@@PeterAndWillAnderson she’s played for four different Presidents, is one of the few female band leaders, is considered a “cultural ambassador of New Orleans”, and has been nicknamed “the clarinet queen”. Sad she wasn’t put on this list
@@alexbelles1370 Wow, those are incredible achievements! I would like to meet her and perform with her sometime. It was very difficult to pick the 10 greatest jazz clarinetists of all time. We get many "here's one more you forgot," and I wish we could include them all!
@@PeterAndWillAnderson I want to play with her as well , literally just introduce myself and ask if I can join in … Even though I’m not a clarinet player , I can hold my end with my instruments of choice ! I be honored to play with her and many others , ( includes all of you musician with that passion)
A great list! I always loved Pete Fountain too. Clarinet was my first instrument. My great Uncles were Edmond and Herbert Hall (You have Edmonds playing down WELL!). My grandfather Clarence also played clarinet, although was better known as a session player and recorded with Fats Domino on the 1st RnR recording to sell over a million copies in the late 1940s. He also played in Dave Bartholomew's band as they were best friends. According to the family, they weren't the best in the family on clarinet. They all claimed (arguably) my Uncle Robert was, however, he stopped playing in 1941 to raise a family. One correction: Edmond played with Louis Armstrong and the All-Stars for a total of 8 years on I believe two separate occasions. He eventually left the band, bored from playing the standards every night and briefly moved to Ghana to open a music school for kids.
All of the guys you mentioned are of course greats! There are so many really good Jazz clarinetist that have come and gone but, I can't understand why nobody hardly ever mentions Pete Fountain. Pete was fantastic on his horn, and had I think, the best sound of any guys or girls that have or still play the clarinet. Not trying to dispute any info, just adding my personal view. Thank You!
Thanks for chiming in, Jeffrey. I agree. I watched an incredible video of Pete Fountain playing Tiger Rag on a vintage television show. It was amazing! I hope you can check it out. We did release a "Round 2" top 10 clarinet players, as well! I'm sure you will recognize all the players.
I'm glad you put Buster Bailey in there,he is very underated.Jimmie Noone was another great one , especially when he played the hot stuff.I thank you and Will for all of your great playing and videos.
Sid Phillips... and Peanuts Hucho, who I saw in late 70's.... total legends. Personally, I love Goodmans tone, and Artie Shaws technique.... 'keep music Live!'... Great video btw
There is nothing like great fast clarinet swing! I love it in New Orleans style Jazz! I sure wish someone would put together a box set of Great Fast clarinet jazz songs!! Id buy it in a heartbeat!!
Thanks, I think we’re on the same page ;) check out buster bailey’s “man with a horn goes bizerk”. It is the most impressive fast jazz playing I’ve ever heard. :)
Man this list hurts my heart, jazz clarinet is my first love. There have been so many more and the instrument doesn't get it's due in jazz circles. First, I recognize Goodman's contributions as a leader but Artie was the virtuoso player. I've got to hear #6 & #5 because Jimmy Hamilton is so underappreciated and should be more well known. Had to hurt to leave Buddy Defranco off the list! Eric Dolphy? You've got to do a modern list too: Pete Fountain, Dr. Michael White, Eddie Daniels, Ken Peplowski, Anat Cohen, Evan Christopher, Victor Goines & Ted Nash, Yourself. Etc..... Thanks for the clarinet list. 🙂
You may pick Artie over I do agree that a Benny but I disagree because the style and warmth of Benny is so much more of a pleasant and comfortable style to listen to for more than one or two preces
One thing I like about your list is there are several clarinetists on there that I didn't know about. Always great to learn about more. Others have mentioned some that would have been great to include (Eddie Daniels, Buddy DeFranco). I'd like to add Art Pepper. Though he didn't record a lot on clarinet, what he recorded was gorgeous. Paquito D'Rivera is another great one to include, along with Anat Cohen. Also, if you include New Orleans style, Doreen Ketchens is worthy of considering. Thanks for compiling this list for sure! So many greats on it.
