Ain’t no jazz as immediately gratifying as washboard jazz. From the first washboard skritches in the intro, you’ll find your toes tapping and body instinctually responding to the infectious rhythms and melodies.
“Folks in Georgia’s ’bout to go insane
Since that new dance down in Georgia came.”
This hot lil’ instrumental number features great solo and ensemble performances in a small combo setting made up of members who would later become Johnny Dodd’s Washboard Band. Let’s not spoil the fun by talking about it – just listen and enjoy!
Ballin’ The Jack is an older song – first published in 1913. It was composed by Chris Smith and James Reece Europe, with lyrics by songwriter James Henry Burris. The tune was first recorded by Prince’s Band (for Columbia), National Promenade Band (for Edison) and the Victor Military Band (for Victor) in 1914. I even have an abbreviated version on the Little Wonder label from 1915!
Oddly, while Europe was credited on the Victor label in 1914 – he was not credited on the Columbia release or in the sheet music published in 1913 by Smith Burris Music Company. Here, the Okeh label misattributes songwriting credits to “Clark” – perhaps a reference to Tin Pan Alley composer Grant Clarke?
The phrase comes from the railroad industry. The Jack is a locomotive, and ballin’ the jack means running that locomotive at high speed. In the context of this song, Ballin’ the Jack is a new dance – said to be similar to the shimmy. The lyrics give us a clue as to how the dance was done:
“First you put your two knees close up tight,
Then you sway ’em to the left,
Then you sway ’em to the right,
Step around the floor kind of nice and light,
Then you twist around
and twist around with all your might,
Stretch your lovin’ arms straight out in space,
Then you do the Eagle Rock with style and grace.
Swing your foot way ’round then bring it back,
Now that’s what I call ‘Ballin’ the Jack’.”
Recorded in Chicago, Illinois on December 3, 1927.
Released as Okeh 8533.
Credits:
Natty Dominique – cornet
Johnny Dodds – clarinet
Jimmy Blythe – piano
Baby Dodds – washboard
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