Music recorded in May 1923

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Music recorded in May 1923

May 1923 was a month of significant change in the political, economic, technological, and entertainment sectors. In Germany, the prolonged occupation of the Ruhr led to a further decline in the value of the currency, spreading anxiety in both daily life and industry. In Britain, Andrew Bonar Law (1858–1923) stepped down as Prime Minister due to illness, and Stanley Baldwin (1867–1947) became Prime Minister on May 22. In Ireland, an order to lay down arms was issued by anti-treaty factions on May 24, bringing the Irish Civil War to a major close. In the United States, the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum was completed on May 1, and on May 2-3, the Fokker T-2 achieved a non-stop transcontinental flight. Furthermore, the first ever 24 Hours of Le Mans race was held in France on May 26-27, marking the birth of a new symbol of endurance motorsport.

Confirmed recordings this month: 0

Summary of information regarding the May 1923 recording.

In May 1923, we can see activity from Victor Talking Machine Company, Columbia Graphophone Co., Brunswick-Balke-Collender Co., Thomas A. Edison, Inc., Gennett Records (by Starr Piano Co.), Vocalion (by The Aeolian Company), The Gramophone Company, Limited, and Okeh Records. Recording date data shows that popular songs, dance music, folk repertoire, test recordings, experimental disc recordings, and classical recordings were all progressing in parallel, and contemporary industry magazines reveal a restructuring of sales policies and overseas expansion.

Victor

At the Victor Talking Machine Company, we can confirm test recordings of "Honeysuckle Time" on May 17, 1923, "Mr. Gallagher and Mr. Shean" on May 18, and "The Cootie Crawl" on May 23. In May, the company was handling both release matrixing and test recordings simultaneously, continuously recording new popular songs and stage-based performances.

Columbia

At Columbia Graphophone Co., we can confirm the recordings of "Song of the Volga Boatmen" on May 1st, "Ritzi Mitzi" on May 4th, and "Indiana Moon" on May 14th, 1923. Vocal music, popular songs, and dance orchestral pieces were recorded concurrently within the same month, indicating that the company maintained both classical-oriented recordings and mass-market products.

Brunswick

At Brunswick-Balke-Collender Co., we can confirm the recordings of "Marchéta" on May 4, 1923, "A meidel in die Turen" and "Korobuschka" on May 12, and "Jack and Jill medley" on May 18. Furthermore, an article titled "Lightner With Brunswick Co." appeared in the May 1923 issue of an industry magazine, confirming that the company was moving to establish a base in Buenos Aires for its South American business. It can be said that in May, the company was simultaneously engaged in recording production and expanding its overseas sales network.

Edison

At Thomas A. Edison, Inc., an experimental disc recording labeled "Experimental disc recording" can be found dated May 14, 1923, alongside "Nevinny valčík," and on May 17, "Ritzi Mitzi (A snappy, peppy ditty)" by the Kaplans Melodists is listed. The presence of both regular and experimental disc recordings in the same month indicates that the company was simultaneously pursuing product supply and technical experimentation.

Jennette

At Gennett Records, a label under Starr Piano Co., we can find "Arabian Dance" and "Hammerdieh March" recorded on May 23, 1923. This suggests that by late May, the label was running a new matrix including recordings that prominently featured Middle Eastern themes.

Vocalion

In the May 1923 issue of an industry magazine, The Aeolian Company's Vocalion label published the "Vocalion Record Cut-Out Plan," announcing a reorganization plan that would allow retailers to return 112 titles. While this did not include information on new recordings, it is a concrete indication that the company was reviewing its inventory structure and sales policy that same month.

Gramophone

The Gramophone Company, Limited recorded "Symphony no. 6, in B minor" on May 1, 1923, and "Det brister en…" on May 23. This indicates that, at least during these months, the company was engaged in both large-scale classical recordings and Scandinavian repertoire, maintaining an international recording lineup distinct from its focus on popular music in the British and American markets.

OK

Okeh Records' catalog from May 1923 lists 4861 "Barney Google," 4865 "Abandonado," and 4872 "Pua mohala" and "Kohala march." The inclusion of dance/orchestra music and Hawaiian music in the same month indicates that they were selling both urban-oriented trendy items and ethnic/regional products. In addition, an advertisement for retailers in the same month, anticipating increased demand, shows an active approach to distribution.

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