Hi Craig, I love your suggestions. We have a top 10 clarinetists "round 2" video as well. Includes Paquito, Eddie, and other lesser known players. I'm a fan of Doreen and she has a youtube channel! Has some really nice educational videos. We've chatted a bit too. Thank you for checking out our videos!
@@PeterAndWillAnderson I didn't realize Doreen has a UA-cam channel. Thanks. I'm gonna check it out. Looking forward to your "round 2" also (and appreciated "round 1" as well).
Great video! My additions would be Tony Scott, Buddy DeFranco, Kenny Davern, Jimmy Giuffre, Rolf Kuehn, and the two Dans: Block and Levinson! And also my dearly departed friend, Perry Robinson.
Those are great additions! The only one I don't know Rolf Kuehn, so I'll have to check them out. Dan Block and Dan Levinson are my two heros. Sorta introduced me to the NYC jazz scene. I'm grateful to both of them :)
Can you use the slow down function on youtube? That might help you learn then by ear. Transcribing by ear is an important skill! Only learned by trying.
Thanks so much, Geffry! I don't have a sheet on it, it's just something I improvised quickly on the spot. If you want to learn it, it might help to use the slow down feature on YT and go note by note. Transcribing is the best way to learn jazz. I can try to right it out if I can get around to it.
Thanks for the effort you put into this. Missing. are more modern, busking clarinet players: Doreen Ketchens Jazz Band and Craig Flory of Tuba Skinny, both from New Orleans streets.
Buddy DeFranco??? He pretty much brought the clarinet into bebop. I know these lists can be difficult, but Buddy was not only a phenomenal player, he was a true innovator. Buddy D was one of the big stars of Tommy Dorsey's band along with a young Sinatra and Buddy Rich. I'm a little partial too, I admit, because I got to play with him on a concert back in 1988 at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp when I was a young man of 22 years. Partial or not, I think Buddy is top 5.
I agree Hamilton had a concert band tone, if you know what I mean. I retained my round tone on my Buffet and brought it to dixieland . I definitely think there is time and place to sound "Dodd-sy" and replicate that era of playing - just to keep the history alive of that playing style - but I favor the mellow warm tones of the Boehm clarinet. As you say this instrument is a versatile one. So expressive.
I believe that Eric Dolphy holds a special place in the category of reed players. His voice was unique and his contribution cut too short by early death was phenomenal. Include him too.
Lester Young Played one of the top of the line Metal Clarinets made during that time. So did George Lewis he played a Harry Pedler Albert System! Lester Young didn’t play on the wood clarinet because he prefer the sound of the metal clarinet.
Being from Sweden my vote is for Putte Wickman. He had a very plesant and smooth tone. He played mostly "legatoish" with very little staccato. Check him out if you haven't!
Hendrik Mertens I love Stan’s recordings with Benny Goodman. They sounded a like I think. I played in NYC with Eddie Bert, trombonist in that band. He said he was in the room and saw Benny’s face when he got the phone call that Stan Hasselgard died. So tragic.
@@PeterAndWillAnderson actually went and listened to some lester young recordings after this. The metal clarinet story where Benny Goodman gave him his was good
@@squiddyjamzzz Lester was so good at the clarinet. Soloed alot with Basie. He admired benny, too. He dedicated a song to benny on one of his verve recordings.
For me, two names are definitely missing here : Eric Dolphy , as one of the precursors of the Bass Clarinet in Jazz and milestone in the history of jazz as link between bepop and free jazz, and Jimmy Giuffre, who, at the clarinet player and along with Paul Bley and Steve Swallow, paved the way to free music and free improvisation back in early 1960 .
You missed out the best clarinet player in London in the 1930s - Joe Crossman (who played with Lew Stone and His band). Check out "that's a plenty" on this site. He does a fab solo. What about Peanuts Hucko? he was a master of 40s swing. (Glenn Miller's AAF band).
How about: -Ken peplowsky -Eddie Daniëls - Felix Peikli - Charles Mingus - Buddy Defranco -Pete Fountain I didn’t know most of the names on the list but they were all really good , good video guys
Thanks for the great ideas. Alvin Batiste's relative, Jon Batiste is one of our friends and former school classmates! I'm sure you've heard of him. There is a second clarinet list coming out soon :)
Yes, most definitely I've heard of Jon Batiste :) I look forward to the second list of clarinet greats. Thanks for including Jimmy Hamilton! Never heard of him before...
