Author: MartyMagnini
Date: 2014-12-12 20:35
Even though my original post had nothing to do with soliciting opinions on Pete Fountains tone, I am always "amused" at the intolerance of some people to the wide range of sounds available and appropriate for different musical genres. If I were teaching a young Mr. Pete Fountain clarinet, and he were pursuing a serious "legitimate" clarinet career, no doubt I would want to work on his sound. However, it obviously is a great (some would argue it's the ideal) sound for the genre. I use the word "obviously" because of the millions of records he sold and millions of fans worldwide his "nasal sound" has gained him. In fact most people would argue that Pete Fountain is the "ultimate" dixieland clarinet player - certainly he's the most celebrated and famous.
And to Clarineteer, I honestly don't mean this to sound condescending or snide - it's what I tell my students all the time: If millions of people enjoy something that you don't (whether it's country music, hip-hop, Acker Bilk, whatever), perhaps the best question to ask ones self is "what are they getting enjoyment from that I am missing?" rather than just dismiss it out of hand. It strikes me the same as when you order a pizza and someone pipes up "Ugh - I HATE pizza!" I'm not sure what that serves, except to show that you're in the minority, and just can't grasp what most of us get - pizza (and Pete Fountain) and worth savoring. Do I want to hear Pete Fountain play the Mozart? No, thank you. Do I want to hear one of the great masters of the genre - "nasal" tone and all, performing at his peak? yes, please.
p.s. - for what it's worth, I completely agree with the comments about the mic placement as well. Everyone sounds bad if you mic them at the bell. Everyone.
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The Clarinet BBoard
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