Klarinet Archive - Posting 000409.txt from 2002/10

From: "Albert Nemiroff" <anemiroff@-----.net>
Subj: [kl] Fw: Abe Most
Date: Tue, 15 Oct 2002 05:17:26 -0400

While I had heard of Abe Most's intense heart attack, and worried about his
mortality, I had not known of his passing until reported to me by Larry
Paikin, who I met through this site.some months ago. He suggested I share
some reminiscences with the group.
For the few who may be unfamiliar with this giant I would suggest finding
his condensed biography on the internet, as well as that lovely picture
which had appeared on the cover of The Clarinet provided by the
photographer, his widow, Gussie Most.
One could not find a more talented, warm, generous, and supportive mensch
(an honorable, responsible respected human being). While I had not
approached him for formal lessons, he taught me much, and more than music.
Sometimes he would say I was coming along: other times, "Don't quit your day
job." His critique was honest and valuable
Years ago he was interviewed on the radio by Bob Ringwald (Mollie's father).
a talented performer (piano, banjo and vocals) and disc jockey. Bob said,
"You met Benny Goodman in about 1941, What did you talk about?"
Most replied "Reeds!"
Having recalled the interview to him, I suggested that 20 years in the
future Bob or someone like him would say, "You knew Abe Most. What did you
talk about?"
"Mouthpieces!" ...and plastic reed prototypes made for him by Arnold
Brilhart .....and so much more..
On arrival to my office he noticed the paraphernalia like a large three
piece picture of a clarinet, the Leblanc advertising folder illustrating a
group of clarinets from Ab sopranino to contrabass, and a poster of a panda
munching an bamboo with the message in French, Albert prefers Glotin. He
said, "Oh, you play clarinet." My response was, "YOU play clarinet; I only
hold one."
Once I suggested the quintessential clarinet improvisation on a popular
piece was Artie Shaw's solo on Stardust. Shortly after he gave me
handwritten photocopies of that solo and one from Goodman's Let's Dance.
Asking from where the Stardust solo came, I was told it was given to him by
Shaw.
There are those who think of Abe Most only as a recreator, some one sitting
in for Benny Goodman and Artie Shaw. Abe had a classy personal style of
superb musicianship, interesting, improvisation, wonderful technique, and
exciting beautiful sound.
Having known Abe, Gussie and brother Sam for twenty years, I regard them
like family. Abe Most's legacy endures.

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