Several months ago the celebrated band Roochie Toochie and the Ragtime Shepherd Kings played an intimate Salon in my Cabinet. They performed classic songs as "Pame Sti Honolulu," "Tiger Rag," and "Banjoreno," and kindly accepted my request to record the exceptional event. Their sweet sounds may now accompany me on my travels. As the Edison records recently arrived in Mexico, I have just now played them on a Victrola cone and wish to relay my impressions of wonder and delight.
"Pame Sti Honolulu," certainly lives up to its English name, "Let's go to Honolulu," reminding me of the sights and sounds that I enjoyed with my father while sailing around that exquisite area of the Pacific Ocean. The yodeling in this song is an unusual new addition, however.
Both "Tiger Rag" and "Banjoreno" were simply so entertaining that I could not help but smile when hearing the fast-paced melodies and inventive instruments. Aaron Jonah Lewis, Joy Patterson, Tim Findlen, Lindsay McCaw, and Matt Bell, are quite talented.
A scholar called Martin Fisher facilitated the recording. He explained the fascinating science behind the technology of these "wax" cylinders. May all of my future Salons leave such an unusual mark.