 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Bani
Date: 2004-12-20 03:50
Just want to share a wonderful experience.
After months of trying I’m now able to play clarion and altissimo on bc without squeaking all over the place. It’s really cool!
I even tried playing Kenny G’s “Wedding Song” on bc (it’s a nice slow piece written for sop sax and goes up to high C) and it came out wonderful. Kenny G’s got a nice sound on sop sax but IMHO the clarion of my Vito 7166 has a more macho sound and is more pleasant to listen to (or I am comparing apples and oranges?). Maybe KG should try recording some of his work on bc, especially those written for sop sax. What do you think?
FYI, I’ve just switched to a new hand-made mpc (since I’m still on the trial period I’ll disclose the brand name later). I think this new mpc combined with some good reeds (Grand Concert 2 ½) did it. Plus I think my embouchure is finally working properly.
Let me just take this opportunity to thank everyone on this BB for providing guidance and inspiration (jokes, laughter, ideas, experiences, etc) during the year. (I know it’s not over yet but this may be my last chance to post a message in 2004. Going away on holiday) Special thanks to Mark and GBK, please keep up the good work.
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR!
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Author: mystery science dieter
Date: 2004-12-20 04:10
I played backup to Kenny G once when he was playing bass clarinet! Quite an experience I must say. One thing I remember was that it was really hot on stage. . .not just uncomfortable, BLAZING hot. And there were a lot of strange dudes on the gig. The conductor was obviously wearing makeup to cover some kind of EXTREMELY red rash on his whole body plus he was using this funky long baton which was more like a fork in some ways. Some of the other players were wearing nazi armbands and a guy who looked like Stalin was in the viola section.
On the bright side, it paid GREAT and I was reengaged to take over the clarinet chair in about 40 years. Can't wait.
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Author: David Spiegelthal ★2017
Date: 2004-12-20 13:55
Whatever drugs you guys are on, I want some.
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Author: Ed
Date: 2004-12-20 14:05
"Kenny G’s got a nice sound on sop sax"
Yeah, sort of like a weed whacker with vibrato
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Author: Don Poulsen
Date: 2004-12-20 14:13
Your subject line frightened the h*** out of me. You gave me the impression that Kenny G. had switched to my beloved instrument. Fortunately, reading your post assured me that you were talking about you playing Kenny G.'s tunes on your bass clarinet. Whew!
Hey, if the stuff sounds so great on bass clarinet, how about you recording it rather than encouraging Kenny G. to do so?
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Author: Igloo Bob
Date: 2004-12-20 22:25
Yeah, I was scared too. Kenny G vs Acker Bilk for worst sound on Bass? It'd be close.
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Author: Gandalfe
Date: 2004-12-21 01:11
Lame and unprofessional hits on Kenny G. I expected better from this forum. :o(
Jim and Suzy
Pacifica Big Band
Seattle, Washington
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Author: msloss
Date: 2004-12-21 01:52
Kenny G has made enough money peddling his pseudo-jazz that we don't have to wring our hands too much over his welfare. I think he'll survive a little criticism. You want a taste of a real diatribe against KG, check out Pat Metheny's rant after Mr. G's New Year 2000 "performance".
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Author: ned
Date: 2004-12-21 04:21
''Yeah, I was scared too. Kenny G vs Acker Bilk for worst sound on Bass? It'd be close.''
It's a matter of subjective opinion really. Do either play out of tune or otherwise perform non-musically? If not, I don't think their reputations should be denigrated.
There is no BEST sound to which all clarinet players should aspire, I would venture to say, and I think we should all recognise this when one considers all of the different genres of music in which the clarinet is played.
I suspect that what you are really saying is that you don't like the playing of Kenny G or Acker Bilk and you are entitled to that opinion of course.
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Author: allencole
Date: 2004-12-21 07:08
I don't see where it would be a problem to play some Kenny G. tunes on bass clarinet. Each December, the vast majority of my students have a pre-christmas lesson trying to fake "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" along with his recording.
I would be interested to hear more from Mystery Science Dieter about Kenny playing the bcl himself. What tunes did he use it on? I have all three Christmas albums (no sign of bcl) plus "Classics in the Key of G" and "Ultimate Kenny G.", but have not listened to them in their entirety. Would any of his bass clarinet work be on these?
While I agree that Kenny G. is not the most interesting player to listen to, we really have to salute him for bringing instrumentals back into pop music. With so many mainstream songs spitting out clusters of notes like shrapnel a bomb blast, it's nice to have something available that's simple enough for a kid to learn to play by ear.
Allen Cole
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2004-12-21 07:11
"I played backup to Kenny G once when he was playing bass clarinet!"
How could you play with vomet all over your instrument?
Seriously, Kenny G is so kich and doesn't play anything interesting in my opinion.
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Author: Bob A
Date: 2004-12-21 13:23
"Thou Shalt Not Covet-------------"
You fill in the blank. For his fame, his money, his sax or R13(?)etc. There are all kinds of envy other than the one that starts with a "p-----".
Have a Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah, or whatever turns you on!
