Willie Bryant Archives - Shuffle Projects

Although this tune was used several times for Lindy Hop performances (see an example below), I'm considering Rigamarole a typical Balboa song.

I have the feeling, that we don't hear this song that often anymore on the dancefloor, maybe because it's overplayed. However, as a Balboa dancer you should know this song, and as a Swing DJ you should own it.

Rigamarole

Rigamarole was composed by Harald “Hal” Mooney and first recorded by Ozzie Nelson & His Orchestra on January 23, 1935.

The more popular and slightly slower version is by Willie Bryant & His Orchestra, recorded only a few months later in the same year.

Willie Bryant's version is also more energetic and sharper.

If you wanna learn more about Willie Bryant, check out Song of the Week #77 where you can find a short biography.

By the way, since English is not my mother tongue, I was wondering what rigamarole (also: rigmarole) means. I found this definition:

confused or meaningless talk
a complex and sometimes ritualistic procedure

Did you know that?

[easyazon-image align=”left” asin=”B007Q0TZYE” locale=”us” height=”160″ src=”https://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51IG9pqjgrL._SL160_.jpg” width=”160″]Title: [easyazon-link asin=”B007Q0U2Q4″ locale=”us”]Rigamarole[/easyazon-link]
Artist: Willie Bryant and His Orchestra
Recorded: May 8, 1935
Album: [easyazon-link asin=”B007Q0TZYE” locale=”us”]Throwin' Stones[/easyazon-link]
Tempo: 245 bpm
Dance: Balboa, Lindy Hop

Click the link to download the song at
iTunes CH/EU ･ iTunes US ･ [easyazon-link asin=”B001SSKF3A” locale=”de”]Amazon.de[/easyazon-link] ･ [easyazon-link asin=”B007Q0U2Q4″ locale=”us”]A'zon.com[/easyazon-link] ･ [easyazon-link asin=”B001MT2NYE” locale=”uk”]A'zon.co.uk[/easyazon-link] ･ eMusic

Do you like Rigamarole – the song? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!

Every Monday, I post a new “Song of the Week“.
You can find the songs also on my Spotify playlist or on 8tracks.

Willie Bryant (30.08.1908-09.02.1964), born in New Orleans, grew up in Chicago where he tried to learn trumpet, with little success. In 1926 he made his first steps in show business as a dancer in the Whitman Sister's Show.

For several years, he performed in vaudeville and in 1934 he appeared as a singer with Bessie Smith in the show Chocolate Revue.

In late 1934, Willie Bryant formed his big band and from 1935-1938, they had six recording sessions. Among his sidemen were at times: Ted Wilson (piano), Cozy Cole (drums), Johnny Russell (tenor sax), Benny Carter (trumpet), Ben Webster (tenor sax), Eddie Durham (trombone, arrangements), Ram Ramirez (piano) and Taft Jordan (trumpet, vocals). Bryant sang on 18 of the 26 recorded sides.

After breaking up the big band, Bryant became an actor, MC and DJ.

In 1945 he recorded as R&B singer, from 1946-1948 he led another big band and recorded two numbers. In 1949 he hosted an all-black television variety show and in the 1950's be was best known as regular MC at the Apollo Theatre in Harlem.

A Viper's Moan

A Viper's Moan was written by Willie Bryant and is a laid-back tune. The rhythm section with piano, guitar and drums (with percussion elements) is solid swinging while the horn section almost is whimpering (or moaning, as the title says).

Some of the solos are played in a typical call and response concept. Bryant himself is talking – not singing – throughout the song, and one time he is also introducing the soloists.

For the non-native English speakers: A viper is in American English another word for marijuana smoker… I guess, the song's title and sound picture makes sense now 🙂

A great song for Lindy Hop dancers and for Balboa beginner classes. I love it!

Title: A Viper's Moan
Artist: Willie Bryant
Recorded: January 4, 1935
Album: The Complete Jazz Series 1935-1937
Tempo: 150 bpm
Dance: Lindy Hop, Balboa

Click the link to downoad the song at
iTunes CH/EU ･ iTunes US ･ Amazon.de ･ A'zon.com ･ [easyazon-link asin=”B001MT2NXK” locale=”uk”]A'zon.co.uk[/easyazon-link] ･ eMusic

Do you like this song? Do you like the series? Please leave a comment!

Every Monday, I post a new “Song of the Week“.
You can find the songs also on my Spotify playlist or on 8tracks.

If you are interested in swing DJ’ing or just in regular music tips
then sign up for the brandnew DJ Chrisbe's resources emails!

Willie Bryant

DJ Chrisbe’s Song of the Week #109: Rigamarole

Rigamarole

Related Songs:

DJ Chrisbe’s Song of the Week #77: A Viper’s Moan

A Viper's Moan

Related Posts & Songs: