A delightful deep depression cut from an early incarnation of a band that later became known as the Washboard Rhythm Kings. Quite a rare disc, as the original release sold poorly when it came out in 1931.
In issue #19 and #20 of the British Jazz magazine Storyville, writer Theo Zwicky noted that during the period 1930-35, this group recorded around 140 titles – more sides than Louis Armstrong or Duke Ellington during the same period. This could, in part, be due to the immediate proximity of the musicians in the band (who Kaiser Marshall says were from Philadelphia) – and the location of Victor’s recording studio in Camden – right across the Delaware River.
Zwicky goes on to write that the WRK played “some of the most completely enjoyable jazz ever made. Driving along wildly and breathtakingly and yet relaxed and easy-going, scatting and humming through charming ditties as well as romping and stomping through distinctive jazz numbers, all overlaid with an innate sense of good taste, a flair for humour and a bright happy sound.”
Unfortunately, even Zwicky, who counted himself as a veritable WRK unofficial historian, many of the identities of the members of this group at the time of this session proved elusive – and not much is known about the performers outside of Teddy Bunn and the vocalist Buck Franklin.
In any case, I’ve always had a love for the gents in the Washboard Rhythm Kings ever since I heard their hot firecracker take of “Tiger Rag” complete with a raucous bull roarer. I gravitated to their fun unpretentious performances – often more of an impromptu celebratory jam session than a carefully rehearsed orchestration.
Recorded on May 8, 1931 in Camden, New Jersey.
Released as Victor 23276 on June 19, 1931.
Only 1,333 copies were sold.
Credits
Buck Franklin – vocals
Teddy Bunn – guitar
Unknown Artists – trumpet, alto sax, piano, banjo
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