This blog is dedicated to the sublime instruments called nose flutes and which produce the most divine sound ever. We have chosen to discard all the native models from S. Pacific and Asia, for they need fingering to be played. We'll concentrate on "buccal cavity driven" nose flutes : the well patented and trademarked metal or plastic ones, plus, by a condemnable indulgence, some wooden craft or home-made productions.

Feb 15, 2013

Humanatones in the U.S. Navy during WWII

We were already aware of American soldiers playing nose flute during the WWII. Indeed, one of the first Humanatone box was especially dedicated to the Boys.



Even the famous harmonicist Larry Adler had taken the opportunity of a radio broadcast to ask for sending harmonicas and nose flutes to the fighting forces (check this post).

I just found a simple testimony that these nose flutes were really played! Indeed, in the Fighting Squadron VF-9 history report, we can read that nose flute was played during free time





Fortunately, the file was declassified :)

3 comments:

  1. Fascinating evidence! Also fascinating to see such original former "classified" documents! Larry Adler for Hall of Fame member in the Promotors' category?

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  2. It's just a word in a report, but it's rather funny that it was mentioned :)

    Well, for Larry Adler, my opinion is that the move is a bit too small. What is the opinion of other readers?

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  3. Well, I always feel that famous people of the day have a rather large impact: when they support something, it usually gets the attention it needs. That's the reason why famous people are always asked to do commercials. Larry Adler for sure was quite famous. He even features in a Paul Simon song together with The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and Bob Dylan...

    It would be interesting to know just how much impact his support to the instrument had. I wouldn't be surprised if his call actually made many more people order and send a Humanatone to the troops. The most interesting however would be if there are any recordings or his. I reckon he must have played the instrument...!

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