The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I am looking for Edison records that feature my grandfather, Michael Aron, on the banjo, in the Ernest L. Stevens Trio. The release numbers are:

50987-L (All over nothing at all), 1922
50984-R (Suppose the rose were you), 1922
51007-R (Soothing), 1922
51016-L (Keep on building castles in the air), 1922
51026-R (Red moon waltz), 1922
51026-L (If I had my way, pretty baby), 1922
51037-R (Hot lips), 1922,

and any other recordings on which he might appear. He worked at the Edison plant and made numerous test recordings. I'm not sure how clearly musicians are identified on these test pressings. Please contact me or reply if you have or know of any of these. Many thanks.

I have 50987, 51016, and 51026, but you lost me with "test pressings". Mine are not test pressings, just regular DD's. Marc.

Stephen,
Most of these discs are available on Ebay. I've emailed you links to them.


PS. If you have any stories about your Grandfathers life as a musician, I think most of us would love to read them!

We would love to hear anything about adventures in Edison's Recording Studio, I assume 79, 5th avenue, and Columbia Street.

Thanks for responses-- I am just now gathering info regarding my grandfather's experiences at Edison in the early 20's. Hopefully I'll be able to tell a story or two. Stand by...

marcapra wrote:I have 50987, 51016, and 51026, but you lost me with "test pressings". Mine are not test pressings, just regular DD's. Marc.

I would assume he means these records PLUS test pressings since he was a readily available musician, already working at the Edison complex.

Yes--there were a number of formal releases, all with the Ernest L Stevens Trio. In addition, test pressing were made that were not released publicly. I have no idea how these might have been labeled, or who played on them.

I wonder if he did tests with the 125 foot recording horn? That has always fascinated me.