78rpm Disc: James McCarthy: The Broken Pledge Reel/Kit Shea's Reel

Fiddler James McCarthy recorded these two reels for the Gennett label (5725) in 1925. Paddy Muldoon provided the piano accompaniment.

There was a fiddle player named James McCarthy in Pittsburgh actively playing Irish music for various events and radio programs from the 1910s through the 1920s. Although it's difficult to confirm that the recorded McCarthy is the same musician, the one based in Pittsburgh performed often with piper John Mullen and Mullen's sister, Anna Thomas, on fiddle. McCarthy and Mullen also performed with step dancer John Hayes for Clan-na-Gael's Emmett anniversary in 1914.

Many thanks to Nick Whitmer for his connection of Mullen and McCarthy listed in the Lives of the Pipers bio for John Mullen (https://livesofthepipers.com/2mullenjohn.html).

From the Noel Rice Collection, Rice 78 00-126.

James McCarthy: The Broken Pledge Reel/Kit Shea's Reel

Vintage Rusty Trombones 
There's a bit of a Vintage Chart Toppers theme forming with the 78s and early vinyl this week, plus Colin has a chat with the fine young trombone player David Matthew Gray. Between them they'll slide in a busy set of great music, featuring JJ Johnson, Kai Winding, Benny Morton, Tommy Dorsey, Jack Teagarden, and more.
Broadcast, Sunday, 20th, October, 2024

Ep 42 - S10 - VCT - David Matthew Gray

78rpm Disc: John J. Kimmel: American Polka

Melodeon player John J. Kimmel recorded "American Polka" in March of 1908 for the Victor label (16048), although he did record a version for Zonophone in 1907 as well as an Edison cylinder recording in 1907 (https://cylinders.library.ucsb.edu/detail.php?query_type=mms_id&query=990025621450203776). 

German-American Kimmel became known for playing Irish, Scottish, and American tunes and advertised himself as "The Irish Dutchman." He recorded prolifically through the 1920s. 

From the Ted McGraw Collection, McGraw 78 03-225. 

John J. Kimmel: American Polka

78rpm Disc: Flanagan Brothers: The Flanagans Chase the Banshee (comic sketch and reel)

For Halloween, here's a comic sketch recorded by the Flanagan Brothers in 1926. They also include a reel (possibly a highland fling?) played on accordion and banjo that's become known as Chase the Banshee. The Flanagan Brothers recorded a number of these sketches over the years, mostly inspired by vaudeville jokes and performances.

Interestingly, the tune has made its way into the American Old Time tradition via fiddler Chirps Smith who recorded it on his "Down in Little Egypt" album in 2003. His source was the Flanagan Brothers' recording.

Recorded on the Columbia label (33126-F). From the Ted McGraw Collection, McGraw 78 00-985.

Flanagan Brothers: The Flanagans Chase the Banshee (comic sketch and reel)

Boop-Oop-a-Doop 
The return this week of the 'boop-oop-a-doop' girl, Helen Kane. By way of a slight contrast from the cute and sweet, to the sophisticated and beautiful voice of Canadian-American actress/singer, Deanna Durbin. Staying with the ladies, we feature Patsy Cline and a young Teresa Brewer. All this plus Tony Bennett on Happiness Street, and a rockin’ 1935 Decca recording from James Kok.

Broadcast, Sunday, 13th, October, 2024

Ep 41 - S10 - VCT - Boop - Oop - A - Doop

Home in Pasadena
There's more than a little romance in the air... on the air... this week. 'The Love Bug Will Bite You' say's Teddy Hill from 1937.  Billy Murray & Ed Smalle make their way dreamily through Pasadena in 1924.   
We're also Learnin' The Blues with Johnny Desmond and opening up the mailbag, once again, with a little Summertime reflection.

Broadcast, Sunday, 3rd, November, 2024

Ep 44 - S10 - VCT - Home In Pasadena

78rpm Disc: Garyowen Irish Recording Orchestra: Casey's Favorites (highlands)

Here's another recording of the Philadelphia-based Garyowen Irish Recording Orchestra which was led by Mike Matthews. The second tune was recorded by Séamus McGuire and John Lee as "Over the Bridget to Peggy." 

Released on the Tara label (427). From the David Giovannoni Collection, DG 78 00-207.

Garyowen Irish Recording Orchestra: Casey's Favorites (highlands)

Rememberence Day Special 
Our annual special observing of 'the 11th hour of the 11th month', honouring the armed forces who died in the line of duty, and ahead of the ceremony held at the Cenotaph in Central. Our show features Anne Shelton, Bob Crosby, The Central Band Of The Royal Airforce, and The Hong Kong Police Band, to name a few. Plus the voices of Churchill, Sir John Gielgud, and, of course, Vera Lynn.

Broadcast, Sunday, 10th, November, 2024

Ep 45 - S10 - Remembrance Day Special

The Numbers Show
This week, all the tunes selected for the show feature numbers in their lyrics. Counting up and counting down with the likes of Billie Holiday, Art Landry, Bonnie Lou, Bill Haley, Don Redman and The Andrews Sisters, performing a version of one of the most famous phone numbers ever recorded.

Broadcast, Sunday, 17th, November, 2024.

Ep 46 - S10 - VCT -  The Numbers show

Tom Cord
This week we welcome back to the show our old friend Tom Cord, who played drums with the Victoria Jazz Band, is a former member of the Royal Hong Kong Police, and is fluent in Cantonese...with a Scottish accent. He’s choosing a handful of sides that have meant something to him over years and chats with Colin about his time in Hong Kong in the 70s and 80s. Listen out for music from Earl Hines, Paul Whiteman, Chuck Berry, Nat King Cole, and... The Victoria Jazz Band themselves.

Broadcast, Sunday, 24th, November, 2024

Ep 47 - S10 - VCT - Tom Cord

Established in 1992, the Ward Irish Music Archives houses the largest public collection of Irish music in America. It is named after John J. Ward Jr., father of Irish Fest founder Ed Ward. The archive currently consists of more than 40,000 Irish music recordings and pieces of memorabilia ranging from rare 78 rpm's, LP's and sheet music to song books, instruments, and concert memorabilia. Many of the archives items are extremely difficult to find today, and our diverse collections focus on subjects such as Irish traditional music, Irish folk songs, Scottish music, and Irish contributions to American popular music.

New tracks tagged #78rpm