Klarinet Archive - Posting 000359.txt from 2002/05

From: A4ACHESON@-----.com
Subj: Re: [kl] Mr. Acker Bilk
Date: Tue, 14 May 2002 16:35:14 -0400

> I understand that clarinetist, Acker Bilk, the guy who recorded

> "Stranger on the Shore", had terrible dental problems. I don't

> particularly care for his tone at all, but he did make a lot of money. >>

I think Acker Bilk and Sandy Brown, a very fine Scottish jazz player and
technically very accomplished, both removed their upper front teeth
[dentures, needless to say] before playing. This may go some way to explain
the unusual embouchure and in particular the angle at which each held the
instrument.
I have never heard either attempt any classical playing, perhaps someone else
on the list has.
Arthur

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