CHAPTER 4: Dulcimers in the British Isles since 1800 > Dulcimers in Scotland

Recorded on 78-rpm discs: 1 of 4

Apart from "the great Scott", a number of other players from that era are recorded on 78s:

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Bob Smith is a name well-known to devotees of the Music Hall, for his 'Ideal Band' had quite an elaborate act; in 1931 he recorded four selections featuring dulcimer, one pair - not recorded consecutively, but separated by only two other tracks, were dulcimer duets, the 'lead' dulcimer-player, J.P. Andrews being joined by Bob Smith himself. The other pair were performed by 'Bob Smith and party':

M 13270

Belfast Hornpipe/Sailor's Hornpipe/High Level Hornpipe

M 13273

The Dashing White Sergeant/My Love She's but a Lassie Yet/The Rose Tree

J.P. Andrews and Bob Smith, dulcimer duet

(Beltona 1657)

M 13274

An Old "National Hall" Favourite Pt.I

M 13275

An Old "National Hall" Favourite Pt.2

Bob Smith & Party

(Beltona 1633)

Of the duet selections, the first side seems in fact to be just a single dulcimer accompanied by piano, such discrepancy between label and disc contents being not particularly unusual. However, the second side is definitely two dulcimers, playing melody in unison, together with piano which mostly vamps accompaniment, but which now and then doubles the melody yet again, an octave higher: the bass runs are particularly entertaining.