Author: Fuzzy
Date: 2017-08-24 09:11
Seabreeze,
Did Bob Wilber pass away? (So many of the jazz greats have been passing away, that I might have somehow missed this one.)
Bob is the reason I re-dedicated to play jazz as an adult. He was giving a speech (q&a) facilitated by Loren Schoenberg at the Stanley H. Kaplan penthouse (Lincoln Center) on December 10, 2002. The only reason I was there was due to the upcoming tribute to Benny Goodman which would occur a few days later. NYC was "new" to me at the time, and I was immersing myself into everything I could about the city.
At the end of the discussion, Bob got up, stepped off the platform, walked past me, put his clarinet together, and stood about three feet in front of me. From there, he played a couple tunes totally by himself. I had never heard such a beautiful tone come from a clarinet! I was thunderstruck. It was a life-changing moment for me. I don't remember how many people were in the room, but it was packed, and he filled the room with his sound. No mics needed, and the prettiest tone/sound I had ever heard. The crowd wasn't an easy crowd either - it was full of folks who had been in Benny's bands...they knew their stuff. He appeared totally unfazed by their presence. The room erupted in applause.
A lot of Bob's playing bypasses the areas/styles I enjoy listening to - but I will always be thankful to have been able to witness the gift he shared with all of us that night. Amazing stuff!
Cheers,
Fuzzy
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