Author: DougR
Date: 2018-03-04 18:36
Going by his website, which is current through this past January, he's pretty busy with tours and whatnot--with his septet and as a guest artist; the website also mentions in mid-2017 he became a clarinet development/marketing manager for Conn-Selmer (who knows the status of that, given the recent sale).
I can review the septet as of a couple of years ago (it started out as a 'Bliss celebrates Benny Goodman' venture but according to the website its repertoire has expanded, but still I guess fundamentally jazz-based).
It was a rhythm section plus vibes, guitar and trumpet; again, mostly Goodman/Charlie Christian/Lionel Hampton stuff, with the obligatory Sing, Sing, Sing number, plus some patter between numbers with Bliss talking about Benny, how he transitioned from classical to jazz, and a few short but dazzling classical partitas.
It was one of his initial concerts with the group and he was obviously still settling into the "Benny Goodman tribute" concept of the tour--he seemed nervous, a bit hesitant at times, his solos seemed a little premeditated (but with a gorgeous sound and fluency). Of the group, the vibes player was an absolute standout, played with fire and swung like crazy; I'd go to see the group if only to see him.
Bliss was incredibly self-effacing throughout his patter; he knew he wasn't yet in his element with the concept of the tour, and was very appreciative and respectful of the musicians he shared the stage with.
For all that the venture felt a bit like a shakedown cruise, I imagine by now he must be very comfortable in the idiom and the performance situation, and the group's been playing together for a couple of years--it ought to be a great ensemble, and a great listening experience, by now.
(Just before the lights dimmed, a large shadowy figure carrying a Rossi clarinet case slipped into the row ahead of me: Paquito D'Rivera. I had the thought: Don't let Paquito onstage, he'll eat this kid alive! But no, he was there just to listen; apparently he knew Bliss from ... well, who knows, from wherever A-list clarinet players hang out between concerts?)
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The Clarinet BBoard
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