The Ramblers Dance Orchestra - Black Heaven

In 1926, Theo Uden Masman joined The Resonance Seven and changed its name to 'The Original Ramblers Dance Orchestra'. The band debuted in The Hague on September 1, 1926. After touring Holland and Germany, further engagements abroad followed and from 1932 onwards the band played 7 years at the Casino Hamdorff, a popular resort in Laren (near Amsterdam). The band was expanded to 11 in 1937. The orchestra enjoyed undiminished popularity until the early 50s. However, towards the end of the decade popular enthusiasm gradually diminished and although its 30th Anniversary in 1956 was celebrated in style, recording sessions and live performances became rare. Masman, after having suffered a stroke, when VARA Radio decided to break up the band in 1964, Masman, disappointed, gave in. A year later he died. In the early 70s The Ramblers were brought to life. The band still exists today and holds the record as the longest-lived jazz band of the world. This great record was made in 1933.