Adrian Rollini was the greatest bass saxophonist of all time, one of the first jazz vibraphonists, and a talented multi-instrumentalist who could make music on such novelty instruments as the “hot fountain pen” (a miniature clarinet with a saxophone mouthpiece) and a “goofus.” He was the older brother to tenor saxophonist Arthur Rollini. As a child, he played piano, xylophone, and performed Chopin at Waldorf Astoria. Rollini learned the bass sax in a matter of weeks after he joined the California Ramblers. Rollini was an important member of California Ramblers and made numerous records with the studio group as well as with his “Goofus Five”. Rollini was a participant in the Frankie Trumbauer and Bix Beiderbecke recordings of 1927. He also cut sides alongside Joe Venuti and Red Nichols. From the second half of 1927 to 1929, he spent two years in London as Fred Elizalde’s performer. Rollini returned to New York in 1933 and worked in studios. He led many records dates between 1933-1940. In 1934, he started his own club, Adrian’s Tap Room, and began to focus on his vibraphone playing. Rollini, a decent but not exceptional vibraphonist was able to continue working in small groups at hotels throughout the 1940s and into 1950s. He recorded a Mercury LP using vibes in the early 50s before finally moving to Florida. Allmusic
