The talking machine world (Jan-Dec 1916)

THE TALKING MACHINE WORLD 93 FROM OUR LONDON HEADQUARTERS— (Continued from page 92) with its headquarters on Swallow street, Piccadilly, London, W., seems rather to court a certain seclusion outside the publicity limelight so frequently reflected upon the doings of other gramophone houses. While not wholly so, there is nevertheless a measure of truth in the fact that the company are not at the moment desirous of proclaiming too loudly the active work which they are accomplishing in behalf of gramophone traders abroad. Like most other firms the Grammavox record people have been seriously affected by the shortage of labor, but arrangements are now happily almost complete whereby this difficulty will soon be but a memory. In conversation with the general manager, M. W. Chapman, we were assured that the company's facilities for prompt recording and dispatch of 5,000 lots and up, will enable them to offer oversea buyers the best service towards the complete ousting of enemy firms and oversea record buyers are therefore invited to commence immediate negotiations for adequate supplies of the all-British Grammavox records at competitive prices. As an earnest of their enterprise and determination, the Sound Recording Co. has already secured additional premises in Swallow street, and as they aptly put it: "We hope to get more of this street in good time." The Grammavox record (10inch double) has behind it many years of good reputation abroad for quality and general value, and in this direction there can be no doubt but that the company is on the high road to achieve further successes. Issue Series of Records in Russian The existing ties of friendship between Britain and Russia will undoubtedly be further strengthened along commercial lines after the war, and sincere commendation is due to any enterprise that will assist in bridging the wide and difficult gulf between the distinctive habits and general intercourse of each country. To a closer commercial understanding a knowledge of the somewhat intricate Russian language is a first essential. Upon that will arise the commercial edifice which it is hoped to build up. In this grand work it is encouraging to know that "His Master's Voice" will speak with no uncertain voice. The policy of the Gramophone Co., Ltd., has ever been one of high ideals and in musical and educational achievement, it stands unquestionably pre-eminent in its successful endeavors to raise the tone of our industry and place it upon a plane as closely allied to art as, under present methods of production, it may attain. In this regard the company's reputation is endorsed by the issue of a fine series of Russian language records, which will make considerably easier the students' task of learning the accent, grammar, and correct phrasing of this intricate language. The records have been spoken by a Russian master — no less a person than Nevill Forbes, M.A., reader in Russian to Oxford University. The chapters are from the "First Russian Book" (Forbes) published by the Clarendon Press. False Declaration Brings Fine For making a false declaration with regard to musical instruments imported to Dittlehampton and London, Messrs. Joseph Wallis & Son, Ltd., London, were recently mulcted in fines amounting to £60. Attractive Winner Records Oversea records buyers are offered a very attractive line in the "Winner" double disc, which, in point of popularity occupies a prominent place on the British markets at home and abroad. The Winner quality is second to none as judged by artistic and recording standards. A new list of good selling titles is issued each month, and dealers have come to place implicit reliance upon the sales value of these issues. That is the supreme test, and as the "Winner" record output increases each month commensurately with the demand, it may be accepted without question as a sign of strength and vitality. This, of course, reflects good service in that provision is made for every musical taste by the issue of records which have all passed a special examination by trained assistants. Apart from this quality test, the Winner boasts a splendid number of star-bill artists, many exclusive, and whose contributions are chosen from the very latest of London's musical programs. A typical example is the current Winner list, and dealers are well advised to obtain it, together with a complete Winner record catalog and trading terms. The company's address will be found in their announcement elsewhere in this section. Variety in Zonophone Records The essence of Zonophone record issues is "variety," to which also one might add 'topicality," for centered in the company's August supplement is about the most comprehensive choice alike welcome to dealer and public. It includes a "special!" What that means the Zonophone public will readily recognize. Many and varied are the songs for Tommy and Jack, but none for the tireless munition workers — until now. This Zono special, as may be guessed, is the one that fills the bill, and fills it very effectively, too! Aptly named "The Munition Workers' Song — an inspiration by, we are glad to note a young British musician, Miss Kathleen Bruckshaw — it portrays in vivid words that will evoke the admiration of all who hear them, a fine tribute to the men "behind" whose lot it is to undergo the stress and strain of continuous weeks and months of hard work at the bench, lathe, or other machine, in support of our gallant army and navy. That preeminent artist, Robert Radford (bass) has exclusively recorded this magnificent song for the British Zonophone Co. On the reverse is recorded "The Victor March," by the Black Diamond Band, and altogether nothing is wanting to make the record the success which it undoubtedly merits. The Zono August list is otherwise well collated in up-to-date numbers, talent and quality! Bid for Suffrage Patronage Among recent record programs, we notice that the Grammavox Co. make a bold bid for the suffrages of keen buyers. It may be noted here that special attention is given to oversea trade requirements, details of which are set forth in the company's announcement elsewhere in this section. A fine array of popular selling titles, numbering well over 2,000 and covering every phase of music both vocal and instrumental, is available in big or small parcels at keen prices. Covering a host of standard songs, orchestral, band, and solo-instrumental "hits," the repertory is withal up-to-date, as witness, for example, the production of London's very latest musical delight — "Razzle Dazzle" within seven days of its stage appearance. This Revue is a remarkable success, and the Sound Recording Co. have been called upon to press heavily to insure that no order may go unfulfilled or delayed. A find profit-making line is offered and publicity matter, lists and terms of trading can be obtained from the Sound Recording Co., Ltd., Swallow street, Piccadilly, London, W. Interested in Canadian Suit Great interest is being taken by British record manufacturers in the action of the Berliner Gramophone Co., Montreal, to restrain the Winnipeg Piano Co. from offering for sale the Coliseum records, which are made in London. The matter being sub judice, comment for the present is precluded. But we may say that in London trade circles there is a general desire to have this and other patents affecting the sale of British records in a British Dominion, cleared up once and for all. Diminishing Supply of Workers With most of their "eligibles" either in the army or about to be called up, British firms find it no sinecure to keep things going on the depleted staff at their disposal, and as may be surmised an unusual strain is thereby imposed upon those at the helm to whose lot falls the arduous duty of maintaining an adequate service. It is no wonder, therefore, that under such conditions prevalent over an all too long period nature at last rebels. A case in point is that of Frank Samuel, of the wellknown musical instrument house of Barnett Samuel & Sons, Ltd., this city. For many months past Frank has been doing the work of two or three ordinary men, with the inevitable result. Upon medical advice he has been forced to take a prolonged rest, and at the moment of writing is in America. From cablegrams received by Nelson Samuel, I learn that he has much benefited by the sea voyage, and is rapidly regaining his normal good health. Mr. Samuel is expected home early in August, if not before, when we shall hope to find him completely restored. (Continued on page 94) THE EDISON-BELL VELVET-FACE (VF) RECORD DOUBLE-SIDED— NEEDLE-CUT— 10 inch and 12 inch IS THE SUPREME EFFORT OF GRAMOPHONIC ART There are no faulty VF's, as Every Record has to pass a crucial test before it is released for sale. The production is of the highest quality. The Titles and Subjects recorded are by the most prominent artists in the Gramophone world. 10 inch 2/6 12 inch 4/— If your jobber doesn't stock them, try our Direct Service. It will pay you both for quality and price. For full particulars, Wholesale and Retail, apply to J. E. HOUGH, Ltd., Edison Bell Works, Glengall Rd., Peckham, London, England