Hats Off To Norman Bruderhofer

[benjaminh]

I agree that, among the 2-min ones, there is unfortunately not much to choose from, and few new titles would be most welcomed.

The Caruso lirical takes are interesting, but his voice is much better heard on gramophone records. The Washington Post March is that kind of title that would remain unsold for decades or would go for a nickel, if on a gramophone record. Same applies to the polka. The fake Edison Laboratory Noises and the promotional record in German language always made me wonder why Mr. Bruderhofer thought they were worth the effort of making a replica.

The remaining titles are Take your Time, Gentlemen, very funny and catchy but unfortunately barely audible, and The Skeleton Rag, which would make a perfect halloween present for a phonograph collector, if only I knew one!

As a side note, quite amazingly also the very few (three titles in all) Columbia Grand replicas made by Vulcan are all military band marches that would take forever to sell if they were on 78s records. I'm quite puzzled by this selection, I must admit.

I am surprised that "Laughing Song" by George W. Johnson has not been released on 2 min replica cylinder.

I agree, this is a historically significant piece, that really should be re-released.