All in all - a great list. I would put in the modern John Carter instead of Murray, and also consider Don Byron. The top 3 should all be number one, I mean - was there really anyone better than Bechet ?
@@PeterAndWillAnderson Thank you SO much! I’m a long time saxophone player who is trying to get the clarinet together after many years ( with more than several bouts of frustration) I’m thinking that maybe the 5JB with my Pete Fountain Leblanc might be a little extreme, and seeing your set up seems to send me thinking even more so-do you find that your set up works well for jazz in a live setting? Projection/volume?
@@PeterAndWillAnderson Great thing to do Jazz and Swing Clarinet is my fav. There is a Scottish guy on youtube I just love. Plays Tenor sax also Ian Boyter I am sure you have heard him.. He is great
Ever heard Darnell Howard ? He is Number one!! Albert Nicholas, Jimmie Noone and Many more creole players could be on the list😀 ( Howard played with Earl Hines Big band)
Thanks for adding those names! Haven't heard Darnell Howard yet. Here's our "round 2" list with ten more clarinet players. ua-cam.com/video/28959Oqr9UE/v-deo.html
Since I'm on a clarinet wave right now, here's another name for all clarinet lovers: Ivo Papasov - a Bulgarian clarinet player. He's good for warming up.😉
conspicuously all of the best ones are missing... Anat Cohen, Buddy DeFranco, Ken Poplowski, Paquito D'Rivera, Pete Fountain? You definitely hit a lot of the early masters but there's so much happening in jazz clarinet these days that I'm surprised the list was weighted so heavily toward the early 20th century.
With all due respect (and I really mean that) to post this as the "Top 10 Players in Jazz" is ridiculous. I disagree with your list and I think you are flat out wrong for ranking these players. What was the criteria for ranking each player? Top 10 according to who? How can you rate one better than the other? This posting would have been much better served if you had listed something like: "Ten of the Greatest Jazz Clarinetist of All Time" and then followed it up with another 10 and then another. Posting the ten you listed as the "Top 10" was a slap in the face to the many clarinet greats that you omitted such as Jack Maheu, Peanuts Hucko, Pee Wee Russell, Archie Semple, Bob Wilbur, Joe Muranyi, Irving Fazola, Phil Bodner, Bobby Gordon. It who among others are considered as "next round draft picks" who may or may not be chosen for the second or third or fourth round. Am I a tad upset? Damn right I am! I've been playing jazz clarinet for over 55 years. I was weaned on the sounds of some of the greatest jazz clarinetist of all time, some who I had the pleasure and honor to know personally and shared a stage with. It's not a matter of who is a better technician or who is more famous. So who ranks higher? Anat Cohen (ripping through "Chinaboy") or Pee Wee Russell (whispering through "The Very Though of You")? If you answer is either "Anat" or "Pee Wee" then I would question your love and appreciation for both jazz music and the clarinet. The fact of the matter is they are both great jazz artists - who happen to play the clarinet. It's a sin to suggest or give the appearance that one ranks better than the other. My suggestion: Get rid of the title "Top 10 Clarinet Players in Jazz" and replace it with "Among the Great Clarinet Players in Jazz". Other than that good job Peter and Will in mentioning some of the greats that don't get much mention anymore. ps: Don't forget Frank Teschemacher!
Hey Ron! Thanks for chiming in. Part of the fun of learning about these players is to rank them (just an opinion, not fact), of course it's totally subjective and have probably changed my mind since releasing the video. We have "Next 10" videos coming out so we can include as many great clarinet players as we can! Frank Teschmacher is one of my favorites, too.
@@PeterAndWillAnderson I just get frustrated sometimes because there are players who for decades put their heart and soul into their playing but for whatever reason are rarely, if ever recognized or shown appreciation for their talent and contribution to Jazz. I'm happy to see that you guys are looking into other greats - which by the way if I may suggest: My mentor and friend Jack Maheu and oh yeah, Ken Peplowski, who will shun me like the Amish if I don't mention his name. Looking forward to your "Next 10"!
