 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: ruben
Date: 2025-06-08 13:03
Jimmy Giuffre was such a major, creative figure. It is a pity that he isn't spoken of more often and that his discs aren't played on the radio as much as they should. He stayed mostly in the chalumeau register of the clarinet. How did he obtain that very distinctive woody tone? What was his gear? Did any of you know him personally or study with him?
rubengreenbergparisfrance@gmail.com
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Author: kilo
Date: 2025-06-08 14:14
I met him when I was in high school, and unfortunately too young to ask him about his sound and his gear. However, I did notice that he had a small hole – maybe ⅜" – drilled into his bell which I now understand is for tuning purposes. His "Western Suite", "The Jimmy Giuffre 3", and his two tracks on the MJQ's "Third Stream Music" were favorites of mine.
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Author: Fuzzy
Date: 2025-06-08 18:47
Thanks for bringing up Jimmy Giuffre again.
I'm not that familiar with Jimmy - just occasional listens when he's mentioned on the bboard.
Today was the first time I realized his band was the group that played in the film "Jazz On a Summer's Day." I've always loved that band (and film).
While he's generally more modern than I prefer style-wise, I really appreciate him.
His clarinet playing sounds much like his saxophone playing to me.
I'm curious about his sound too.
The few videos I see of him (both clarinet and sax) make me believe his sound is at least partially the result of taking only a very small amount of the mouthpiece into his mouth. When I try to match his sound - this works pretty well: Take as little of the mouthpiece/reed into your mouth as physically possible, use a fairly open/relaxed throat. For me, this results in a close approximation of his sound - and with a little practice would probably achieve it.
Hopefully someone out there has a definite answer for you.
Fuzzy
;^)>>>
[Edit - fixed a spelling error on "occasional"]
Post Edited (2025-06-08 18:48)
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Author: kilo
Date: 2025-06-08 19:02
Quote:
His clarinet playing sounds much like his saxophone playing to me.
Yes, I think so as well. I'd guess he used a hard reed and his mouthpieces were medium lay/medium tip opening. He had the neck of his tenor bent to allow him to use a more clarinet-like embouchure.
In his work with Paul Bley and Steve Swallow he played more in the upper register than he did in his earlier playing with the matchless Jim Hall on guitar. I was drawn to his free form style at the time but now I like his more laid back work – "folk jazz" and third stream.
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Author: ruben
Date: 2025-06-09 13:32
dear Fuzzy: This morning, I tried just putting a small amount of the mouthpiece in my mouth. And this produced a "Jimmy Guffriesque" sound! I hasten to add that their are several clarinetists whose sounds I like or liked, but whom I would personally not wish to sound like. Some of these, I have played with. It's no good imitating other players, but it is good to be influenced by them.
rubengreenbergparisfrance@gmail.com
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Author: smokindok
Date: 2025-06-09 18:09
Great question, Ruben, and I appreciate the responses. That soft, breathy subtone sound of Giuffre’s chalumeau playing is absolutely lovely!
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Author: Fuzzy
Date: 2025-06-09 18:09
Hi ruben!
Glad that you received similar results!
I agree with what you that it's not good imitating other players as your primary style...but it is great to imitate specific sounds/sound concepts. Another arrow in the quiver so to speak.
Most of the pro jazz clarinetists I know suggest listening to favorite trumpet players or trombone players, etc. in order to avoid strict imitation of other clarinetists too closely. I think that's pretty good advice.
Fuzzy
;^)>>>
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Author: smokindok
Date: 2025-06-09 18:24
Fuzzy wrote:
>
> Most of the pro jazz clarinetists I know suggest listening to
> favorite trumpet players or trombone players, etc. in order to
> avoid strict imitation of other clarinetists too closely. I
> think that's pretty good advice.
>
> Fuzzy
> ;^)>>>
This is awesome advice, Fuzzy, across all genres and styles. Significant influences on my playing have come from the opera/art song world. Dawn Upshaw, Renee Fleming, Elly Ameling, James Morris come to mind.
John
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Author: Fuzzy
Date: 2025-06-09 19:14
John,
Thanks for your examples.
I find it interesting that you listed only vocalists. I'm glad you brought vocalists into the discussion.
I, too, find listening to vocalists to be extremely helpful. They have a way of phrasing/emphasis that stands out and makes me think differently about timing, accents, volume, etc.
Fuzzy
;^)>>>
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Author: crazyclari
Date: 2025-06-10 02:28
Mosaic put out a great cd/ vinyl set a few years ago, there is also some of his music around. Great sound
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