Thursday, February 28, 2013

Artie Shaw on Anti-Semitism

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Among jazz clarinet autobiographies, there are two which I consider indispensable. The first, Sidney Bechet's Treat it Gentle, has alre...
Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Mouthpiece Review: Morgan RM06 (c. 1989)

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Morgan RM06 One of the more unusual mouthpieces in my collection is a Ralph Morgan RM06, which has a scoop beak more common to saxo...
Tuesday, February 19, 2013

CD Review: Benny Goodman * Air Play

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In 1986, with little fanfare, the Doctor Jazz label put out a double LP containing remasters of Benny Goodman air checks under the title of ...
Monday, February 11, 2013

Leon Roppolo and the New Orleans Rhythm Kings (1922-25)

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Though little discussed in jazz histories, Leon Roppolo was a foundational figure to the history of jazz clarinet. By 1922, Sidney Bechet ha...
Friday, February 8, 2013

Gear Review: Protec Slimline PRO PAC "Green Tea" Single Clarinet Case

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A couple of weeks back, for the first time in many years, the time had come for me to purchase a new, single clarinet case. My vintage 1955 ...
Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Mouthpiece Review: Vandoren B45 (c.1985)

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Vandoren B45 It has been a long time since I've played a Vandoren B45. The ancient specimen seen above was my main mouthpiece from...
Friday, February 1, 2013

R.I.P. Patty Andrews, last of the Andrews Sisters

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The New York Times has reported that Patty Andrews, the lead singer and youngest of the Andrews Sisters, passed away on Wednesday at the age...