
By default, the tool proposes a "smoothing" (of the curve) of 3, which helps to profile the trends. On the nose flute Ngram, we can see a global increase of the occurences, with some peaks. Of course, the graphic includes the many native nose flutes that we can't substract easily from the results. However, the peaks stay significant.
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On the right chart (1950-2000), there is a remarkable peak around 1977. I checked the books of this period, to understand what happened. The explanation wears a name : Roland Kirk, who died in 1977 at the top of his art and glory. As you can see, the peak took off from earlier.
Now, another interesting feature is the comparison with other expressions. I tried with nose flute, kazoo and slide whistle. They were invented in a 60 years timeframe: kazoo (1852), Nose flute (1892), Slide whistle (1910). Until 1940, the kazoo occurences graphic stays under the nose flute line, but then after, it blasts and reaches the sky! Why didn't nose flutes get such a success?

I reckon the kazoo initially is far easier to "play" than the nose flute. It is also easily handsfree. I think the kazoo blends really well with Bluegrass and Dixieland, for instance. Do check: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJysdWOWTc8
ReplyDeleteGreat names in music such as Paolo Conte certainly also helped the popularity of the instrument, I guess. Do check: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1k2Slr5-dh8
Despite these great performances, the kazoo is regarded as a toy instrument by music critics and 'serious' jazz musicians. I can imagine the kazoo being used as a gimmick in modern music, but sadly no more.
Yes, Maikel, you're right. It's the sad destiny of any not-scaled (100% chromatic) instruments : nose flute, kazoo, slide whistle, theremin, musical saw... All of them are looked as circus props.
DeleteDo you know this one?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xtbhE6s4wHE
Thanks! To have the picture complete, the ukelele player should have played a handsfree nose flute...
DeleteI agree. The fun thing is that a standard jazz instrument such as a double bass is fretless and therefore non-scaled as well, I would say (obviously with tuned strings). To me, the trumpet is a semi-natural instrument, as it requires a lot of adjustment by means of using tension on the lips in order to reach the whole range, for it only has 3 valves. A trombone needs even more 'natural positioning'... And yet, they have become standard, official and 'serious' instruments.