I say no more!

[gillyyorkie1965]

@EditorJohn

He isn't even trying to play He's just doing it It is awesome ! I wish I could play like that ! Totally blown away here Brilliant seems an insult

[gillyyorkie1965]

@EditorJohnI was trying to think of a word to describe Richard Hills But I failed dismally

It's got to be Richard Hills there isn't a word in the Oxford English Dictionary to describe Richard Hills ....

It needs a new entry Richard Hills !

[comptonplus]

I don't QUITE understand why anyone had to mention Reginald Dixon and start mouthing off about him and the Blackpool Style in relation to this video! The only connection between Dixon and this organ is some of the pipework which was originally installed in the Tower Ballroom, Blackpool, on the first organ. Let Reg rest in peace, he's not here to defend himself! I like this clip, I like Dixons version, I like so many versions, we're all different, so live with it!

[chrisnab100]

@comptonplus Well said!

[chrisnab100]

@comptonplus Well said!

[45musiclvr]

great job !  he is super human....

[ModellbahnDaniel]

Wow!

Das ist ja der absolute mega hammer!!!

Er ist der BESTE!!!!!

DAUMEN HOOOOOOOOOOOCH!!!!!!!

Wenns noch sterne gäbe dann währen

es jetzt 100000000000000000000000000000­000000000000000000000000000000­000000000000000000000000000000­00000000 STERNE !!!!!

[16yearoldwhiteboy]

Ok I thought Bach was talented.... Like that was better than Tatum... Wow s all I can say

[bfs1888]

got arthritis in my finger joints watching, lol. amazing

[scalhotrod]

I think I just picked up a couple of new solos for Tiger Rag... :) I play it on tenor banjo.

[HelloAgain151]

I think this is the first version of Tiger Rag that I have actually liked better than Tatum's. Mentally, I will put them on an equal footing of amazingness because Richard has had the benefit of the past and the present to work on, but man.....this is Pure-Amazing. Nothing short of WOW.

[technoice111]

thats is amazing and a true master of his craft 10 out of 10 just love the sound and how complex that arangment is

[brabazon10]

BRILLIANT!!! tremendous stuff from Richard Hills. Art Tatum would be avidly listening.

[EppiesCoffeeKlatsch]

Have Mercy!!!!! Blew me right out of my socks!!! Fantabulous!!!!! Oh why or why do people want to do away with such a wonderful instrument? I mean think of all the pleasure we will miss from seeing such maestros' as this!!!!! 

[3dwurli]

@EppiesCoffeeKlatsch ask the owner of this one. He broke up two instruments to make this one.

[noahmichvfs]

I almost passed out. I'm not even exaggerating. If this man's fingers were any faster they could travel through time.

[manueldaman]

Watching this makes me dizzy. How much hard work does it take to become this good? Surely playing a new tune is almost like learning a new instrument. Unbelievable

[ValerieShelleMorgan]

These instruments came into being because they were the technical achievement in their age. From that, the artists came along to exploit and give us all the pleasure that we enjoy at their mastery. Maybe now, we have to accept that electronics can save the day for us. Before you all shoot me down in flames of disgust, just think. How does our PCs now, compare with the Acorn Electron or the first Sinclair's. Lets hope that the 'virtuals' might one day please us in just the same way.

[ValerieShelleMorgan]

I have witnessed throughout my life, continuing demise of these masterpieces of art & engineering both here in the UK & the USA. As now the town halls look to cut costs, the maintainence of cinema organs are low on their priorities. Individuals have sunk vast sums into such ventures, like Nigel Turner did here in the UK when he created Turners Musical Meri-go-round, but that is no more. Its up to us enthusiasts to support what we have left.

[chrismannion1]

The sad News is that this organ will soon be looking for a new home as the council  want it OUT , unbelievable !!

[3dwurli]

@chrismannion1 Perhaps the most part of it could go back to where it came from, to grace the Empress Ballroom, Blackpool once again!

