The Black and White Rag & Canadian Capers – Reginald Dixon with Tower Lounge Trio (1952)

On this 1952 Columbia release, Reginald Dixon, accompanied by the Tower Lounge Trio, brings two energetic ragtime favourites to life on Blackpool’s 3-manual, 14-rank Mighty Wurlitzer. Recorded live in the Tower Ballroom, these performances capture the syncopated joy of early jazz-hybrid tunes paired with Dixon’s precise registration and the Trio’s light ensemble backing.

📍 Organ & Venue Context
• Installed 1935 and expanded to 14 ranks for even greater tonal range

🎼 Track Highlights
The Black and White Rag (1913)
🎶 George Botsford
Originally a landmark ragtime piano solo, widely recorded by The Victor Military Band (1914) and later popularised by Winifred Atwell (1950), its jaunty syncopations made it a staple of dance and vaudeville.

Canadian Capers (1915)
🎶 Gus Edwards
A spirited novelty tune, first published in 1915 and recorded by Ted Lewis Orchestra (1916) and Connee Boswell (1939).

📀 Recording Information
• Label: Columbia Graphophone Company
• Catalogue: FB3642
• Release Date: May 1952
• Format: 78rpm shellac disc, monophonic
• Captured live in the Tower Ballroom — no overdubs or studio modifications

🛠️ Audio Restoration
Transferred at half speed for fidelity, with precise click removal and gentle noise reduction. Respectful remastering and a subtle false stereo spread applied to enhance spatial detail.
🎧 Audio restoration by Ross McNeillie

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Dancing at the Tower Medley No.8 - Part 1 - Reginald Dixon at the Theatre organ

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