When erastus plays his old kazoo – Free Jazz Lead Sheet
Ab Major – 1927
About this song:
“when erastus plays his old kazoo” is a novelty song from the early jazz or vaudeville tradition, though clear documentation of its composer, publication year, or first recording is limited in major jazz-standard archives.
Because of the scarcity of reliable sources, precise details about its first commercial performance and subsequent revival are difficult to verify.
The song’s theme is playful and humorous, centering on a character named Erastus and his kazoo performance. Musically, it likely uses simple, catchy melody lines and comedic rhythmic elements common in early novelty jazz numbers.
