Fred Van Eps - Junk Man Rag Medley (Edison Blue Amberol cylinder)

Banjoist Fred Van Eps, with band accompaniment, plays "Junk Man Rag Medley", issued on Edison Blue Amberol 2225. This cylinder was recorded in early 1914 (before April 1914). In addition to "Junk Man Rag", which is played in the key of D, he also interpolates brief strains of "Harmony Joe" (in the key of C) and "That Teasin' Rag" (in the key of F). These Edison Blue Amberols were beautifully recorded, and the electrical reproduction allows us to hear just how good that sound quality is. Establishing the correct equalisation is an important factor here. (Later Edison Blue Amberols were dubbed from Edison Diamond Discs and, consequently, the sound quality is not as good, being much thinner-sounding.)