Before tape recorders became readily available in the 1950s and 1960s amateur singers and groups often went to small recording studios to make a disc of their performances.
These records, known as “ acetates ”, were not made for continual playing as their soft shellac surfaces quickly wore out. They were used widely for recording short-lived radio advertisements. This particular recording was made to promote the opening of Mckechnie's brass extrusion section.
The only known New Plymouth acetate recorder was Continental Studios. This small firm was established by Leolin (“Leo”) J. Davies and Baden Winchcombe in Tukapa Street, New Plymouth.
The studio operated during the 1950s and 1960s. It is not known when it closed.
Leo Davies and his wife Hazel were both musicians of some local renown. Leo was an accomplished piano accordion player and teacher..
Davies was taught instrument-making by Charles Johnson in Hawera and during World War II he formed a dance band, Leo Davies Continental Orchestra, and later the Hawaiian Serenaders.