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Three Versions of QRS 1160 "Japanese Sandman"
By Frank Himpsl

Re. Robbie's comments to John King's note about QRS "Stumbling"
played by Zez Confrey [170817 MMDigest].  I think there may be a
bit of mis-communication on this.  To the best of my knowledge,
there exist only two versions of QRS 1938, "Stumbling," played by
composer Zez Confrey; one is a distinctive piano solo that is
scarce, and another which is labeled as a trio played by Confrey,
Arden and Kortlander.

The one Confrey roll that does exist in three unique versions is QRS
1160, "The Japanese Sandman."  One version is in a rather snappier
foxtrot style, and is seen most frequently.  The second version
is probably the first one issued.  It is arranged with elongated
perforations, and extensive novelty patterns which are technically
difficult to perform.

This style of arranging was used by QRS from circa 1919-1921, and is
heard on solo rolls played by Confrey, Arden, Ohman, Kortlander and
others.  QRS changed their rolls to have shorter perforations probably
some time around 1922.  This was likely due to the advent of more
player mechanisms which contained the automatic sustaining pedal,
perforated on the rolls.

The third version is one I discovered (that would be the better part of
50 years ago), and I personally played the roll for Dave Jasen and Mike
Schwimmer at my home.  This unique version is a hybrid of the other
two; starting off like the second but then alternately adopting the
foxtrot rhythm of the version most commonly encountered.

There is yet a fourth QRS "Japanese Sandman" -- QRS 1202 -- but this
is played by Phil Ohman, and completely in ballad style.  It has the
elongated perforation arranging typical of QRS 1919-21.

Hope this information is helpful.

All Best,
Frank Himpsl


(Message sent Mon 21 Aug 2017, 21:40:14 GMT, from time zone GMT-0400.)

Key Words in Subject:  1160, Japanese, QRS, Sandman, Three, Versions

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