This is an original copy of QRS Piano Roll # 491 and dates from around 1917, and not 1913 as I previously thought . Pete Wendling plays a very good arrangement of WC Handy's song, complete with a "double time" ending that is highly syncopated. It is interesting to compare this roll with the mechanically arranged version right next to this one on YouTube.
Thanks for a terrific video/performance of a terrific roll! This roll actually dates from about 1917. The "1913" you cite is the publication date of the song version of the tune (I believe), although as an instrumental, "Memphis Blues" itself goes back to 1912. Pete Wendling was not even making rolls in 1913, he was in England appearing nightly at the London Hippodrome, where he won rave reviews for his ragtime piano playing.
Pete's first rolls were made in 1914 for the Rythmodik company.
KawhackitaRag 1 year ago
It's a tough call between Handy and Wendling. I like them both but, have a certain affection for the Wendling style.
pm0501 1 year ago