Varsity Eight was one of several “band-within-a-band” ensembles made up of members of the California Ramblers. The concept was simple: form a small combo from a larger dance orchestra and record them playing jazzier numbers with more playing time for individual soloists and experimentation with novelty instruments such as the kazoo or the goofus.
Richard Sudhalter, in his book Lost Chords, writes: “…small groups from the personnel, recording for minor labels… could afford a looser, more relaxed approach. Small labels, with small budgets, small distribution and sales expectations, seemed less subject to the constraints governing major-label policy. The resultant small-band performances, infrequently reissued and hard to find, are the real key to understanding the Ramblers in 1920s hot music.”
Varsity Eight recorded extensively for the Cameo label from 1923-28. Some titles were also released on the Lincoln and Romeo labels. This lineup features Jimmy Dorsey – who replaced Bobby Davis on alto sax and clarinet in the Sept-Oct 1924 V8 recordings.
This jaunty number opens with Bill Moore’s trumpet leading the way. The alto sax figures prominently – and I believe the solos are Dorsey. Rollini gets a bass sax showcase, accompanied by Dorsey’s clarinet.
0:00 Intro (trumpet)
0:24 Intro (reeds)
1:02 Trumpet (Moore)
1:38 Sax (Dorsey?)
2:18 Bass sax and clarinet (Rollini and Dorsey)
2:38 Coda
Enjoy!
Recorded in New York City on October 3, 1924.
Released as Cameo 620.
Credits:
Bill Moore – trumpet
Lloyd “Ole” Olsen – trombone
Jimmy Dorsey, Arnold Brilhart – clarinet, alto sax
Freddy Cusick – tenor sax
Adrian Rollini – bass sax
Irving Brodsky – piano, arranger
Ray Kitchingman – banjo
Stan King – drums
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