Klarinet Archive - Posting 000029.txt from 2002/11

From: The Ciompi Family <deal5@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] Benny Goodman's sense of humor
Date: Fri, 1 Nov 2002 13:58:59 -0500

I used to take lessons from Leon Russianoff in the early '70's. By chance
my lesson used to follow - Benny Goodman's. He never stopped taking lessons or
trying to learn more. As far as his classical playing was concerned , I think
he always felt he needed to study.
We owe him alot due to his singular, magical jazz style and his important
commissions such as the Copeland Concerto and the Bartok "Contrasts".

Arturo

WILLIAM SEMPLE wrote:

> The hoops with which some of the readers go through to get their instrument
> sounding just right reminds me of a true story.
>
> My father was a close friend of Benny Goodman. They went fishing together,
> and at times even played duets.
> They met at Meadowbrook in Detroit. My father spent his life listening to
> and transcribing Goodman; all of Dad's efforts in tidy little books
> disappeared in my house fire.
>
> I was living in Virginia in the 1970's and was actually practicing when the
> phone rang. My father said, "Bill, I have someone who wants to talk to you."
>
> "Hi Bill, this is Benny Goodman."
>
> Well, I am not shy for words, but I stammered, "Well, hi, Mr. Goodman."
>
> "Call me Benny," he said. "What are you doing?"
>
> "I am working on some Rose Etudes, Benny(!)"
>
> "Rose Etudes? They're too difficult for me."
>
> I laughed. I then asked "Why are you at my father's?"
>
> "I'm playing at Meadowbrook, then we are going fishing. I am also going to
> give your Dad a lesson after the concert."
>
> "Won't that be a bit late?"
>
> "It will last only ten minutes."
>
> "Ten minutes," I asked.
>
> "Yes, your father is a quick study."
>
> "Mr. Goodman, er, Benny, before you go, I have two questions to ask you!"
>
> "Okay, shoot!"
>
> "How do you select a reed?"
>
> "I get lots of boxes of reeds. I just pick the one or two out of a box that
> play and throw the rest of them away."
>
> "Do you work them in?"
>
> "Nope, just play 'em."
>
> By this time, I was incredulous. So I asked my last.
>
> "Every time you play "Lady Be Good," do you think you play it a bit better
> than the time before?
>
> Benny said, "Bill, my problem these days is just standing up."
>
> ---------------------------------------------------------------------

---------------------------------------------------------------------