Jim Riggs Concert
Today I went to a concert by Jim Riggs, the organist at the Paramount Theatre in Oakland, CA. He was performing at a local private residence, the owner has a pretty spectacular Wurlitzer. He played a bunch of duets he's arranged for the organ and player piano, which was pretty neat. Here's a video of him doing something similar, although listening to this with speakers or headphones just can't compare to hearing it in person.
Another great part of the concert was watching the 1927 silent film Fluttering Hearts with Jim Riggs' live music accompanying it. The movie was fairly amusing and the live music really added to it.
One way I know it was a great concert is that I just wanted to go play music when I came home. I've found that hearing great live music always encourages people to want to go make some themselves in a way that recordings never can.
Comments
I first heard Jim Riggs play years ago on his recording "Jim Riggs plays the Grand Barton" years later,while attending Phil Maloofs Grand opening of his Music room in Las Vegas,one of three consols in this room,was the last one built by The Barton organ co. it was shiped on July 8th 1931 the same day and year I was born(notice my name), we were born on the same day 77years ago.wonder where it is today? I'm in Mountain home Idaho-and still going strong!
Posted by: Bart (Barton) Eben (formerly) Ebentheuer | December 15, 2008 02:19 AM
I own Jim's CD on the Wurlitzer and player piano and love it. Just my kind of music. I'll be at his concert on Mar. 22 at the Little River Studio in Wichita, KS. Can't wait.
Thanks
Posted by: Howard Jackson | March 1, 2009 06:30 PM
I'm the former host of a little radio show that was broadcast from the Pasadena CA studios of KPCC fm. The show was named “Gee Dad It’s a Wurlitzer” and the show
featured only orchestral theater pipe organ music. As such I had occasion meet Jim Riggs and to have him on the show numerous times to promote the many live concerts performed in our local venues.
I must tell you Jim is one of the most gracious people I ever met. He always makes time for his numerous fans and supporters. Not only is Jim Riggs a nice guy he is regarded as a luminary among his peers, Jim was given the gift of being self taught on the theater pipe organ and as such he has developed a style that he has made all his own. That style coupled with the ability to write his own arrangements make his performances a musical experience that can not be translated into words it’s just so remarkable you must experience it to understand.
When Jim sits down to play the theater organ, only then does it live up to promise made by Hope Jones, only then does it becomes a true unit orchestra.
Posted by: Bill Moore | July 26, 2009 06:06 AM