State Street Ramblers Vol. 1 (1927-1931)

Review

The Austrian RST label has on two CDs reissued the complete output of The State Street Ramblers, a primitive but very spirited series of groups that recorded during 1927-28 and 1931 under that name. The first set has three selections that feature clarinetist Johnny Dodds and cornetist Natty Dominique in a quartet, Natty is showcased on six other erratic numbers (his solo on "Tack It Down" is hilariously bad), there is a sextet with alto, clarinet and the humorous vocal interjections of W.E. Burton and, for the final selections, three exciting numbers in which trombonist Roy Palmer dominates. Although not essential, fans of early jazz will want these occasionally riotous performances.