[EditorJohn]

@chrismannion1 : The good news is that the Worthing organ is going to stay!

[goodchappy]

@EditorJohn Thank God for that!!! That would be proposterous!

[SeeburgMusic]

I don't even know how to respond to this video. i mean there aren't even words to describe this!

[rosaspon2007]

¡¡¡¡¡¡ EXCELLENT!!!!!!----GO GO GO GO GO....

[organpipes61]

WOW!! AMAZING!! You are PHENOMENAL!!

[Schantalbert]

Crazy freak! I like u!

:D

[JesterJukebox]

WOW! What more can I say, but WOW!! again?

[HarryTMorrison]

That is a Wurlitzer-Organ, right?

[JustOccurred2Me]

This is simply stunning. To me one of the joys of theatre organ is in the variety of styles - Kelsall, Gledhill, Hills (to name but a few) all show completely different techniques,which I think are impossible to compare. For sheer musicality and variety of performance, they all take some beating. BTW - fantasic audio quality on this recording - is it commercially available?

[EditorJohn]

@JustOccurred2Me : No, this particular recording is not commercially available, though Richard does play a version of this number, in similar vein, on a CD called 'Graduation'. Put these words into a search engine and you'll find sources of sales: graduation richard hills COS

[EccentricRichard]

What wonderful fun!

I'd be very interested to hear some 'straight' romantic/symphonic repertoire played on an organ such as this (I've been in the hall, but never heard it - was a piano/orchestra thing, Beethoven "Emperor" being part of it I remember). Anyone got any suggestions?

[EditorJohn]

@EccentricRichard - Richard will be playing this organ in a performance of the Saint-Saëns Organ Symphony on Sunday 8th May 2011 at 7.30pm, along with the Worthing Symphony Orchestra.

[ChrisLawtonorganist]

@blackpool35 also very well said! This is an excellent video and made great viewing. Thats all that needs to be said. There are many different styles of playing - a reflection of life really! What a boring world it would be if we were all the same!

[mattrehmhext]

Can't believe the council plan to close the building in which this great Wurlitzer is installed!

[deancook652]

It's also really refreshing to see (and hear) an organist who knows how to turn the trems off...

[streamingart]

DANG! That's some nimble-fingered FUN!

[jerrygpp]

Jeez ... he showed that Wurlitzer who's boss. Somebody stop him ...

[richardst1968]

Richard Hills at his best, no doubt taking the piss out of the Blackpool style



[3dwurli]

@richardst1968 Why would he take the piss out of the -blackpool- style

[EditorJohn]

@richardst1968 - Richard would not take the piss out of the Blackpool style. He is a great admirer of that style when performed well.

[TheRudeClown]

wonderfully done sir! I enjoyed every minute of it

[KeyaBrown]

when his legs get going he looks like something out of thunderbirds

[KeyaBrown]

that organ is bigger than my house

[garrad]

L S U

[blackpool35]

@jazzyboyfin. As an after thought, and believe me, I'm certainly not knocking Mr Hills excellent playing style, I'm just wondering how many concert theatre organists could sustain playing Tiger Rag or any other similar 'concert' piece within the harsh constraints of strict tempo ballroom dancing ? Very few I would expect. It might be sneered upon 'down South', but the Blackpool style will forever be the most popular style of theatre organ playing, like it or not.

[3dwurli]

@blackpool35 WELL SAID!

[EditorJohn]

@blackpool35 - The Blackpook style of playing is NOT sneered at 'down south' as you so inappropriately put it.

[deancook652]

@blackpool35 Well, in the UK, at least.

[EccentricRichard]

@blackpool35 - the Blackpool style will soon be as relevant as Blackpool is to the worldwide tourist economy... Reggie Dixon's awful, predictable, clumsy playing should not be compared to the great geniuses of theatre organs like Quentin Maclean, Sidney Torch and some of the modern players (Lynn Larsen is one name that springs to mind).

