“Lake George Blues” – Three Jolly Miners (1925)

Here’s one for fans of the bluesy gaspipe clarinet style of Bob Fuller, who recorded many sides with variously-named trios that included Louis Hooper and Elmer Snowden.

Lake George is a lovely little town in upstate New York at the edge of the Adirondacks. Years ago I spent a weekend with friends at a country house there and remember it fondly. It would be curious to know the history behind the Lake George blues, but I fear that story has likely been lost to the ages.

The recordings of the Three Jolly Miners and other Fuller trios have only been partially reissued on a single vinyl LP release by Historical Records in 1967. That collection did not include this track.

Bob Fuller stopped playing music in the 1930s and faded into jazz obscurity – likely in part due to the style of gaspipe clarinet falling into disfavor and relegated a mere novelty effect in the juvenilia of early jazz.

I find it quite compelling as an exploration of both the instrument and the expressiveness of the blues form itself. Bob Fuller and other overlooked artists such as Wilton Crawley and Douglas Williams deserve more credit for their contributions to early jazz and blues.

What’s your take? Let me know in the comments.

Recorded in New York City on August 8, 1925.
Released as Vocalion 15087.

Credits:
Bob Fuller – clarinet
Louis Hooper – piano
Elmer Snowden – banjo