Klarinet Archive - Posting 000577.txt from 1995/04

From: Fred Cicetti <cicetti@-----.COM>
Subj: Re: "Jazz" Technique
Date: Sat, 29 Apr 1995 09:24:59 -0400

It's been great reading about jazz on KLARINET. A nice change from
discussions of classical pieces.

At the risk of sounding like a heretic, I want to disagree with David
Gilman who wrote that Benny Goodman and Artie Shaw had "wonderful sounds"
in addition to great technique and ground-breaking ideas. I'm in awe of
both of these grandmasters, but I don't find their sounds especially
pleasing. They both have a whining quality in their playing.

Don't get me wrong, I am stirred by their performances and listen to them
daily. Benny Goodman on "Avalon" and Artie Shaw's "Nightmare" drive me
nuts. But, their tone is the least pleasing element in their playing.

For tonal quality in jazz clarinet, I prefer Jimmy Hamilton and Pete
Fountain who both blow honey through their horns.

I own an asbestos body suit, so feel free.

fred cicetti <cicetti@-----.com>