The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Following the posting of that excellent private recording of "The blue room" by Jazzgirl 1920's reminded me of this acetate recording dating from March 1938. This was recorded off the air and features Kate Smith singing "I got rhythm" as part of Kate Smith show. She did record a version of this song in 1931, but it sounded nothing like this. This is a one off private recording and this is the only place you'll hear it! Hope you enjoy it.

http://www.box.net/shared/55jf66j8ck

RJ

As the announcer said, Kate really went to town on that one. Thanks for sharing this very rare recording.This is a great group and I am sure glad I joined. Already I have heard a fantastic private recording I couldn't hear anywhere else! I loved the tricky tempo changes she was putting into the song and wow, could she hold a note. Her range was fantastic. She has a lot of swing rhythm in her voice on this number. I like a Columbia side Kate Smith did in the 1920's with the Charleston Chasers, "I'm Gonna Meet My Sweetie Now". Jane Green also has a nice Victor recording of that tune. Anyone here have 78's by Jane Green?

jazzgirl1920s

RJ,

Fantastic recording WOW! Thanks you. Kate really did give this one her all.

Regards,
John

jazzgirl1920s wrote:Jane Green also has a nice Victor recording of that tune. Anyone here have 78's by Jane Green?

jazzgirl1920s

I got 2 records, actually 1.5 (3 recordings).

Victor 19502-A: Me And The Boy Friend (recorded November 11, 1924)

Victor 19687-A: We're Back Together Again (recorded May 28, 1925)

Victor 19687-B: Got No Time (recorded May 28, 1925).

Kind regards,

Bart

Fascinating recording, great version. I do wonder if this was recorded at the radio station "off the soundboard" or whatever the 1938 equivalent of that would be. It just sounds too good to have recorded off an AM broadcast by an amateur listener.

Hi Shane,

sorry I should expand on the background to this disk. It was recorded by a professional recording company (Harry Smith Recorders, NY - I think the name was - I am at work at the moment so don't have access to the disk itself but will check when I get home) The label says that this was recorded for Ted Straighter - who was the leader of the band accompanying Kate Smith.

I assume that this is a direct line recording as the fedelity is so good rather than the am broadcast itself. I can only assume that this was recorded for the band leader for reviewing purposes after the show had aired.

This disk was one of many sold off a few years ago, but I have no idea where they came from before I bought them.

It is nice to have something that is unique as this recording exists no where else. It is also so different to the commercial recording release that Kate Smith sang a few years before.

I have a few more of these disks that I can share in due course. There is one transfer that I do have but for which I don't own the disk. If I can contact the person who gave it to me then I will post that one too.

RJ

Neat... thanks for the info. So, you have a better quality copy than anything that would have been broadcasted.

I love acetate discs because you never know what you're going to get on them. I have recordings of radio broadcasts, weddings, people hanging out at a party, even some guy reading his final will and testament!

Yes, there are some great things on disks like these. I remember on ebay I once say an acetate disk for sale that was claimed to be from a Hollywood party with some star introducing themselves and singing an impromtu song. Unfortunately I can't rememer any more details about it.

I took a photo of the label on my disk which gives the details. I have also added a photo of another disk from this show, this time recorded by Universal recorders.