Taking the "Honky Tonk Train" with the Mighty Wurlitzer!

David Rhodes delivers a powerhouse performance of Honky Tonk Train Blues on the 4/14 Wurlitzer theatre pipe organ, formerly of the Gaumont Cinema, Manchester—now installed at Folly Farm. Originally composed by Meade "Lux" Lewis in 1927, Honky Tonk Train Blues is a signature piece of the boogie-woogie piano tradition, mimicking the rhythmic motion and whistle of a steam locomotive. Here, Rhodes masterfully adapts the piece for theatre organ, using percussive effects, driving rhythm, and brilliant registration to recreate the sound and momentum of a steam engine at full tilt. The 4-manual, 14-rank Wurlitzer—renowned for its orchestral power and percussive colour—is ideally suited for this kind of theatrical, high-energy arrangement. Rhodes' performance shows how the theatre organ can step beyond traditional ballads and dance tunes to become an expressive, dramatic storytelling instrument. Filmed at Folly Farm and uploaded with permission of David Rhodes and Ben Snowdon. #DavidRhodes #WurlitzerOrgan #TheatreOrgan #TrainMusic #BoogieWoogie #HonkyTonkTrainBlues #PipeOrgan #GaumontManchester #FollyFarm #OrganMusic #VintageOrgan #SteamEngine #Pianist #JazzOrgan #OrganPerformance #KeyboardMusic #HistoricInstruments #CinemaOrgan