The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Funny I hadn't seen this post previous to tonight. But as literally a child my Great Grandfathers machine was played by my Grandmother still until someone broke the spring. One of the records that for some reason was my favorite it turns out I still have, its called Uncle Tom. For some reason I really never paid any attention to who played it or on what. But a few months ago when culling records once again I ran into it and played it, then I noticed the label says "Drum and Piano Duet".. Played by Howard Kopp and Samuel Jospe. The reverse is Yaaka Hula Hickey Dula, same artist.

I agree with Jim the Drum is quite present on many classical Edison Recordings. I would say one of the more noticeable is the In a Persian Market record, it ends with very loud presence of drums. ( if it doesn't its the reverse side).

This link to an old WFMU program of Edison's Attic has examples of testing different instruments with varying distance from the recording horn. There is a snare drum test here too. Parts of a talk with recording musician Ernest Stevens.

http://www.wfmu.org/playlists/shows/15231

The Ragtime Drummer by James Lent a classic in snare and wood block solos with traditional band accompaniment. Those ratta-tat-tat sounds project very well.

James.