Byron Fogt 3/21 Hybrid Theatre Organ - Mark Herman

I am uploading this video just for friends -- especially those of you who remember our late friend Byron Fogt and the organ in his home in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The organ was given to me by the estate and removed shortly after this was recording. It is now in storage and all for sale.

These two songs, "I'm Beginning to See the Light" and "My Silent Love" were the final two songs I played on this instrument before removing it. Prior to recording this, the organ hadn't been played in about 7 months. After clearing only a couple of tremulant problems, the instrument sounded surprisingly good. I will always have fond memories of Byron and this instrument. How lucky I was to grow up living only 2 blocks away from this home!

I hope you all enjoy this.

Mark Herman
mark@markhermanproductions.com

Category:

Music

Tags:

• theatreorgan
• organ
• barton
• wurlitzer
• markherman
• keyboard
• pipeorgan
• music

[caspercat0]

Hi Mark .Great playing and a lovely sounding organ.Its a pity you cant keep it?Or perhaps you have one already?Not all of us can afford a home big enough to house a full blown theatre organ.(or a wife that likes TO).Whats the make up of the organ and where did its parts come from?

Adrian

[ArtDecoLuvr]

The Barton pipes and pieces came from the Olympia Stadium in Detroit, with the basis of that organ, including the console, originally coming from WBBM Chicago. There was also a 5-rk Wurlitzer organ incorporated in the instrument.  Aside from that, much of the organ was pieced together from whatever Byron found that sounded ok. I helped him re-spec the console as well as do more tonal finishing over the last few years. I don't have any place for the instrument, so it is being sold off.

[dmcoles88]

I can listen to that over and over. Relaxed, unhurried and yet with emotion, beautiful playing. Somebody once said that if a Theatre Organ could play itself it would sound like George Wright. Well I think that there is a small handful that you could include with the great George Wright, not all the same style (you know who they are!) and Mark Herman is in that select band. Love your playing Mark, please keep on making great music.

[patsaxon]

You play wonderful! I also play that style too when I play on one of my 6 electronic organs. Kimball Sensation, Lowrey Contempo 80, Hammond T-524 C. Thomas Eldorado 792, Wersi Prisma DX-5, Wurlitzer Omni 6500 Professional Keyboard Computer. I collect old electronic organs.

[jonycuddlesgert]

Really Nice, Mark. So glad you had B.Fogt in your life. Lucky/you/both! On your other posting, I asked you about the tune "ROLLERCOASTER"... I think you will (maybe?-huhh?-MAYbe?) think about finding the music and learning it, just for dippy-me(here in farburbs of Chgo... [no longer in Piedmont, CA, as I mentioned in other note.] ... Thanks Mark. Sooper! to hear you play... ANYthing! -- Jony.

[Larsky1010]

Everything Mark plays is beyond any superlatives that come to mind! "A Kid In the Candy Store" and "Premiere" are two of his CDs well worth purchasing! His musicianship places him in the top tier of theatre organists today!

[theonejrs]

Can anyone tell me what the second song is called? God, he plays well beyond his years! Simply fabulous. I will be looking forward to more albums.

Russ

[earlph]

Well , what is there left to say , if everybody have said it already ?Except this mark.COME TO PLAY IN EUROPE SOME CONCERTS !! Hope you will enjoy "down under "in july.. I learned from john.....you are giving some concert then. Cheers ,Earl

[gdw1910]

Please clone yourself Mark and cover the globe! Theater organ is safe in your hands. Thanks for spreading beauty.

We need more of it!

[electronicempire]

Splendid stuff!

More than a few hints here for me to learn registration changes.This recording shows real style.

[orpedal]

Hello Mark! What a gifted player you are.I first heard "My silent Love" played by Jim Riggs.You are every bit as good!!

H from England

[jeffr890]

Excellent playing! Hopefully the organ will soon be put to good use in a new home. You need to post some more videos, as you are very talented. More!