[78-L] Speaking of portable equipment/cutter back in 1940?

[Julian Vein]

Milan P Milovanovic wrote:
> Dear list members,
> 
> about 3 years ago, I've heard interesting story about Norman Chalfin, who 
> recorded sound for Hurston Beaufort expedition. Norman Chalfin was "audio 
> technician who had accompanied Hurston and Belo to South Carolina to record 
> the music, religion and language of a people before their heritage and 
> culture were lost to history".
> 
> Also, he recorded one night club appearance of great Lester Young, in 
> December 29, 1940.
> 
> All those information I found here:
> http://www.loc.gov/loc/lcib/0605/young.html
> 
> Now, my question is: what, way back then 1940. was portable equipment? Were 
> those cutter machines/lathes designed for 16" blank inserts? "Audiodisc" 
> sample as shown on photograph - was it amateurish or pro? If it was 
> professional disc, how come that it was used on portable equipment?
> 
> Judging from what can be heard from Lester Young clip (here: 
> http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5344114), it is so well 
> recorded with rather clear frequency response down to the lowest register 
> (bass drum) and way up in highest sounds of cymbals and hi-hat.
> 
> Thank you,
> 
> Milan Milovanovic
==================
Unfortunately, what we hear on the clip is not that inspired. That's the 
worst performance I've heard from West, one of my favourite drummers! Is 
he trying compensate for the lack of bass, as did Krupa with the BG 
Trio/Quartet?

Let's hope it's not representative of the whole.

      Julian Vein


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