Edison Sound Recordings - (War Songs) Audio CD
	Military music from the beginning of audio history.... "I was never so taken aback in my life--I was always afraid of things that worked the first time." --Thomas A. Edison on hearing his voice play back to him from his first tin foil phonograph.

Music hath the power to soothe the savage beast. Over the ages, mankind has found relaxation, entertainment and new meaning to life by this power. The ability of make music is as unique to the human being as is the power of reasoning.

And yet, the making of music would not have progressed beyond the stand-up chamber acapella stage if Thomas Alva Edison had not invented the phonograph. It is the recording of sound and the critical analysis that is thereby made possible that contributes to improved techniques and technology. From the crude tinfoil-based contraption he initially experimented with in 1917, onto the wieldier and versatile wax cylinder - of which the once popular LP was the direct descendant - Edison was the pioneer of immortalizing music and sound in general for posterity. He gave the world its first recordings through his National Phonograph Company. Though his patent was eventually improved upon by others and he finally ceased production of recorded music, we cannot forget that it was Thomas Edison who is, by implication, the father of recorded sound. For that reason alone, his early recordings are a matter of historical importance.

Edison Sound Recordings - (War Songs) Audio CD from the A2ZCDS series proves that martial music has been an inspiration throughout history. Probably no other form of communication has filled flagging spirits with more patriotism than the songs, medleys and blood-pounding marches that soldiers have sung since before Alexander, Attila and Napoleon.

'There's A Long, Long Trail' is a war song first created and published by Edison in 1916 and is faithfully reproduced here in its first recorded avatar. The performed, George Wilton Ballard, would have been gratified to know that his version lives on to the present day. 'Madelon - I'll Be True To The Whole Regiment', performed by Arthur Fields, is a moving war eulogy rendered in scintillating baritone to orchestral accompaniment. In the same patriotic vein, 'Till The Boys Come Home', sung by Frederick Wheeler, is a timeless tribute the fighting men that was produced in 1916.

But it is track "Let us not forget" that is perhaps the most momentous - a live recording of Thomas Alva Edison's voice, exhorting the American people 'not to forget' the selfless sacrifices made by Allied soldiers on WWII fronts across the world. This is the great inventor himself - modest to the point of seclusion, but with a message that you will not forget because of who has given it.

Listen to Samples:

To hear a song sample, click on the "Listen ."

TRACK	RUNNING TIME	MP3
1. There's a long, long trail	00:03:44	Listen
2. The stars and stripes forever march	00:03:24	Listen
3. Let us not forget	00:01:50
4. Madelon (I'll be true to the whole regiment)	00:03:55
5. I'm forever blowing bubbles	00:04:02
6. The U.S. Field Artillery march	00:04:16
7. True to the flag march	00:03:35
8. Die Schnitzelbank	00:04:06
9. Till the boys come home	00:04:02
10. Lorraine (My beautiful Alsace-Lorraine)	00:04:08
11. Just a baby's prayer at twilight	00:04:07
12. Onward, Christian soldiers!	00:04:09

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EDITORIAL REVIEW:

This CD covers most aspects of military music as it was heard in the earliest part of the last century, and even the religious angle is well represented with a heartfelt rendition of 'Onward, Christian Soldiers' by the Calvary Choir and Choir Boys of St. Andrew's Church, New York. Throughout this collection, the baseline recording quality conspicuously fails to intrude; after all, this is history in audible form - far above considerations of 'quality control'. After all, we do not judge the texture of ancient papyrus scrolls - we marvel that they exist at all.

As with all other items in this series by A2zcds, Edison Sound Recordings - (War Songs) Audio CD is an awe-inspiring compilation, both for the musical content and the historical connotations invested in the fact that these are the absolute pioneering recordings of every featured musical item. As such, this CD is worthy of reverential listening and an overall approach of humility and wonder. It is a personal guarantee that hearing Thomas Edison speak to America in a rare recording of his voice will make your skin break out in gooseflesh.

CUSTOMER'S REVIEWS:

"This was an eminently worthwhile purchase. I needed to get an intimate feel of history, and what better way than to actually hear it? The songs and music on Edison Sound Recordings - (War Songs) Audio CD are as beautiful as grainy black-and-white pictures from the previous century. It was awesome to hear the voice of Edison himself. Thanks for a memorable treat, A2ZCDS..."

Customer's Name: Anton B. Murray (Bowie, Maryland)