AIN’T SHE SWEET - Gavioli 87 key Fairground Organ (2011) [MINT]

Like so many other names, that of Gavioli is probably the one that springs to mind when people think of a fairground organ. Although usually associated with Paris, Giacomo Gavioli was born in Cavezzo, Italy in 1786. He developed an interest for mechanical instruments which his sons, Anselmo and Ludovico were to expand. In 1892, Anselmo patented the use of book music to play an organ, which greatly extended the playing time. Such was the success of the company, that offices were opened in Barcelona, Waldkirch, New York and Manchester.

British fairground owners were quick to realise that constant music brought people to their booths and with the development of electricity powered by the showmen’s steam engines, a fine display of light and sound could be provided. Although Gavioli ceased making organs in 1912, many instruments were kept in showman’s families where great rivalry often existed as to who had the largest and loudest! After world war two, many organs fell into disuse. People had changed their tastes in music and maintenance, for both organ and steam engine was becoming costly.

In 1958 the Fair Organ Preservation Society was founded with the aim of saving many of the fine organs that had graced the fairgrounds and pleasure parks of Britain. Individual members were able to save many examples and one such was the Troubadour 87 key Gavioli organ. 

Bought by Bill Barlow the organ was rarely seen by the public, although it acquired a legendary reputation amongst rally enthusiasts and organ aficionados. Following the death of Bill, the organ found various homes and became the subject of a number of legal disputes, eventually ending up in Switzerland awaiting a buyer at auction.

There is, however, a happy ending. After a long absence in Europe the good news is that The Troubadour is back and after some restoration work, will be heard again. The recordings on this CD were made at Bill Barlow’s storage yard in 1967, away from any extraneous noise of the rally field. This enabled the engineers to obtain a close balance with four microphones which brings to the fore many of the smaller pipes not usually heard when other sounds are present. at open air events.

Recorded on location at the Late Bill Barlow’s home at Cleobury Mortimer in 1967, by Les Brumpton & Ken Mellor.

Sleeve notes by Ken Mellor.

Photograph courtesy of Andrew Pilmer (acpilmer.com).