[3dwurli]

@EccentricRichard Its comments like THIS that make me think, why the HELL to I bother with organs and the people involved with them. Perhaps you need to brush up on your Dixon. His style was clean, crisp, light and snappy. It just shows how much you know.

[alijanlondon]

@blackpool35 Blackpool style might be the most popular but it's certainly not the best style. Blackpool style seems to be like a monkey at a typewriter - hit the notes often enough and one is bound to come up with something in the end. It's not a north/south thing. Richard Hills demonstrates here, and elsewhere, that the theatre organ can be a beautiful instrument in the right hands.

[chrisnab100]

@alijanlondon thats like saying whats the best soul or jazz music, pop or disco and so on.....

silly comment. And have a listen at reg dixon playing tiger rag.

[alijanlondon]

@chrisnab100 It's not a silly comment. I have heard Reginald Dixon's tiger rag, not to my taste but at least a good musician - far better than Kelsall or the Kelsall wannabes of which there are plenty. There is so much lacking in originality today because so many musicians like to follow this so-called blackpool style. they mainly try to emulate Dixon or Kelsall. This is why organists like Richard Really stand out

[chrisnab100]

@alijanlondon yes... i can partly understand where you are coming from but like you said its not your taste

and thats what it boils down too. I do like richard hills tiger rag and hes very talented.

phil kelsall is a great organist also and dont you think that the reason people try to emulate dixon and kelsall

is because there music and style are so liked. And by the way im from devon so its nothing to do with coming from up north!! lol. anyway we will beg to differ.

[3dwurli]

@alijanlondon That comment comes from lack of understanding the style!

[MelosAntropon]

I'm an organist, but not a big fan of theater organ. But this man is a genius. Phenomenal technique - times 5 - and incredible musicianship. Excellent use of the "double touch" feature, also. I admire superb performing on any instrument from pennywhistle to accordion, though classical organ is my favorite (I am an organist), but world class is world class, no matter where you find it. This man is world class.

[jazzboyfin]

@MelosAntropon Richard Hills is also one of the finest classical organists in the country too! Previously assistant organist at Westminster Abbey, now at Bourne St. Although this recording is superb, I think Richard is actually taking the piss out of some styles of theatre organ playing - but of course he does it better than all the others anyway! Check out his other clips on here - such as at the wonderful Compton at Hammersmith Apollo ("Reborn Compton Theatre Organ")

[goodchappy]

@MelosAntropon I am also an organist and not a particular fan of cinema organs because of all the vibrato fuzz but I totally agree with you Richard Hills is a master of the art!

[3dwurli]

@goodchappy I am an organist but not fond of church organs because of their straight-ness and there limitations.

[goodchappy]

@3dwurli Everybody has different tastes, many people don't like organs full stop. I've heard the Compton cinema organ in Watford Town Hall (or Colossium) played by Robert Wolf, Richard Hills and Simon Gledhill as a cinema organ and played straight by Thomas Trotter, each one was very good but the Thomas Trotter concert was more popular and sent chills down my spine and it is small as far as pipes go as there is so much borrowing between the ranks, tonally it falls short of a good church organ.

[ChrisLawtonorganist]

@goodchappy well said! Having read the comments on this video I feel compelled to say this. This is an excellent video and thats all that needs to be said! Why it always has to be turned into arguments about what is worse, better etc I will never know. I support Man City, I have a mate who supports United. I drive a BMW, I have a mate who prefers Mercs. Thank God the theatre organ fraternity are not the government or else we would all lose our heads for disagreeing! Just enjoy!

[goodchappy]

@ChrisLawtonorganist Yes it takes all sorts.

One person has clicked the dislike button, I assume that was an accident, how can anyone with hearing not like this.

It is very easy on Youtube to make innocent comments and upset someone somewhere, there is always going to be an individual or two who thinks they are better than everyone else.

Even on a top notch perfomance like this, someone has to find a fault with it.

Why can't everyone just love each other?!

