The Viola Loops
The following pair of quarter inch tape loops were found in a Swan Vesta matchbox amongst Robson Booth's effects. Each tape contains four tracks. On the type of machine owned by Robson booth - a Grundig TK20 - tracks can be played simultaneously: tracks 1 and 3 in one direction; tracks 2 and 4 in the other.
Tape 1 (SS201)
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Track 1: Jig rhythm played on a viola tuned to C, F, c and f, col legno battuto (with the wood of the bow - the sonic qualities indicate a thicker and softer wood than a normal viola bow, such as a large piece of driftwood)
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Track 3: Shore sounds
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The loop fits under several of the Northumbrian Smallpipes tunes, and we have demonstrated this using SS0009, Jimmy's Jig (link to score in pop-up)
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Tracks 2 and 4 are essentially empty, though there are highlighted frequencies at 150Hz, 250Hz, 350Hz, 450Hz, 550Hz, 750Hz, 850Hz, 950Hz and 1050Hz
Tape 2 (SS202)
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Track 1: Rant rhythm played on a viola tuned to C, F, c and f, col legno battuto (with the wood of the bow - the sonic qualities indicate a thicker and softer wood than a normal viola bow, such as a large piece of driftwood)
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Track 3: Seagull sounds
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The loop fits under several of the Northumbrian Smallpipes tunes, and we have demonstrated this using SS0016, Fetching Up the Watter (link to score in pop-up)
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Track 2: A section from Fish Market by Roy Eldridge and his Orchestra ↗̱ (Decca, 1944). (see also the Indoor Market recording)
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Track 4: Breathing problems and feedback
Viola accompaniment of a similar style can be heard on the Seaton Snook Tape Ballad recording of the song Blodscar Rocks, performed by Robson Booth.