It is my sad duty to report that the aluminum record shown here, entrusted to me by our Mother, and dutifully stored in a a fire-proof vault, turned out not to be a home recording after all. I sent the disc to CDC Productions in Orlando, FL., and they created an archival recording on CD of both sides. And additional recording was then made using noise suppression equipment to maximize the available sound.

In addition, I researched the disc manufacturer, and the recording technique to pinpoint the age of the disc.

An aluminum disc of this type, without an acetate coating, is the rarest of records used. The disc was manufactured by Mirror Record Corp. in New York. The recording equipment was most likely a Presto recording machine, which feature a turntable powered by electricity. A heave weight was positioned on the record to prevent slipping. The primary use of uncoated aluminum discs was to record programs or events on radio. They were used primarily between 1920 and 1935. I think Grandpa picked up the recorder when they were being discontinued in the the early 30s, from a radio station or one of many recording companies that recorded live radio. In addition, he probably bought a number of blank discs, and may have kept this one hoping he could re-record it; perhaps he made this recording, but I doubt it.

Both sides sound like they are the same male quartet, first and second tenors, baritone, and bass. Side one contains two spirituals, "Ezekiel saw the Wheel [Way Up In The Middle of the Air]" and "All God's Chillun Got Shoes [Gonna walk all over God's Heaven]" while side two contains one "white" gospel song, "Coming For Me, For Me."

The group sounds Caucasian, and white Barbershop music was at its zenith in the early 30s.

I know Dad and Uncle Dick both liked quartet music, but I just didn't get any feeling that the group included our relatives, or amateurs. There is no evidence that it was an impromptu performance, nor a concert; much more like a radio or recording studio.

I have uploaded the two sides as one "track" lasting about 6:10. If you would like to hear it , I'll send it to you.