[ChrisLawtonorganist]

@goodchappy Exactly!  I think the author of this video should remove all unrelated comments to be honest such as Blackpool vs Other styles, Cinema vs Church etc. Its totally unrelated to this excellent video! The only comments here should be 'excellent' etc and if it isnt to your taste then find something else to watch! So simple but yet so hard for some people!

[3dwurli]

@ChrisLawtonorganist but the purpose of the commenting section of youtube is to allow people to comment and give feedback. It would be very boring if all the comments were the same dont you think?

[ChrisLawtonorganist]

@3dwurli I just think that some of the comments appearing on here would be better suited to a dedicated chat forum. Just my opinion of course.

[EditorJohn]

@ChrisLawtonorganist - Hi Chris. I think it's legitimate for people to express opinions of why they like or dislike something, but it's got to be justified, and not an opinion stated as fact. I have removed a few comments where they were irrelevant, rude or evidently wrong.

[EditorJohn]

@goodchappy - There's nothing wrong with disliking something. It doesn't mean it's bad or that there's something wrong with it. I don't like bananas, but that diesn't mean there's anything wrong with them.

[lorbo77]

omg.. amazing technic and use of organ..

[goodchappy]

I keep coming back to this performance, its amazing. I saw Richard Hills dueting with Simon Gledhill in Watford Town Hall a few years ago. These guys are REAL musicians. That Worthing organ is a gem as well.

[343kaka]

This must be the twentieth time I watch this.

Magnificent.

[Trompetteenchamade]

Not only a technical tour de force, but the organ does indeed jump! Spectacular RH technique, intermanual fireworks, classic LH playing countermelody and upbeats simultaneously, all over a musically satisfying pedal line that makes use of unusually creative voice leading. I particularly enjoy the wide range of tonal color Mr. Hills uses--no stagnant registrations here. It's a blast to hear! Do note that the video leads the audio by one beat in the music.

[PaulMcCann92]

You can't get any better than that! a breathtaking performance!

[korowatri]

Absolutely amazing! Had to listen to it for several times in row!

[wersiman1]

Fantastic

[shmu666]

I love it at 2:14 when all the buttons activate at the same time. It's so epic!

[winningbyrd]

Such technique and musicianship!! BROVO!! I remember when he was in the ATOS competition.

[Cillitpeng]

KJEMPEBRA!!!

[johnatuttle]

As a member of the Garden State Theatre Organ Society (GSTOS), I've had the privilege of watching many gifted organists. This guy is "fast", "clean", and he makes the organ "JUMP!" Great pedal work too! Would love to hear him play the Wonder Morton Organ at the Lowe's Theatre in Jersey City, NJ.

[jamswilson]

Is there some where I can purchase this preformance as a DVD? I work for a historic theatre in Seattle that still has it's original Wurlitzer & would love to have this to show to the groups we give tours to.

[germangirlheidi]

This is utterly amazing, even for those of us that don't have a love affair going with the organ!

[sdcafunnyguru]

Is this brilliant work available on CD?

[EditorJohn]

@sdcafunnyguru : A different version of this number, but played in the same improvised way, is available on a CD called 'Graduation', recorded in the USA. You can order it on-line: enter 'cos-sales' into a search engine and you should find it amongst the CDs offered there.

Also from that site you can download a half-hour pretend broadcast called a 'COScast', of Richard playing the same organ seen and heard on this YouTube clip.

[gillyyorkie1965]

How in the name of OMG I dunno who does he play like that ????

Totaly awesome

[Gillyyorkie]

@EditorJohn I never heard Richard play before to watch him he is not even trying he just does it totally Awesome It looks so easy and Natural I wish I could play like this Many thanks for Posting Gilly ......

[Gillyyorkie]

@sdcafunnyguru

He isn't even putting any effort in to look at him I wish I could do it He's awesome !

[Gillyyorkie]

@sdcafunnyguru He isn't even trying to play he just does it HOW ? Pure genius ! I wish I could do it !

