“Shuffle Off To Buffalo” – Washboard Rhythm Band (1933)

A deep depression cut from the Washboard Rhythm Kings (here as Washboard Rhythm Band) that was only issued in Europe. It’s not clear why the tunes in this session never got an American release –

Recorded from one of my favorite sessions with the WRK, as Taft Jordan’s wry vocals were on a roll after recording the outstanding “Midnight Rhythm” and “A Ghost of a Chance” earlier in the day.

Here they take a popular show tune from the hit 1933 film “42nd Street” (which featured the song in a big production number choreographed by Busby Berkeley) and gave it the washboard treatment – with a cheeky vocal send-up by Jordan and plenty of solos replete with their characteristic laid back elegance.

Recorded in New York City on March 8, 1933.
Released as Columbia DF 1262 in France.

Credits
Taft Jordan – trumpet, vocals
Ben Smith – clarinet, alto sax
Jerome Carrington (?) – alto sax
Carl Wade – tenor sax
Clarence Profit (?) – piano
Steve Washington – banjo, guitar
Unknown artist – trombone, washboard