@@RonJoseph-Swingdatmusic Ken is one of our friends and one of the best players we know! We're proud to have made a CD with him. I don't know Jack Maheu, so I will have to check them out. I hope we get to play together sometime, too.
These choices are OPINIONS. Everyone has opinions, even musicians. IMO, lists of "better", "best", "greatest" etc., are compiled mainly by non-musicians, who also have their own personal preferences. For me, the "better" and "best" is anyone who plays better than me .....
Thanks for tuning in. And yes, you are spot on, John. Consider this is "My Top 10" I'd love to hear which ones you think should be up there too! (There's so many to name)
@@PeterAndWillAnderson Being a "traditionalist", my favourites (not necessarily "top" or "best") are Johnny Dodds - and in no order - George Lewis, Omer Simeon, Sidney Bechet, Barney Bigard, Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw, Kenny Davern, Tony Parenti, ....and Geoff Kitchen, Barry Wratten, Paul Furniss (Australia). There are more favourites, and many more who "play better than me"; but that's enough, surely !
I don't think "boehm" is pronounced "bome." (more people say "bame") Your list is pretty good. I would certainly include Jimmy Noone. But here's a surprise - Bob Helm, who played with Lu Watters and Turk Murphy. His tone was as far from classical as you could get and he sometimes had intonation problems. But he came up with more ideas in one solo than any on your list could invent in an entire set. He did things you'd swear couldn't be done on a clarinet.
Thanks Dar! I didn't know how to pronounce "boehm" and took a stab at it. Oh well. Jimmy Noone is one of the greatest for sure! I will check out Bob Helm!
@@PeterAndWillAnderson Out of curiosity I checked out how to pronounce boehm on the net. There are at least four different ways! The way I mentioned ("bame") is the way every player and technician I know says it. So nobody knows anything (including me).
@@davidbondy8340 I have known many players from Europe and they mispronounce just about everything. I suppose if they could really pronounce things they would speak English.
Artie may have been more of a skilled technician on the clarinet. But I'd say because it is a jazz list, benny is top because of his solos and improvisation
No Eddie? No Buddy? ....., perhaps the gleeful reality for Jazz is there should be a top 25 players. You've got a nice presentation, perhaps a little antiseptic but nonetheless necessary I fear. I can't help but sense though that there's too strong a thread of Manufacturing Consent (Chomsky!) here throughout.
"Top 10 Clarinet Players in Jazz" That's a very misleading statement? That should have read "Top Clarinet Players in Traditional and Swing Jazz"? Notwithstanding from that genre you missed out Joe Dixon, Joe Marsala, Joe Darensbourg and Bob McCracken to name but a few deserving candidates. If we're talking "Jazz" without a defined genre There's Tony Scott. Buddy DeFranco, Putte Wickman and Eddie Daniels. If you're gonna make a definitive statement ya might wanna add "in my opinion" cos in my opinion you're flat our wrong.. Just sayin'
Thanks for the input. A top 10 list made by any one person is going to be subjective, so I don't really see the point in adding "my opinion." It's really up to each individual to decide what their top 10 would be. Which is why this video was so fun to make! Those are great player suggestions! Most of them ended up in our round 2 and 3 jazz clarinet player videos. I can see if you disagreed. But most will and that's OK.
Granted the clarinet was more popular in the swing era but the music that came afterwards is a lot more difficult. Jimmy Giuffre, Buddy Defranco and even Paquito DRivera should be listed in any top 10 list. But to not list the torch bearer most of my life (I’m 57) Eddie Daniels. Your list is just the 1st 3 decades of jazz clarinet? Why?
Hey guys, tried to access your website, but it is blocked and we get this: Dangerous Webpage BlockedYou attempted to access:peterandwillanderson.com/This is a known dangerous webpage. It is highly recommended that you do NOT visit this page. Has someone hacked your site? Can't get to it, so I hope you can fix it!
