The Edison phonograph monthly (Jan-Dec 1912)

Edison Phonograph Monthly, Feb., 1912 5 New Edison Talent The Olive Mead Quartet First and second violins, viola and violoncello Organized in 1903, the Olive Mead Quartet has steadily won its way by untiring effort and constant devotion to its work, until it stands now as the most famous woman's string quartet in the world. The organization comprises Olive Mead, first violin; Vera Fonaroff, second violin; Gladys North, viola, and Lillian Littlehales, violoncello. Any one of these women would be welcomed as a soloist by any leading musical organization, and their ensemble work is the finished product of almost daily rehearsals. Three protracted tours to the Pacific Coast and innumerable appearances at colleges, clubs, concerts, etc., have centered the attention of the public upon these truly notable artists. The newspapers of New York, and in fact of all the great cities, find nothing that is not complimentary to say of the Olive Mead Quartet. On every hand we find these four artists the subjects of unstinted praise and lavish encomium. Charles Hackett Tenor Charles Hackett, who makes his Phonographic debut this month, is a young tenor who has achieved remarkable success in concert work. He comes from a very musical family and was fortunate in beginning his studies along that line at a very early age. He first took up the piano and became a very thorough musician before turning his attention to the voice, which he began cultivating at seventeen. His voice, though sweet, is notable for its masculinity, and its ready adaptability to strong dramatic singing, has gained for Mr. Hackett very flattering comments from many exacting critics. Amberol Concert Record No. 28012 (BVloved, It is Morn) could not have been surpassed as a vehicle for displaying Mr. Hackett's versatility and power. Irene Franklin The Vaudeville Headliner There are probably very few, in the aggregate, who have not howled with glee, on one occasion or another, at the inimitable character singing of vaudeville's greatest favorite, Irene Franklin. She has been a headliner for a long (but not too long) time, and we feel fortunate indeed in being able to announce that her first Records for any music-reproducing instrument are to be offered on the Edison Phonograph. As a singer of character and "kid" songs, Miss Franklin stands to-day with no near rival, combining, as she does in her work, a keen appreciation of the smallest detail in the humorous possibilities of a piece, with a natural leaning toward the art of imitating. Furthermore, there is never any doubt that she thoroughly enjoys singing her songs. Her spirited, whole-hearted entry into the portrayal of any character which she assumes never fails to win new friends for her and enthusiastic applause from her old friends.