Roy Palmer was a trombonist from New Orleans who played with Lawrence Duhe’s New Orleans Jazz Band in New Orleans and Chicago in the late teens. In the 20s, he recorded with greats such as Jimmie Blythe, Ida Cox, Johnny Dodds, Richard M. Jones, and Jelly Roll Morton.
He is best known for a series of washboard jazz recordings made in 1932 with the Memphis Night Hawks (alternatively known as the Alabama Rascals) and the State Street Ramblers. These deep depression washboard jazz records, along with those produced by spasm bands and jug bands, would prove to be influential to later skiffle artists in the U.K. that would themselves influence the future of rock and roll.
Interestingly, Palmer does not play on this tune, “Wild Man Stomp”, from their second session. A “wild” piano start things off and an ebullient clarinet quickly takes the lead. The banjo gets some spotlight at 0:28 and the washboard swings throughout. An inspired scat vocal by an unknown performer starts at 1:48.
All told, it’s a wild thrilling ride.
Recorded in New York City on March 30, 1932.
Released as Vocalion 2593.
Credits:
Roy Palmer – director
Darnell Howard – clarinet, alto sax
Bob Hudson and/or W. E. Burton – piano
Unknown Artist – banjo
Jimmy Bertrand – washboard