Klarinet Archive - Posting 000074.txt from 2003/11

From: Rick Campbell <ricksax@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] Sax, jazz/blues....tone?
Date: Wed, 5 Nov 2003 13:31:12 -0500

If you listen to Benny Goodman recordings over the years, say from his
earliest recordings with Red Nichols and Jack Teagarden (lots of growls
and rough tone), through the big band years, and into the classical and
quartet recordings, it is clear that Benny developed a "more legitimate"
sound through study. Jazz players like Artie Shaw, Buddy DeFranco and
Ken Peplowski also have a clean and legitimate sound, although not
classical by the strictest definition, I guess.

In my experience, the primary reason for changing set-up is to gain more
volume in a big band or dixieland setting. That is, when you have to
compete. Buddy DeFranco has spoken about how exhausting it was to play
"over" a big band all night, and Bari's BD3 mouthpiece is his answer--
open facing, very loud. (I have also used this mouthpiece when playing
in an Oompah band next to a loud accordian.)

But if you are playing in a smaller progressive or swing jazz combo, in
good acoustic settings, or with a good amplificiation system, you should
be able to maintain your classical tone if you want. Most of us who have
a bad sax embouchure on clarinet never had proper technique punded into
us at an early age. You have a big advantage.

If you get into electric blues, you will need a high tech dual pick-up
clarinet mic system and ear plugs. God help you.

--Rick Campbell

Spencer wrote:

> Hi,
>
> I'm considering taking some time to pursue jazz &
> blues on sax and clarinet. However, I'm wondering how
> it will affect my classical tone on clarinet. I've
> noticed that some excellent musicians who are doublers
> or have background in jazz/blues, have a different
> tone than someone who is concentrating on
> orchestral/classical clarinet. (This is __not__ to
> say they have a worse tone or are lesser musicians,
> it's just that their tone is different.) Does anyone
> have any experience with this?
>
> Thanks in advance.
>
> -Spencer
>
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