 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: ghuba
Date: 2006-12-30 12:55
In his book "West Coast Jazz: Modern Jazz in California" when discussing Jimmy Giuffre, Ted Gioia states that "... when playing the clarinet, itself something of a rarity in modern jazz, Giuffre used an A-natural clarinet, rather than the standard B-flat horn, and his preference for the woody resonance of the instrument's deep register (what Ed Michel called the 'isn't this a nice day for a picnic sort of tone') further pushed Giuffre beyond the musical mainstream." (page 234)
[Giuffre's style has always puzzled me, because he evolved far more rapidly over a short period of time than most jazz clarinetists from his style with Woody Herman ("Four Brothers") to early avante guarde to New Age music in the 1950s through 1970s and he was far ahead of the pack in most of these transitions. He was obviously an extremely innovative jazz musician, but rarely credited for these changes now.]
1. Does anyone know if Mr. Giuffre used an A-clarinet throughout his career or if it was on a limited number of recordings?
2. Are there other recorded examples of an A-clarinet being used in jazz?
George
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Author: William
Date: 2006-12-30 14:35
No information regarding Jimmy G, however, during the 1980s, I played with a popular local band called the New Original Hyperion Oriental Foxtrot Orchestra which played New Orleans "period" music (1920-30s). We used numerous written arrangements obtained from the archives of Tulane Univeristy--Jelly Roll Mortan, etc--and some of the clarinet parts were written for A clarinet. Also, I seem to recall reading that the legendary NO clarinetist, Irving Fazola, played an A Albert system clarinet (with a double lip embouchure).
Post Edited (2006-12-30 15:00)
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Author: Merlin
Date: 2006-12-30 14:46
Wasn't it IRVING Fazola?
He was Pete Fountain's mentor IIRC. Fountain said that he had one of Fazola's old clarinets, and it used to reek of garlic whenever he played it.
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Author: Roger Aldridge
Date: 2006-12-30 15:15
I saw Jimmy in-person a few times. He was playing a Bb clarinet. Yes, he's a very interesting player and composer!
The examples of A clarinets being used in jazz that I'm aware of were in some New Orleans-style ensembles as William mentioned.
You might receive additional information if you post your question on the Sax On The Web forum (in the doubling/clarinet section). I'm thinking that Tim Price might be able to help you regarding Jimmy Giuffre. Tim knows everyone! You also might receive more information about New Orleans A clarinet players. Dave Dolson, on the SOTW forum, is an expert on early jazz and plays in this style himself.
Good luck!
Roger
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Author: ghuba
Date: 2007-01-01 00:01
William, Roger ... great leads for further research. Thank you. And, Happy New Year. George
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Author: Bill
Date: 2007-01-01 01:06
Was always fascinated by the story - true? - that his early recordings with clarinet never extended beyond the fundamental register. He hadn't yet learned to really express himself in the clarion/altissimo.
I love Giuffre. Fascinating topic/responses.
Bill.
Bill Fogle
Ellsworth, Maine
(formerly Washington, DC)
Post Edited (2007-01-01 01:07)
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