 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: John Stackpole
Date: 2004-12-07 21:38
Some years ago I remember seeing a picture of a person (night-club owner in the Washington DC Area) who would play two clarinets at once.
And, for a bit of extra showmanship, stand on his head at the time.
I have no idea how he managed this, in terms of playing low E/B (he probably didn't).
Does anyone else have similar memories, or am I in BIG trouble, mindwise?
JDS
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Author: Contra
Date: 2004-12-07 22:05
Well, I can play one clarinet out the side of my mouth. I haven't tried two, though... I almost wish marching season was back.
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Author: BobD
Date: 2004-12-07 22:36
Hopefully the member of this BB who can do that will respond.....I can attest to his proficiency.....
Bob Draznik
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Author: ned
Date: 2004-12-07 23:34
Roland Kirk used to play up to three reed instruments at the one time, he was a one-man reed - almost.
There are plenty of his records about - worth checking out if you are unfamiliar with his work in jazz.
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Author: allencole
Date: 2004-12-08 06:00
It can be done. I know a local sax player who plays alto and tenor at the same time and actually makes some pretty good sounds--from an obviously very limited bag of tricks.
Allen Cole
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Author: Hank Lehrer
Date: 2004-12-08 10:32
Hi,
I must admit to doing the double sax trick in my younger, bar-playing (R&R) days. The two MPs in the mouth is no great chore, the trick is the fingering.
I used to have the tenor on the left (your right) and could play about a musical 6th using mostly the traditional fingerings. The alto was on my right (your left) and I'd just reach across from the right and could do a musical 4th. The harmonies were a bit Oriental as you can imagine but it was fun.
Roland Kirk was my influence. He appeared in about the summer of 1957 in my hometown of Sandusky, OH and played at a local bar, the Peppermint Lounge. Kirk was from Columbus, OH and was up there for a couple of weeks of gigs. All the local young jazz players were just knocked out by this amazing and innovative musician. He played great tenor, wonderful flute (kept in the bell of his tenor) in addition to his antique saxes which hung around his neck as I recall. We did not know that we were hearing a true genius.
HRL
Post Edited (2004-12-08 11:38)
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Author: Ralph G
Date: 2004-12-08 15:20
In my sixth grade music class, I would play "Mary Had a Little Lamb" playing two recorders, one with each nostril. I soon discovered that was a neat way to get two free recorders!
________________
Artistic talent is a gift from God and whoever discovers it in himself has a certain obligation: to know that he cannot waste this talent, but must develop it.
- Pope John Paul II
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Author: David Spiegelthal ★2017
Date: 2004-12-08 15:57
My good friend Mike Cappetto frequently performs "Night Train" on simultaneous alto and tenor saxes; but never (as far as I'm aware) while standing on his head.
Everyone knows about Rahsaan Roland Kirk's 'party tricks' with multiple instruments --- but if you dig deeper into his music and listen to the non-gimmicky stuff (of which there is a considerable body of work) you'll discover a sensitive and uniquely-gifted artist there.
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2004-12-08 21:58
Is what is being discussed here, the playing of two [or more] "Individual" insts at the same time, that is 2+ mps ? There are such things as two insts played by one mp, I have a cheap wood recorder type, with two bores and fingering "sets", and I have seen a patent for a "combined" tenor sax/clarinet, and have read [but cant easily find] one of our good books refercencing such things, Perhaps Rendall ? Will look further. Don
Thanx, Mark, Don
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Author: ned
Date: 2004-12-08 22:56
I checked out my Roland Kirk collection and on an Atlantic double LP there is an incredible number ""Inflated Tear"" where he plays three horns for an introductory chorus, followed by a wonderful tenor solo.
On the same LP Kirk does ""Creole Love Call"" in 3/4 time and plays a chorus of melody with two horns, followed by some bluesy clarinet.
Both tracks were recorded at Webster Hall, NYC in November 1967 - Roland Kirk at his very best, in my opinion.
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Author: Synonymous Botch
Date: 2004-12-09 21:54
I've heard this sort of thing, Jeff Coffin of Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, pulls this off on their regular set.
It's something more than a party trick, something less than musical.
I think it's a gag designed to get drunks to pay attention.
It's also the only reliable way to keep your trumpet section from knocking over your horns on the stand...
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Author: Hank Lehrer
Date: 2004-12-09 23:59
SB,
You are absolutely correct about "It's something more than a party trick, something less than musical." The feat does take a little practice and fingering the alto with the right hand over the top is very weird.
However, seeing me (at 140 lbs. in those days) on the bass player's shoulders playing two saxes was really a sight. Primo, the bassist, is gone now; I hope these circus feats did not hasten his demise.
HRL
PS I used to walk on the bar playing the tenor all the time. Ah, youth is wasted on the young!
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