The Edison phonograph monthly (Mar-Dec 1907)

s EDISON PHONOGRAPH MONTHLY. COMMENTS ON EDISON RECORDS FOR SEPTEMBER. The most marked feature of the September list of Edison Gold Moulded Records is the predominance of really good humorous selections. There is humor of all kinds — instrumental and vocal — and the introduction of the Edison Vaudeville Co. in an amateur minstrel rehearsal, with Byron G. Harlan, Steve Porter and Billy Murray in star parts, must prove more than usually popular. A new tenor in Manuel -Romain, the well-known minstrel, proves a valuable addition to Edison talent. Hans Kronold makes a beautiful Record of one of Chopin's most melodious nocturnes, and there are two fine waltzes by the Edison Military Band. It is always our aim to make the Edison Phonograph and Records bring pleasure to listeners of all tastes and we feel that we accomplish this in all of our new lists. But particularly this month would we call attention to the high quality of the comic element. No. 9626, "Comin' Thro' the Rye," (Humoresque), by the Edison Concert Band, composed by Herman Bellstedt, who also wrote the "Everybody Works but Father" (Humoresque) No. 9266, is full of humorous instrumental effects. There is a piccolo solo alternating with trombone and basses, followed by a variation for the solo cornet. Then comes a very ingenious imitation of the Scotch bagpipes, which leads up to a graceful variation for the leading clarinets with a comic interruption by the trombones. It concludes with a fine finale, the air by the cornet and trombones being accompanied by an effective variation in the wood instruments. No. 9627, "Jack and Jill," by Ada Jones, is a new song, sung in Ada Jones' most sprightly manner, that will be very popular. It is written by George M. Cohan. It is in waltz time and is orchestrally accompanied. It is all about the singer's approaching marriage to Joe and the happiness they will enjoy. Joe seems to have secured a remarkably affectionate partner, for she admits — I'm crazy over him, He's crazy over me; Joe and I are going to try To settle down by next July; We'll have a cottage behind the hill, There we'll have nothing but time to kill. And we'll raise a little Jack and Jill To get a pail of water. No. 9628, "When the Blue Birds Nest Again, Sweet Nellie Gray," by Manuel Romain, is a descriptive song of the kind that is always liked. It is sung by a new tenor who has not before made a Record for us. He is widely known as a member of Dockstader's minstrels. We predict that he will become a great favorite on account of his clear, rich voice, which is heard to great advantage in his first selection. The song, with orchestra accompaniment, in sentiment as old as the hills^ is sung to his sweetheart whom he is leaving until "the bluebirds nest again." No. 9629, "Hungarian Dance, No. 2," by Edison Hungarian Orchestra, written by the celebrated composer Brahms, is a companion to our Record No. 8502, "Hungarian Dance, No. 1," and is full of that strange, wild, fascinating mUsic so characteristic of beautiful Hungary, and so different from any other nation's melodies. A very pleasing effect is obtained by the introduction of the Hungarian cymbals. No. 9630, "Theodore," is sung by Edward M. Favor. The amusing words and bright, catchy tune of this new comic song by Vincent Bryan will bring it into immediate popularity. Although our strenuous President is the subject, it is by no means a political song and should be as much liked by Democrats as Republicans. Mr. Favor, fresh from his triumphs in "Fascinating Flora" at the Casino Theatre, New York, sings it in his customary clear, vigorous manner. He is orchestrally accompanied. The chorus : Theodore, the peaceful Theodore Of all the rulers great and small, He's first in peace, he's first of all in war, He's in demand in Yankeeland, Hurray for Theodore. No. 9631, "Many's the Time," by' Collins and Harlan, is one of those amusing coon duets which these two artists render inimitably. Mr. Henry Brown has been separated from his beloved for some time and when he returns he finds that love, if not exactly blind, is at least shortsighted, for she does not remember him at first. It all ends up happily, however, and they decide to get married. The words and music are by Rose and Fischer. Orchestral accompaniment. No. 9632, "When Someone Really Cares," by Irving Gillette, is a sentimental song, the words of which are by Mabel Davis and music by William Cahill. It is sympathetically sung, with an orchestral accompaniment. The music and words are suitable to the theme and it should have a warm reception among lovers of sentimental ditties. No. 9633, "To Your Health (Gesundheit) Waltz," by the Edison Miltary Band, was written by J. Fred Helf, and it is made in the best manner of the Edison Military Band. It will form a pleasing addition to the dance Records. It has a fine swing and will be equally popular whether played as an instrumental selection merely or used for the purpose of waltzing. No. 9634, "I'd Rather Two-Step Than Waltz, Bill," is JBilly Murray's monthly contribution. This Record, the words and music of which are by Benjamin Hapgood Burt, tells the story of a little lady by the name of Annabelle, who lived in New Rochelle and went to all the parties and dances for the sole purpose of two-stepping. Her steady fellow, Bill, sometimes grew weary of this, but it was no good. Annabelle simply had to two-step till she was tired ; and this is how she put it up to William : I'd rather two-step than waltz, Bill, I'd rather two-step than eat; Waltzing is fine, Bill, but not for mine, Bill; It isn't in it with the two-step a minute, For there's something about it that's grand, Bill; And though I may have my faults, Make me your wife, and we'll two-step through life, For I'd rather two-step than waltz. No. 9635, "An Amateur Minstrel Rehearsal," by the Edison Vaudeville Company^ is a new departure and one of a very amusing