How about Doreen ketchens she is amazing
Yes! I have watched her UA-cam channel, she has great educational videos in addition to playing. Thanks for the suggestion.
@@PeterAndWillAnderson she’s played for four different Presidents, is one of the few female band leaders, is considered a “cultural ambassador of New Orleans”, and has been nicknamed “the clarinet queen”. Sad she wasn’t put on this list
@@alexbelles1370 Wow, those are incredible achievements! I would like to meet her and perform with her sometime. It was very difficult to pick the 10 greatest jazz clarinetists of all time. We get many "here's one more you forgot," and I wish we could include them all!
@@PeterAndWillAnderson I want to play with her as well , literally just introduce myself and ask if I can join in … Even though I’m not a clarinet player , I can hold my end with my instruments of choice ! I be honored to play with her and many others , ( includes all of you musician with that passion)
@@Raulo707 Wow, thank you!
A great list! I always loved Pete Fountain too. Clarinet was my first instrument. My great Uncles were Edmond and Herbert Hall (You have Edmonds playing down WELL!). My grandfather Clarence also played clarinet, although was better known as a session player and recorded with Fats Domino on the 1st RnR recording to sell over a million copies in the late 1940s. He also played in Dave Bartholomew's band as they were best friends. According to the family, they weren't the best in the family on clarinet. They all claimed (arguably) my Uncle Robert was, however, he stopped playing in 1941 to raise a family. One correction: Edmond played with Louis Armstrong and the All-Stars for a total of 8 years on I believe two separate occasions. He eventually left the band, bored from playing the standards every night and briefly moved to Ghana to open a music school for kids.
Thanks so much!!!
All of the guys you mentioned are of course greats! There are so many really good Jazz clarinetist that have come and gone but, I can't understand why nobody hardly ever mentions Pete Fountain. Pete was fantastic on his horn, and had I think, the best sound of any guys or girls that have or still play the clarinet. Not trying to dispute any info, just adding my personal view. Thank You!
Thanks for chiming in, Jeffrey. I agree. I watched an incredible video of Pete Fountain playing Tiger Rag on a vintage television show. It was amazing! I hope you can check it out. We did release a "Round 2" top 10 clarinet players, as well! I'm sure you will recognize all the players.
I'm glad you put Buster Bailey in there,he is very underated.Jimmie Noone was another great one , especially when he played the hot stuff.I thank you and Will for all of your great playing and videos.
Thanks Bruce! Buster Bailey is one of my absolute favorites. Jimmie Noone is up there for sure! He will likely be in round 2 :)
Sid Phillips... and Peanuts Hucho, who I saw in late 70's.... total legends. Personally, I love Goodmans tone, and Artie Shaws technique.... 'keep music Live!'... Great video btw
That's so cool and thank you! I appreciate it.
Sid Phillips a hero of mine, he played Albert System clarinet.
Love the list. Your playing of some of the Blue Horizon notes was awesome!
There is nothing like great fast clarinet swing! I love it in New Orleans style Jazz! I sure wish someone would put together a box set of Great Fast clarinet jazz songs!! Id buy it in a heartbeat!!
Thanks, I think we’re on the same page ;) check out buster bailey’s “man with a horn goes bizerk”. It is the most impressive fast jazz playing I’ve ever heard. :)
Very well done!
Thanks so much Keith!
Thank you for taking the time dear clarinetist to put this together. It's on my go to list
Thank you for watching!
You forgot Buddy DeFranco , John Carter, Eddy Daniels and lots of others....
Yes, hard to include them in the top 10. But we're soon coming out with a second round with 10 more!
@@russelljazzbeck hehehehe it's good to laugh sometimes :)
DeFranco is a definite top 10. He won the Down Beat poll 19 times.. played sweet, big band, small groups and successful in be bop. Most versatile!
Buddy is wonderful. His wife lives in Florida and we've met her several times!
