The Edison phonograph monthly (Jan-Dec 1916)

EDISON PHONOGRAPH MONTHLY, FEBRUARY, 1916 13 WALTER VAN BRUNT Mr. Van Brunt, whose name is a household word in thousands of American families, comes from Brooklyn, New York, where he was born in 1892. It is unnecessary to tell these who have heard his records how great a favorite he has become with Edison audiences. He handles his fine tenor voice with such ease, and sings so artistically that he cannot help being the admiration of all who like a versatile and gifted singer. ALICE VERLET Critics have called Miss Verlet's voice "The finest coloratura soprano in the world." She is a native of Belgium, and is best known in the opera houses of Paris, Brussels, and London. Her records are really marvelous. You would hardly believe such perfect tones could be produced by the human voice. As a singer of brilliant coloratura arias she is supreme. GEORGE P. WATSON One of the old veterans among Phonograph singers, Mr. Watson has a world-wide fame. His style is unchanging, and his many amusing records have brought mirth into thousands upon thousands of homes of every land. FREDERICK WHEELER For several years Mr. Wheeler has sung for Edison records under the assumed name of James F. Harrison. More recently, however, he has been known under his true name. Mr. Wheeler is a native of Boonville, N. Y. He made his greatest success in oratorio and concert work after a course of study under Theodore Toedt and other prominent teachers. His exceptional ability as a singer, coupled with his natural gifts — for his baritone voice is superb in tone and quality — has won him a host of friends. EDWARD LYMAN BILL It is with sincere sorrow and regret that we note he passing of Col. Edward Lyman Bill, editor and publisher of The Talking Machine World and The Musical Trade Review, which occurred suddenly from a cerebral hemorrhage at his home in New Rochelle, New York, January 1. In 1905, Col. Bill established The Talking Machine World, which he developed from a department in The Musical Trade Review. He religiously stood for everything that made for a higher standing in the trade. While his death is a great loss and will be felt by everyone who knew his lofty principles, we are confident the best interests of the industry will be ably championed by the efficient staff which for so long has had charge of The Talking Machine World. NEW JOBBING HOUSE After the first of February, W. F. L. Rosenblatt becomes the head of Phonographs, Inc., Atlanta, Ga., a new jobbing organization that will cover a zone including the states of Georgia and Florida, a large part of Alabama and a portion of Tennessee. Until his move to Atlanta, Mr. Rosenblatt was associated with the Simmons Talking Machine Co., Bristol, Va.-Tenn. He will not entirely sever connections with that organization, for O. Simmons will have an interest in the new company, the present plans of which are to begin business solely as jobbers, then after a suitable location is found, open a retail department. THE ADVANTAGE "Hearing those high-priced opera singers on the phonograph is almost as good as hearing them on the stage." "Better. You can shut them off whenever you like on the phonograph." — Nezv York World. HAWAIIAN MUSIC ON BLUE AMBEROL RECORDS For years tourists have made delightful trips to Hawaii, and have come home enthusiastic about the scenic wonders of the islands. Waters of beautiful deep blue that fascinate are seen through the swaying palms, and beyond rolling hills; and through that atmosphere of joyous laziness, peculiar to the far East, comes plaintive music, sometimes sad, sometimes bright and cheery, that seems to move untouched depths in one's soul. Is it any wonder that returning visitors recount these charms again and again; that they generously wish that they might bring just a small part back to you, for you to enjoy and talk about as they do? Impossible though it is to transport the land, the water, or the climate of this garden spot, it is now possible to hear on the Blue Amberol right at your fireside some of this charming Hawaiian music — the music of the "Ukalele." Record 2776, listed in January, "When Old Bill Bailey Plays the Ukalele," is a most amusing ragtime popular song. The music is novel and quite bewitching, and altogether this record is a lively one. WE'LL APPRECIATE IT Have you done it? Have you filled in the blank printed in the December issue of the Phonograph Monthly, and sent it to us? If you haven't, won't you look up the December issue, answer the questions as asked, and send in the blank? We have received a lot of these blanks, but we want a lot more. It is difficult for us to keep in touch with all Edison Amberola dealers; consequently, when we get these blanks properly filled in, we get a very good idea concerning the success of Amberola dealers and their methods of pushing the business. We really want to get a filled-in blank from every good Amberola dealer. Please send yours in if you have not already done so.