Hi folks:
In his biography of Fiddlin' John Carson, Gene Wiggins wrote, "Brunswick
had been in Atlanta to record Sacred Harp music in September 1922."
I find no discographical verification of this statement. On the other
hand, in July 1922, Brunswick did record the "Original Sacred Harp
Choir"; according to Russell, this session was held in New York.
I've listened to the one track from this session that's available on the
net, "New Btiain" (aka "Amazing Grace"); it doesn't sound like any
southern shape-note singers I've ever heard. The voices sound trained,
they modulate between soft and loud, and they roll their "R"s. If I had
to guess, I'd guess that the "Original Sacred Harp Choir" was from New
England or thereabouts, though I've seen speculation that they were from
Texas.
Does anyone here know anything about the Original Sacred Harp Choir and
their 1922 New York recordings? And does anyone know what suggested to
Wiggins that Brunswick recorded Sacred Harp music in Atlanta that Septemher?
Thanks in advance for any leads!
Peace,
Paul
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