Man this list hurts my heart, jazz clarinet is my first love. There have been so many more and the instrument doesn't get it's due in jazz circles. First, I recognize Goodman's contributions as a leader but Artie was the virtuoso player. I've got to hear #6 & #5 because Jimmy Hamilton is so underappreciated and should be more well known. Had to hurt to leave Buddy Defranco off the list! Eric Dolphy? You've got to do a modern list too: Pete Fountain, Dr. Michael White, Eddie Daniels, Ken Peplowski, Anat Cohen, Evan Christopher, Victor Goines & Ted Nash, Yourself. Etc..... Thanks for the clarinet list. 🙂
Thanks so much, Brian! There will be a round 2! It's hard to pick for sure :)
and what about the european ones ? michel portal, jacques di donato, louis sclavis, denis colin (bass clarinet)..
I don’t know those European players but I should!
You may pick Artie over I do agree that a Benny but I disagree because the style and warmth of Benny is so much more of a pleasant and comfortable style to listen to for more than one or two preces
Excellent information .
Thanks, Rajan!
I play Albert system clarinet, its perfectly in tune, it was made by E.J. Albert, Belgium.
One thing I like about your list is there are several clarinetists on there that I didn't know about. Always great to learn about more. Others have mentioned some that would have been great to include (Eddie Daniels, Buddy DeFranco). I'd like to add Art Pepper. Though he didn't record a lot on clarinet, what he recorded was gorgeous. Paquito D'Rivera is another great one to include, along with Anat Cohen. Also, if you include New Orleans style, Doreen Ketchens is worthy of considering. Thanks for compiling this list for sure! So many greats on it.
Hi Craig, I love your suggestions. We have a top 10 clarinetists "round 2" video as well. Includes Paquito, Eddie, and other lesser known players. I'm a fan of Doreen and she has a youtube channel! Has some really nice educational videos. We've chatted a bit too. Thank you for checking out our videos!
@@PeterAndWillAnderson I didn't realize Doreen has a UA-cam channel. Thanks. I'm gonna check it out. Looking forward to your "round 2" also (and appreciated "round 1" as well).
@@craigmcgorry2391 Here's the Round 2 Video! ua-cam.com/video/28959Oqr9UE/v-deo.html
Great video! My additions would be Tony Scott, Buddy DeFranco, Kenny Davern, Jimmy Giuffre, Rolf Kuehn, and the two Dans: Block and Levinson! And also my dearly departed friend, Perry Robinson.
Those are great additions! The only one I don't know Rolf Kuehn, so I'll have to check them out. Dan Block and Dan Levinson are my two heros. Sorta introduced me to the NYC jazz scene. I'm grateful to both of them :)
Could you share the first notes you played, would like to try on trumpet/trombone
Can you use the slow down function on youtube? That might help you learn then by ear. Transcribing by ear is an important skill! Only learned by trying.
Awesome video.
Thank you Sandra! :)
Hey, great video! could you provide some info (or maybe sheet) on that nice melody you make in the first 10 sec of the video?
Thanks so much, Geffry! I don't have a sheet on it, it's just something I improvised quickly on the spot. If you want to learn it, it might help to use the slow down feature on YT and go note by note. Transcribing is the best way to learn jazz. I can try to right it out if I can get around to it.
@@PeterAndWillAnderson I'll try to transcribe it :)
Thanks for the effort you put into this. Missing. are more modern, busking clarinet players:
Doreen Ketchens Jazz Band and Craig Flory of Tuba Skinny, both from New Orleans streets.
Thanks, Jamie. I enjoy Doreen's YT channel, too. Check it out!
Buddy DeFranco???
He pretty much brought the clarinet into bebop.
I know these lists can be difficult, but Buddy was not only a phenomenal player, he was a true innovator. Buddy D was one of the big stars of Tommy Dorsey's band along with a young Sinatra and Buddy Rich.
I'm a little partial too, I admit, because I got to play with him on a concert back in 1988 at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp when I was a young man of 22 years. Partial or not, I think Buddy is top 5.
agreed
I agree Hamilton had a concert band tone, if you know what I mean. I retained my round tone on my Buffet and brought it to dixieland . I definitely think there is time and place to sound "Dodd-sy" and replicate that era of playing - just to keep the history alive of that playing style - but I favor the mellow warm tones of the Boehm clarinet. As you say this instrument is a versatile one. So expressive.
