Who is Marvin Abbott?

Anyone who collects player piano rolls know that  the name that appears as the artist is highly suspect.  Most staff pop roll artists, also had several pseudo names.  We know that Frank Milne had numerous names on both Aeolian and Ampico labels. 

Does this Marvin Abbott roll sound like Frank Milne?  Frank’s fame is on the piano, but his training also included the pipe organ.  He did have one Aeolian Duo Art organ roll with his name on it.

“A Garden in the Rain” was popular in the 1920’s with several male vocalists.  In this Aeolian Duo Art roll, the Echo organ is used in a very unusual manner.   It plays in contrast to the great division, first featuring the melody when the switch is abrupt to the Echo quintadena, then offering accompaniment as the melody shifts to the great on the trumpet.  Later, full organ is used to remind the listener of the Aeolian power, then the conclusion resumes with the Echo .  This “non-conformance” with traditional style is typical of Milne.

The recording would be better in surround sound, but here it is just stereo with the Echo some 25 feet behind the microphones.   Yes, the echo tremulent is very noticeable, but it is ok for now.  We’re working on getting it quieter.

Copyright 2013, Robert W. Taylor