Arabella Fields, '"The Black Nightingale", circa 1907.

Here’s a rarity. A German Anker record ca. 1907, which is partly titled in English as well as German, and both labels differ in language & text. More important is the artist: Arabella Fields, an African American who came to Europe in the 1890s and remained here for the rest of her life. She now has a good page on Wikipedia, which will tell you much of her European itinerary, including the 1914-18 War period. She continued all through the 1920s, and appeared in a 1931 film ‘Baroud’, made by Rex Ingram - a couple of short shadowy clips appear on CZcams - all that seems to be left of this movie?

[@donjohnstone3707]

Wonderful songs, beautiful voice, excellent reproduction of the original recording. Thank you.

[@brooksiefan]

How precious! Thank you.

[@bixanorak]

Wow - that was a quick response, thanks. 😀I've had this disc for maybe 10 years and assumed it would already have been uploaded. I love the way she sings the last part of the last chorus so softly. It makes it so more poignant. Many thnaks again, Norman.

[@playedon78]

After 55 years of collecting and doing the rounds of Bix, Bing, Whiteman, Nichols, King Oliver et all, these are the records i thrill in finding these days! Thanks for the intro to Arabella and a very interesting wiki article.
Look forward to more like this!

[@Mechsounds]

Greetings to you Norman from DownUnder in Melbourne. I've never seen this label. What a find and nicely restored too. I wonder what Belle would say ? Keep sharing your gems and technology. Many thanks and all the best. Greg.

[@bixanorak]

Thanks, Greg. Of course, the real event was Dr. Rainer Lotz's 40-CD set 'Black Europe', which collected together virtually all recordings made by African-Americans from earilest times to the late 1920s. I really must save up for a set! 😀 Cheers, Norman.

[@SinaFarhat]

Lovely!

[@bixanorak]

Thanks very much! All best wishes to you & yours. Cheers, Norman.

[@borisromanoff4244]

And also Thanks a lot!

[@borisromanoff4244]

Congratulations Dear Mad Scientist and/or Professor!

[@bixanorak]

Thank you! We hope to continue upoloading various other things in the future! All the best for now, Norman.