Raymond Wallbank: Relax & Listen

Imagine Las Vegas manqué. A place so devoid of taste that even the seediest of dives doesn't seem out of place. Well if you can, then you are imagining Blackpool circa 1973 to the present day. 

The place is a mecca for 'hen parties' and 'stag-do's' For fat families with potty mouthed kids called Chantelle and Keanu. For elicit meetings by lovers intent on enjoying their seedy liaisons. A place where old men still knot their handkerchiefs and wear them on their heads, the only difference being is that now they're sporting tasteless Hawaiian shirts and peering through 'fake' Ray-ban shades. 

Regardless of this, I love towns like Blackpool. Towns where the spectrum of society come together in celebration of their god Mammon.

The liner-notes read like a parody of a Count Arthur Strong radio show and seem to be searching for something to say about Raymond Wallbank. Sadly Raymond is now dead, which is very sad because I would have loved to see him live. This album is a brilliantly corny organ-fest  that represents all that is awesome about the working-class propensity to gather together in cold, seaside towns and enjoy life to full.  RAYMOND WALLBANK IS DEAD. LONG LIVE RAYMOND WALLBANK.

Blackpool

Danny La Rue

The liner notes read thus.

As well as his popular programmes in the Sun Lounge on the North Pier at Blackpool Raymond Wallbank has also appeared a concert organist in many parts of the country, including performances on the fine organ at the Gaunt, Manchester.

During the winter months Raymond also plays for dances almost every evening. His recent engagements include appearances are the Floral Hall, Southport on the same bill as Victor Sylvester and his Orchestra and as successor to Reginald Dixon as organist at the official switch-on of Blackpool Illuminations carried out by Danny La Rue.

Like many top-class artistes Raymond makes time to do special charity performances, including regular broadcasts for local hospitals. He also took part in a special BBC television programme about Blackpool, and has been heard on BBC radio programmes.

He is, of course, well known to many thousands of Blackpool holiday-makers and his twice daily organ recitals in the Sun Lounge have become a permanent feature of the North Pier summer-time entertainment - in fact an important contribution to Blackpool's wide range and variety of top class artistes appearing each year for the enjoyment of countless holiday-makers.

His special request programmes offering on-the-spot birthday, anniversary, or purely sentimental tunes, from the high-light of a programme content which caters for all ages and all tastes, recalling nostalgic moments for many patrons. His sense of humour and pleasant personality set the scene for a delightful two-hour concert of relaxed musical entertainment with, of course,  the possibility of a sun-tan at the end of it! Why not try it for yourself when next in Blackpool!