 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: ruben
Date: 2016-08-06 12:48
I recently did a little write-up on the French jazz clarinetist, Hubert Rostaing. I would now like to recall Abe Most. He was termed a "swing" clarinetist, but was much more than that: "beyond category" as Duke Ellington used to say. I would, for a start, mention his masterly technique, beautiful tone, drive and flexibility. Most of the work he did was in studios (film music and the like) or in what jazz musicians used to call "Mickey Mouse bands" (Ray Anthony, Les Brown, etc.), but on YouTube, you can also hear him in a purer jazz setting. He looked like the senior partner of a Wall Street law firm, but played like an angel.
Is there anybody out there that had anything personally to do with him or that heard him in person. I didn't, unfortunately. Also, what did he play (a very round, mellow, sonorous sound)? -a Selmer Centered Tone?
rubengreenbergparisfrance@gmail.com
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Author: Wes
Date: 2016-08-08 09:27
I recall playing the baritone in a big band in Los Angeles in the 1990s where he came and played a solo clarinet piece with them. Since no fourth tenor saxophone was there, he came and sat by me, playing that part on his clarinet for the rest of the rehearsal.
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Author: Bob Bernardo
Date: 2016-08-11 05:02
He came by Rico a few times, actually several times. A great guy. I didn't know he passed away. He had a nice sound and he was good friends with another fine sax player at Rico named Joe Spang. I think Joe and Abe played in several movie recordings together as well as jazz concerts and recordings. Abe was as nice of a person as they come.
Designer of - Vintage 1940 Cicero Mouthpieces and the La Vecchia mouthpieces
Yamaha Artist 2015
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Author: ruben
Date: 2016-08-11 13:19
Bob: He passed away in 2002. I maybe gave the mistaken impression that he died recently.
rubengreenbergparisfrance@gmail.com
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Author: Bob Bernardo
Date: 2016-08-12 21:44
Thanks for the update. He must have been on the younger side, 60's or so? Early 70's. What a shame. I left Rico around 1997/1998. Joe Spang died from kidney problems around 1995. I think he was under 70 years old. What a great tenor player.
Designer of - Vintage 1940 Cicero Mouthpieces and the La Vecchia mouthpieces
Yamaha Artist 2015
Post Edited (2016-08-12 21:48)
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