Pianolas or player pianos, were invented in the late 19th century and operated pneumatically, using perforated paper music rolls ’cut’ by professional pianists and fed through the machine by foot pedals. Almost overnight, they became the ’must have’ in drawing rooms of the wealthy where the least talented hostess could now become the star of their own show. They reached their peak in the late 1920’s but were revived during the 1950’s when several more mechanical rolls were made, including the sparkling tracks on this particular album. Thanks to Ted Beckerleg and Terry Smythe we are able to bring you a unique collection of no fewer than 33 syncopated tunes taken from original piano rolls. They are great fun to listen to but don’t just take our word for it!