[Gillyyorkie]

@sdcafunnyguru

He isn't even trying to Play How the hell does he do it ??I wish I could play like Richard !

[Gillyyorkie]

He isn't even trying to play He's Just doing it It's AWESOME I wish I could play like Richard Hills ! 

[acoustics101]

Wow!! You don't see handwork and footwork like this that often.

[dkelzenb]

Absolutely amazing! Richard continues to dazzle us! This is on par with the incomparable Tatum. Congrats to Richard and many thanks to John for making this available!

dk

[89sweetpeas]

Richard Hills = Legend - we love him!

[bmhall100]

I can still hear the empress in there in some parts. I take it that the empress/old tower ranks have been revoiced?

[TheBaritoneCrooner]

A very good example of Richards encore with the pyrotechnics that he's known for. I have seen him in person in Chicagoland on a four manual. His console shenanigans were this x 10.

[gabrielletessier]

I would like so much to have the score....! Where could i find this?

[bmhall100]

@gabrielletessier Richards brain? lol

[clippedlad]

One Word to describe Organ And Organist: BRILLIANT. Any fool who says organ music is boring, should check this excellent performance out as they would soon change their mind. Well done to all who made this possible! Ben Jordan, 18 year old organist and organ NUT!!!

[jkmek99]

Richard, you have magic hands!

[cinema104]

Thank God for You Tube.

It shows us the great artistry of musicians like Mr. Hills as well as his mastery of such a complex instrument.

Tom

NYC

[HelloAgain151]

@cinema104 I give you a three thumbs-up for Mr. Hills and the good things on youtube, but an imaginary thumbs down for all the hours I have wasted on youtube watching dud videos.

[Gillyyorkie]

Jesus please us ..... How in the name of ??????????? I wishI could do that ! Awesome thanks for posting

[Theyoungorganist01]

WOW thats is so fast! how does he do it? Best version of Tiger Rag I have ever heard!

James

[TrinityUMCOrganist]

VERY NICE!

[Kiddman32]

At no point did his fingers leave his hands... Came close, but they are well-attached :)

Holy Crap!

[TheOrganKid]

When it comes to wurlitzers, richard tops it.....

[ThirtyTwoFoot]

Oh Richard that was brilliant. Bet the Union Chapel couldn't do that!!

Thanks, you have made my day!

[Yaledmot]

Thanks John and Richard for a superb representation of the theatre organ!

[splinterfoot]

Not only is Richard's playing awesome, but look at the Wurlitzer - He didn't have to play around any ciphers, missed notes, combination sticking or any other glitches in the organ. Hats off to the maintenance team and all the people behind the scenes to make this possible !! Been around these things for over 40 years and they can be

cantankerous at times -KUDOS

[EditorJohn]

Yes, all credit to the quality of the Wurlitzer, generally regarded as the finest in a public location in the UK. The maintenance "team" consists largely of 90-year-old owner Jim Buckland, who is not one to compromise on standards.

[ArtDecoLuvr]

This never gets old -- LOVE IT!

[tassellm]

Another excellent performance from Richard, as usual.

[klavier1us]

I can only hope there will be many more posts from this huge talent. This Tiger wasn't just held its' a** was whipped off! Not just a "Rag" it was in tatters, it out ran its' own stripes. No cage built that can hold this Tiger. I have been around and done some TO playing for over 40 years. I've seen and heard 'em all and don't say this lightly by any means:no one played better than this. This is superbly voiced, played and very well taped-first class on all fronts. Bravo & encore please!

[bartonorgan]

UNBELIEVABLE!!!

[bmhall100]

BRILLIANT, cant stop playing this over and over and over!!

[alamedaOrgan]

How could anyone ask for more?? Utterly fantastic. There is no doubt that Richard Hills is my favorite organist!

[caddyorganist]

Wow!!

[T321Q]

Bravo!  Excellent.

[quentinbellamy]

Marvellous! Simply marvellous!