We just enjoyed the animated antics of The Old Man of the Mountain, so today we’re picking up the “mountain” thread to enjoy the equally animated antics of The Hoosier Hot Shots.
The boys had a couple of mountain-themed records in the mid-thirties on the various budget labels that perfectly capture their "Rural Rhythm," so we’ll be giving them a spin.
Are you ready, Hezzie?
The Sentiment: I Like Mountain Music (1938)
Can’t argue with that sentiment - especially when the Hot Shots deliver it with their usual blend of precision, mischief, and controlled mayhem.
The Parody: Them Hill-billies Are Mountain Williams Now (1936)
It’s interesting to note that by 1936, country music was already commercialized enough to be ripe for parody. The Hot Shots were masters at poking fun at whatever Americana trope was floating through the airwaves, and this one is a prime example of their wit.
Serious Musicianship, Unserious Material
As a fan of novelty records and 1930s music, I find the Hoosier Hot Shots endlessly fascinating. I sometimes wonder how clarinetist Gabe Ward might have sounded in an alternate universe where he played straight jazz instead of novelty. He’s a bit like Clyde McCoy in that sense - serious musicianship devoted to unserious material.
And of course… Hezzie is awesome! There’s just no other way to put it. Between the washboard, the bells, and the whistles, he’s the heartbeat of the whole operation!
Do the Hot Shots make you want to grab a washboard and join the band, or is their brand of "controlled mayhem" best enjoyed from a safe distance?
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