Thanks for sharing your ideas. You are a true listener.
I'm glad to see my favorite clarinetist Edmund Hall on the list! I'm also a big Kenny Davern fan - I'm sure he would make the top 15 list!
Right on! Kenny is in our round2 clarinet players video. You should check that out. Glad to meet like minded people here! Keep Swingin'
@@PeterAndWillAnderson I intend to!
I believe that Eric Dolphy holds a special place in the category of reed players. His voice was unique and his contribution cut too short by early death was phenomenal. Include him too.
Camilo, great suggestion. He will go on the bass clarinet list. But you're right, his clarinet playing can match up with any of the others :)
I fully agree 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Lester Young Played one of the top of the line Metal Clarinets made during that time. So did George Lewis he played a Harry Pedler Albert System! Lester Young didn’t play on the wood clarinet because he prefer the sound of the metal clarinet.
Hi I’m Carla’s oldest and I play clarinet to I’m happy you showed me this video because it helped me a lot.
Clarionet and saxophone are my favourite instruments. Of course it very much melodious in Hindustani ( indian) classical music.
Yeah!
Being from Sweden my vote is for Putte Wickman. He had a very plesant and smooth tone. He played mostly "legatoish" with very little staccato. Check him out if you haven't!
Hi Bjorn, I haven't heard him yet. Thanks for the suggestion. There are so many good players today; more than ever!
Yes he is great!! I love his playing with Sivuca. Video is here on UA-cam.
Talking about Swedes, there is also a great player Stan Hasselgard. He died very young unfortunately...
Hendrik Mertens I love Stan’s recordings with Benny Goodman. They sounded a like I think. I played in NYC with Eddie Bert, trombonist in that band. He said he was in the room and saw Benny’s face when he got the phone call that Stan Hasselgard died. So tragic.
Don't forget John Björling, a great player (with Thore Ehrling)
Buddy de Franco y Ken Peplowski mis favoritos.
Two thumbs up for both of those players. I know Buddy's Widow, Joyce. She lives in Panama City, Florida. :)
Very informative
Thank you! I like your clarinet playing! Charlie Parker tunes played on clarinet, wow!
@@PeterAndWillAnderson thanks alot fam. I still gotta a lot of tightening up to do but very excited to hear that coming from you. Much love
@@PeterAndWillAnderson actually went and listened to some lester young recordings after this. The metal clarinet story where Benny Goodman gave him his was good
@@squiddyjamzzz Lester was so good at the clarinet. Soloed alot with Basie. He admired benny, too. He dedicated a song to benny on one of his verve recordings.
Great imitations, love your version of Sidney Bechet !!
You left out the best one. Eddie Daniels!!
He shows up in our Round 2 clarinet player video
I must add Tony Parenti and my all time favourite Scotsman, Sandy Brown.
Haven't heard of them, but I'll check them out, thanks for the tip!
For me, two names are definitely missing here : Eric Dolphy , as one of the precursors of the Bass Clarinet in Jazz and milestone in the history of jazz as link between bepop and free jazz, and Jimmy Giuffre, who, at the clarinet player and along with Paul Bley and Steve Swallow, paved the way to free music and free improvisation back in early 1960 .
Thanks so much. Check out the Round 2 and Round 3 - they are in there!
Very nice. But think of the future : Martin Schmidt-Hahn clarinet is one of the coming stars !!
Arnold, I will have to check out Martin, I have not heard him yet!
You missed out the best clarinet player in London in the 1930s - Joe Crossman (who played with Lew Stone and His band). Check out "that's a plenty" on this site. He does a fab solo. What about Peanuts Hucko? he was a master of 40s swing. (Glenn Miller's AAF band).
wondeful !
Thanks!
Danny Polo, Irving Fazola, Tony Parenti...
You sound like an expert! They will have to go in our next video
How about:
-Ken peplowsky
-Eddie Daniëls
- Felix Peikli
- Charles Mingus
- Buddy Defranco
-Pete Fountain
I didn’t know most of the names on the list but they were all really good , good video guys
Thanks for chiming in. With the exception of 1 or 2, all of those made it into our video "Round 2" clarinet players! Check it out
Eddie Daniels man...where is he?
