Klarinet Archive - Posting 000138.txt from 1994/04

From: "P.J.Fawcett" <libmu1@-----.CA>
Subj: Information wanted: Saffet / Arnold Brilhart
Date: Mon, 18 Apr 1994 16:12:00 -0400

"Saffet" is known to me from 2 lps from the 1970's once available on the
Standard-Colonial Records label, namely:

1) "Belly Dance Music From Port Said" (COL LP-849)
2) "Belly Dance Festival" (COL LP-951)

I was also priveleged to see him perform, in an earthy "belly-dancer"
nightclub in New York, in 1976. He played a very middle-eastern style
music on clarinet - more so even than the Balkan (or "Greek") style -
certainly much more mid-eastern than klezmer; quite unique, even "deep". I
have only the first record above; never heard the 2nd. Does anyone know of
any other recordings, or anything more about him? (He also sang and played
violin on one or two tracks on the lp I have, also very well, but mostly
played clarinet). Would it be possible to arrange a "swap" of dubs if
anyone has the 2nd disc above, or anything else?

Arnold Brilhart : every reed player should know of his work as a prominent
first-call lead alto sax/clarinetist in the 1920-1940 period in New York,
with many name bands and on radio (visible taking a fine clarinet solo in a
Richard Himber film short from 1933) - later, manufacturer of mouthpieces,
reeds, etc. and co-authored the well-known clarinet method book with Artie
Shaw. I understand he is still alive and would like to get in touch with
him. Also I am trying to find his "Brilhart Bulletins" in which Artie Shaw
authored short articles on clarinet technique, tone production, etc. (I
have already written Mr. Heim, incidentally).

Furthermore, it is scandalous to note Brilhart is not even mentioned as a
"main entry" in such references as Grove's (neither "American Music" nor
"Jazz"), Kinkle's "Encyclopedia of Popular Music and Jazz 1900-1950",
Feather's "Encyclopedia of Jazz" (1955), or Chilton's "Who's Who of Jazz" !!!
I am therefore interested in collecting data for writing an article
documenting his accomplishments, and would appreciate ANY information.

vladimir simosko
music library, university of manitoba
email: libmu1@-----.ca
snailmail: Music Library
University of Manitoba
Winnipeg, Manitoba
R3T 2N2 CANADA