Klarinet Archive - Posting 000048.txt from 1995/05

From: Syd Polk <jazzman@-----.COM>
Subj: Bass Clarinet range
Date: Mon, 1 May 1995 19:33:08 -0400

Reasons for playing bass clarinet in the high range:

- It's there. We get bored.
- I like the sound. It's a clean, plaintiff sound in the hands of an
experienced player. When Dolphy wails out a lick soaring above high C like
a dophin surfing the waves, the pain he has experienced in his life is
obvious and moves me.
- Bass clarinet keywork is not any clumsier than most saxophones; yet
saxophone players can have dazzling techiniqu. Why can't bass clarinet?

Sigh. I like oompah parts. That's why I play bari sax and bass clarinet.
But I do like a variety. I don't want to be confined to one and half
octaves every time I play. Besides, it is fun!!

Syd Polk