Bob A
Post Edited (2004-12-21 13:27)
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Author: allencole
Date: 2004-12-21 15:19
Amen, Bob. I think that the general irritant with Kenny G. is that his music is being called 'jazz' or 'smooth jazz.' Does anyone remember the kind of vitriol that was being hurled at Grover Washington, Jr. during the late 70's & early 80's? Now he's a departed elder statesman.
Perhaps we should just change the term to 'instrumental pop' and think kinder thoughts towards Kenny. (I'd still like to find out about his bass clarinet activity, BTW)
Just remember...before Kenny, there was BENNY!
Allen Cole
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Author: Don Poulsen
Date: 2004-12-21 19:28
My original comment was intended to be in a humorous vein. My mistake was that tone of voice doesn't come across well in the written word and a dry sense of humor is often misunderstood.
So c'mon, give us a little room for kidding around and for differences of opinion. I know that some people like to listen to Kenny G. and others, such as I, don't. I'm not going to condemn someone for stating that they love his music; so please don't condemn those of us who merely imply that we don't.
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Author: super20dan
Date: 2004-12-22 00:31
is this the clarinet board (where discussion is civilized) or the S.O.T.W. board where it usually isnt civilized? and for my 2 cents...i dont think kenny g can play the clarinet -let alone the bass clarinet
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Author: ned
Date: 2004-12-22 02:37
''i dont think kenny g can play the clarinet -let alone the bass clarinet''
Heck yeah, I think he relys solely on soprano sax to make a living so.............why are we worried? I wasn't anyway.
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Author: Igloo Bob
Date: 2004-12-22 03:06
Yeah, I was joking as well. What exactly is civilized discussion, anyway?
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Author: Contra
Date: 2004-12-22 04:44
Whatever civilized discussion is, it's never present in a Kenny G conversation.
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Author: JessKateDD
Date: 2004-12-22 05:01
I second Gandalfe. It is pretty odd to see so many people here ripping Kenny G. I must admit, he is not my cup of tea either, but he is a household name and gets paid lots of money to play his "pseudo-jazz". While Robert M, Karl L, Stanley D, Larry C, Ricardo M, ect. are worshipped on this board, and justifiably so, who outside of our little group has heard of them? Kenny G is doing just fine IMHO.
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Author: Frodo
Date: 2004-12-22 05:23
I read through all the posts and don’t see anyone condemning anybody for anything.
Read through Metheny’s piece/rant. What’s with this guy? I mean people have been making money on other people’s music, dead or alive, legal or illegal, moral or immoral, etc., for ages. That’s the way the music world is, has been, and will be. Okay, someone who dubs himself on Louie Armstrong may be more arrogant, presumptuous and daring than others. But hey the music world’s filled with arrogant, presumptuous, daring b_ _ _ _ _ _ s anyway and some get rich quick being so.
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Author: David
Date: 2004-12-22 17:48
Well I quite liked the rant.
Nice quiet start, then it really kicks off and builds up to implied fretboard-related mayhem.
An object lesson in pacing and dynamics.
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Author: Nathan
Date: 2004-12-23 04:49
This is very strange. I was channel surfing just now and came across Super Dave Osborne talking to Kenny G. Normally I wouldn't pay any attention, but given the recent thread I decided to stop switching channels for a moment. It turns out I had turned into Jimmy Kimmel's holiday version of his late night show. Well after a few minutes of banter Kenny G tells Jimmy that he's gotten him a Christmas present, he then reaches behind the Christmas tree and pulls out a bass clarinet. Jimmy then tells Kenny G that he used to play bass clarinet in high school. Next thing I know they're performing the First Noel as a duet. Talk about serendipity (given all the recent talk about Kenny G and bass clarinets on the bboard). Just thought I would share this strange holiday moment.
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Author: Frodo
Date: 2004-12-23 05:28
Eehhkkk!!! I'm so scared!
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Author: Bob A
Date: 2004-12-23 18:30
Do you think Kenny 'lurks' the BB and did it for a lark?
Bob A
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Author: David Spiegelthal ★2017
Date: 2004-12-23 18:51
Bob A, the Donkey thinks that YOU started it!
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Author: msloss
Date: 2004-12-23 19:35
Hey, I was watching Jay Leno last night, and he had on Richard Stoltzman, and he was playing soprano saxophone. I think he was playing the Brahms 2nd Sonata with Kevin Eubanks. Weirdest thing -- I think I saw that same violist that MSD played with on the KG gig, except he had an eyepatch.
![[grin]](http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/smileys/smilie5.gif)
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Author: Fred
Date: 2004-12-23 19:55
I really don't understand how musicians can be so supportive of struggling players and then turn around and rip someone that succeeded where thousands of others have failed.
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Author: msloss
Date: 2004-12-24 01:21
Often the difference between success and failure is opportunity and not talent. Kenny G is a terrific showman, a mediocre saxophonist and a lousy improviser. He did his time doing the circuit, including playing with guys like Barry White, and landed the big gig as a solo act. Good for him, but why would he be exempt from a little criticism, especially if it is good-natured? He can drown his anguish at our barbs in his millions of dollars. He'll be OK.
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Author: GBK
Date: 2004-12-24 01:29
[ msloss has nicely summarized the arguments on both sides of this issue.
The Kenny G, Acker Bilk type threads are interesting every so often...
But - this thread has now run its full course and is closed - GBK ]
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