The Saxophone King In the glittering world of early 20th-century popular music, few figures shone as brightly as Rudy Wiedoeft, the man who brought the saxophone from the margins of orchestras to the forefront of American entertainment. Known as the “Kreisler of the Saxophone,” Wiedoeft’s virtuosic performances and innovative techniques…
Month: July 2024
Vintage Movies
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The Testament of Dr. Mabuse (1933)
Fritz Lang’s “The Testament of Dr. Mabuse” (1933) picks up where its predecessor left off, diving back into the twisted world of the criminal mastermind Dr. Mabuse. Last week I reviewed “Dr. Mabuse the Gambler” (1922); this week we’re reviewing the sequel where, eleven years later, Lang brings Mabuse back…
Vintage Cameras
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Graflex 22
The Graflex 22 camera stands as a testament to mid-20th century photographic innovation, carving out a unique place in the history of image-making. This medium format marvel, introduced during a time of rapid technological advancement, quickly became the go-to tool for discerning photographers who demanded quality and versatility in their…
Classic Musicians
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Cesare Sodero
Cesare Sodero and Sodero’s Band Cesare Sodero, a name that resonates with the golden age of early 20th-century music, was a remarkable conductor and composer who left an indelible mark on the musical world. Leading Sodero’s Band, he became a prominent figure on the Edison label, a powerhouse in the…
Vintage Record Labels
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Edison Records
I. The Origins of Edison Records Thomas Edison, known as “The Wizard of Menlo Park,” was a prolific inventor whose innovations profoundly shaped the modern world. Among his most significant inventions were the electric light bulb, the motion picture camera, and the phonograph. The phonograph, invented in 1877, marked a…