Piano Roll Artists


 

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Emil Wright & Bernard Johnston



 

Born: ?
Died: ?
AKA: Probably a pseudonym.
Labels: Ampico

This is most probably a pseudonym for the various duo-piano teams at the Ampico studios, used in 1929 only. I believe it was used for a specific purpose, when a new method of recording the performances was used - using the new spark chronograph recording system invented by Dr. Clarence Hickman, and issuing the roll basically without editing or forcing the rhythm into strict tempo (to improve the roll for singing and dancing). Click here for an example. (MIDI format)

These 'natural' rolls of popular music were obviously unpopular with customers, as they disappeared fairly quickly, along with the Wright and Johnston names.