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.
Related Songs:
Song of the Week #27: “Swamp Fire” by Ozzie & Harriet Nelson
Song of the Week #77: “A Viper's Moan” by Willie Bryant
Song of the Week #108: “Fariboles” by Alix Combelle
Song of the Week #107: “I Didn't Like It the First Time (The Spinach Song)” by Julia Lee
Song of the Week #106: “The Goon Drag (Gone Wid De Goon)” by Sam Price & His Texas Blusicians