Often when Adrian Rollini’s bass sax would be heard, it was in the context of a rollicking hot number by the California Ramblers (or one of its many aliases or band-within-a-band variations). We hear it at the beginning of “Sugar Step” showcased clearly in a small combo setting. Rollini is able to spread out languidly from the get go – returning later for another moment in the spotlight. We hear him at a relaxed pace, with a fresh sense of inventiveness. Perhaps this is due to the relaxed environment of London and the respect and trust that bandleader Elizalde gave to Rollini.
“Sugar Step” was an original composition of Fred Elizalde, the Manila-born Spanish pianist who led an orchestra at the Savoy Hotel in London. Elizalde was on a mission to give British dance music the syncopation and spark of American jazz. He hired Rollini and fellow Ramblers Chelsea Quealey and Bobby Davis – along with South African guitarist Len Fillis – to fill out the band.
The tune features a variety of solos:
0:00 Bass Sax Intro (Rollini)
0:16 Ensemble (led by Quealey on trumpet)
0:47 Alto Sax solo (Davis)
1:05 Ensemble (led by Quealey on trumpet)
1:17 Guitar Break (Fillis) followed by Piano solo (Elizalde)
1:57 Muted trumpet solo (Quealey)
2:10 Clarinet solo (Davis)
2:25 Bass sax solo (Rollini)
2:43 Ensemble (led by Quealey on trumpet)
2:55 Coda
When I first read the title, I thought: Is this a humorous riff on “Sugar Foot Stomp”? Not a stomp, but a softer ‘step’? Every instrument just feels so chill on this one – sounding quite modern for its time. Funny enough, later in 1928 a short film was produced called “The Sugar Step” featuring a couple demonstrating how to dance its steps while the Elizalde band performs in the background.
Two weeks after this recording, Rollini would leave the UK for New York to say goodbye to his terminally ill father – who gave his blessing to Rollini’s intention to marry his sweetheart, Dixie. They were married on April 6 and Rollini’s father passed away on April 15. After sitting in on a session with the Dorsey brothers in NYC, Mr. and Mrs. Rollini headed back to London to rejoin Elizalde in early May.
Recorded in London, UK on March 11, 1928.
Originally released in the UK as Brunswick 164.
Reissued as a dub on Brunswick 02332.
Credits:
Fred Elizalde – piano, arranger, director
Chelsea Quealey – trumpet
Bobby Davis – soprano sax, alto sax
Adrian Rollini – bass sax, goofus, hot fountain pen
Len Fillis – guitar
Ronnie Gubertini – drums
Sources:
Jazz and Ragtime Records 1897-1942, 6th Ed. Brian Rust
Adrian Rollini: The Life and Music of a Jazz Rambler, Ate van Delden
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