“Ramblin’ Blues” – California Ramblers (1924)

The California Ramblers, here recording under the name “Golden Gate Orchestra” for the Pathé-Perfect label.

This tune (sometimes titled “Them Rambling Blues”) was recorded a number of times by Ramblers-affiliated “band-within-a-band” groups in 1924 – often as small combo quintets that featured kazoo and goofus solos. The goofus – also known as a couesnophone – is a melodica-like instrument that sounds a bit like an accordion.

On July 3, The Little Ramblers recorded the first version for Columbia using a quintet with Rollini on goofus and kazoo) Subsequent sessions occurred on August 1 (The Kentucky Blowers), August 11 (Goofus Five) and September 10 (Varsity Eight w/ Jimmy Dorsey on clarinet).

Here we find the whole Ramblers outfit giving it the full treatment (sans kazoo or goofus). Depending on how you feel about kazoos and goofuses, this is either the best or worst version.

We get a panopoly of solos – highlights include a bass sax solo from Rollini at 1:24, a muted trumpet solo at 1:46, a banjo breakdown at 2:01 and a sax solo at 2:17.

An excellent number to ramble along to on a fine summer day. Happy rambling!

Recorded in New York City on July 22, 1924.
Released as Perfect 14309, Pathé-Actuelle 036128, Harmograph 960, and Silvertone 1243.

Credits:
Arthur Hand – violin, director
Frank Cush, Bill Moore – trumpet
Lloyd “Ole” Olsen – trombone
Bobby Davis – clarinet, soprano sax, alto sax
Arnold Brilhart – clarinet, alto sax
Freddy Cusick – tenor sax
Adrian Rollini – bass sax
Irving Brodsky – piano
Ray Kitchingman – banjo
Stan King – drums