State Street Ramblers

by Scott YanowThe name State Street Ramblers was used for four different overlapping groups that recorded in 1928 and 1931. The first session features clarinetist Johnny Dodds but most of the other performances (which include such musicians as cornetist Natty Dominique, pianist Jimmy Blythe, trombonist Roy Palmer, clarinetist Darnell Howard, and either W.E. Burton or Alfred Bell on kazoo and vocals) were more primitive. These good-time sessions are quite spirited and fun; all of their recordings are available on a pair of RST CDs.