Much of the best jazz piano music of the 1920's was performed on piano rolls made for coin operated pianos. These rolls were called "A" rolls and played on Style "A" type Coin Pianos, the most common coin-operated instrument. Many of these hot jazz tunes were only available in the "A" roll format. The rolls played only 58 notes of the 88 note scale, but the performances are so good that one would never know just by listening.
A vast majority of the tunes that I play are culled from Capitol "A" rolls and the rest are performed in a similar style. Many times I will hold to the 58 note format for authenticity's sake- it has a certain structure and sound to it.
Many "A" roll instruments, besides playing just piano and the prerequisite mandolin- a rail with wood or medal clips that drops in front of the hammers- also played a third instrument ranging from, violin pipes, flute pipes, xylophone, marimba and even reed organ.
The rolls are exceedingly rare as they were made on low quality paper and meant to be thrown away- indeed many had to after a weeks long play time at a busy establishment.
If you have the opportunity to listen to a Capitol all blues roll at any time, do not ignore the chance... you will miss something truly special.
Karl Schoder.
