With 2025 drawing to a close, we’re going to celebrate a few versions of one of the biggest dance crazes of the 1920s: The Charleston.
Here’s one of my favorite versions of the tune first penned by James P. Johnson for the Broadway show Runnin’ Wild in 1923.
We hear some great syncopated ensemble playing and an extended Rube Bloom piano solo at 1:03, and a sax solo at 1:39.
If you liked this one, take a listen to another one of my favorite versions of The Charleston by Ben Selvin here:
https://youtu.be/eA00y3wr0II
Recorded in New York City on August 12, 1925.
Released as Vocalion 15086.
Credits:
Hymie Farberman (?) or Harry Gluck – trumpet
Miff Mole – trombone
Bennie Krueger – alto sax
Lucien Smith – tenor sax
Rube Bloom – piano
Unknown Artist – banjo
Joe Tarto – tuba
Ray Bauduc – drums
Source:
Jazz and Ragtime Records (1897-1942), 6th Edition, Brian Rust