Klarinet Archive - Posting 000380.txt from 1998/02

From: mdelceg@-----.nz (Michael Delceg)
Subj: opinions on jazz players
Date: Fri, 6 Feb 1998 21:40:42 -0500

>Date: Mon, 2 Feb 1998 17:32:28 -0700
>From: dmr@-----.com (dmr)
>Subject: opinions on jazz players
>
>im new to the list and i have yet to notice any threads concerning jazz
>players. im not sure if perhaps this is a taboo? i hope this isnt the
>case. anyway id like to hear some peoples thoughts on a few players. my
>taste happens to be on the more experimental side of jazz so id like to
>hear some thoughts on say anthony braxton, eric dolphy and jimmy guiffre.
>im somewhat isolated where i live so though i have my opinions im not very
>often privy to any others.
>
>david

Jazz clarinet has been in the shadow of jazz saxophone since the swing era.
My opinion is that the more vocal nature of the saxophone and its large
variation in timbre to suit one's personal style make it uniquely suitable
for jazz. That said, the clarinet has maintained a position in jazz despite
this and is sometimes the better horn to use for certain songs. Dolphy's
bass clarinet version of Thelonius Monk's Epistrophy is a perfect example.
It's typical of today's jazz woodwind player that s/he is competent on at
least sax, clarinet and flute and will pick the appropriate horn for the
tune/arrangement. This may explain why there are not so many modern players
who are uniquely clarinetists.
A couple of listening suggestions:
Ballads for Bass Clarinet - David Murray
Clarinet Summit - Alvin Batiste, Jimmy Hamilton, John Carter, David Murray
There are others but this will show what people are doing these days (or at
least recently), particularly on the lower horns.
I normally just lurk on this list as I am no Dolphy on clarinet but I do
know a bit about jazz so will be happy to offer information or opinions on
it if warranted. Allow me to particularly compliment those who have shared
their knowledge on bass clarinet, as it is difficult to get here in New
Zealand any other way.

Mike (who saw Dolphy live with Coltrane in NYC in a previous life)