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MMD > Archives > October 2019 > 2019.10.17 > 03Prev  Next


Piano Roll Artists in Film Shorts on YouTube
By Jim Miller

Since my posting of link updates to Andrew Barrett's list, I've
found two more items for inclusion.  After doing a Google search
of the MMD for any prior notice, I found that the following two had
not yet appeared:

1923 Eubie Blake - A Fantasy on Swanee River.  As with the previous
listing, this also was a De Forest Phonofilm.  With respect to it,
Wikipedia allows to us as follows:

"In 1923, Blake made three films for Lee DeForest in DeForest's
Phonofilm sound-on-film process: Noble Sissle and Eubie Blake,
featuring their song "Affectionate Dan"; Sissle and Blake Sing Snappy
Songs, featuring "Sons of Old Black Joe" and "My Swanee Home"; and
Eubie Blake plays his "Fantasy on Swanee River".  These films are
preserved in the Maurice Zouary film collection in the Library of
Congress collection."

The last may be viewed on YouTube here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Nw2ZZO7OhI&list=WL&index=478&t=0s 

There are two versions, each being rather different, possibly indicating
for some on-the-spot improvisation maybe?  They reveal spectacularly,
as no other has yet-to in this writers' opinion, the fact of Blake's
early classical training compliments of "... a neighbor, Margaret
Marshall, an organist for the Methodist church."  (Wikipedia.)

This learning period seems to have lasted for perhaps a good eight
years before Blake took-up sporting house piano accompaniment duties
at age 15.  (Such duties only; not sporting participation as Eubie
took pains to make clear.)  If it be the case actually, such
disciplined training, it really does show in these two examples.

In the second of the two, at the end Eubie turns to the camera and
grins indicating, as seems obvious, his extreme pleasure with what
he'd just done.  Well, he and we both, I am sure.  I recommend
a quick study of the Wikipedia page for Eubie Blake.  His honors and
honorary doctorates awarded to him later in life are truly impressive,
and were well-deserved.

(Also important but not relating directly to this present subject,
is the fact of the existence of around a dozen American-generated
Welte-Mignon T-100 four-hand performances, of no-less-than James Reese
Europe and Ford Dabney!  Talk about 'historically significant'!  Oh yes!
Europe suffered a tragic and way-to-early violent end but Ford Dabney
went-on after to accomplish much in the area of composition.  Strangely,
I've yet to discover any photo likeness of Dabney.)

1952 Phil Ohman.  This is a really fine, clear look at a later Phil
Ohman, here complete with mustache and as most nattily attired.  This
was filmed well after his partnership with Victor Arden had ended.
The tune is an Ohman Original -- "Dancing With a Deb" -- and is really
swell!  The grouping of eight musicians includes, as earlier, a second
but here anonymous pianist, as well as Phil himself holding-forth with
not inconsiderable panache and veteran assuredness.  Fortunately, we get
lots of keyboard view-time of our fellow's most fluid and impressive
digital dexterity.

During all throughout, Phil seems really quite pleased with himself,
as well as the proceedings generally.  In this writer's opinion, the
entire presentation and scene seem balanced and tasteful plus, it being
an authentic view of a very swinging early Fifties time now vanished.
Although lasting only three minutes it is a popular treasure, and
I think one to be savored.

On YouTube presently, there are two versions available, this first being
not very clear but easily accessible; the other way-better as to image
and sound but, a bit more trouble to find:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDjkjGHYPSU&list=WL&index=476 

And the second:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Zl63-uQ6VE&list=WL&index=474&t=0s 
(found at 20:50 - 24:00) and, be sure to select 480p resolution for the
clearest view.  It is so impressive that I am going to search for and
find a 16mm film copy.  Although only just over three minutes duration,
to see it large and clear, and with excellent sound, _that_ would be
some experience -- like "being there!"

Jim Miller
Las Vegas, Nevada


(Message sent Thu 17 Oct 2019, 13:18:14 GMT, from time zone GMT-0700.)

Key Words in Subject:  Artists, Film, Piano, Roll, Shorts, YouTube

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