Great suggestion. He might just be on the next list we’re releasing :)
Alvin Batiste! Very original style. Paquito D'Rivera is also quite good :)
Thanks for the great ideas. Alvin Batiste's relative, Jon Batiste is one of our friends and former school classmates! I'm sure you've heard of him. There is a second clarinet list coming out soon :)
Yes, most definitely I've heard of Jon Batiste :) I look forward to the second list of clarinet greats. Thanks for including Jimmy Hamilton! Never heard of him before...
Paquito D'Rivera is near the top indeed.
@@JoshuaTanzer I love Paquito! He plays on one of our CDs. A true natural player.
All in all - a great list. I would put in the modern John Carter instead of Murray, and also consider Don Byron. The top 3 should all be number one, I mean - was there really anyone better than Bechet ?
Love Don Byron, what a player. Have been listening to him for years. Goodman and Bechet is a tough matchup :)
George Lewis did not make the list?! He is definitely my favorite clarinetist.
George Lewis is great! The favorite of movie director and clarinetist Woody Allen :)
I agree 100%
Great history lesson you’re hitting on all cylinders 😊
Thanks 👍
Wonderful!! If you don’t mind-what clarinet and set-up are you using on your clarinet? Sounds beautiful!
Thank you very much! Buffet R13, Vandoren M13 Lyre, Ddarrio Reserve Classic 3.5.
@@PeterAndWillAnderson Thank you SO much! I’m a long time saxophone player who is trying to get the clarinet together after many years ( with more than several bouts of frustration) I’m thinking that maybe the 5JB with my Pete Fountain Leblanc might be a little extreme, and seeing your set up seems to send me thinking even more so-do you find that your set up works well for jazz in a live setting? Projection/volume?
@@theblueriverjazzbandmusic2540 5jb is for advanced expert players. it takes chops !
This was great and you play very well.. Like I have always thought that era had the best musicians EVER . Gene Krupa still rules also :-)
Well said! It was a great era for the jazz clarinet. We are trying our best to revive it! Thanks for tuning in :)
@@PeterAndWillAnderson Great thing to do Jazz and Swing Clarinet is my fav. There is a Scottish guy on youtube I just love. Plays Tenor sax also Ian Boyter I am sure you have heard him.. He is great
No Buddy Defranco? He was one of the few clarinetists that really tried to take the clarinet into the bebop era.
You should take a look on Petroloukas Chalkias and you will change your list...Benny Goodman was listening to him in New York in the 60's
Hi Ody. I haven't heard Petroloukas. I'll have to check them out. Thanks for the suggestion :)
honorable mention to Don Byron who is SUPER GOOD
How about Henry Cuesta and Don Bonee of Lawrence Welk Show
I will have to check them out. Thanks for the tip!
great list!!! however no mention of Buddy Defranco, or Jimmy Giuffre
A well reasoned list. No gripes at all - these were the inn0vators and the influencers -
Thanks so much for the compliment. It was hard to choose!!!
For the nb 4 top 10 list: Perry Robinson
Will check them out, thanks!
Great pics. How about Pet Fountain....
He made it into our Round 2 video :) Feel free to check it out. Thanks again for watching.
Amongst current players Andy Firth would have to be seriously considered.
Agree!
Not including Jimmy Noone in the top 10 is a crime imo!😊
Yes, I agree. He made it into our later videos. We did both a Round 2 and Round 3
Thank you very much. DerKlariNette
Oh nooo, where's Buddy DeFranco??
He was so close! He'll go on the next one for sure.
Pete Fountain...
Yes! Check out our round 2! :)
Ever heard Darnell Howard ? He is Number one!! Albert Nicholas, Jimmie Noone and Many more creole players could be on the list😀 ( Howard played with Earl Hines Big band)
Thanks for adding those names! Haven't heard Darnell Howard yet. Here's our "round 2" list with ten more clarinet players. ua-cam.com/video/28959Oqr9UE/v-deo.html
Nice list!! But where's Kelpy G?
We included Kenny X, Y and Z!
Great list...no argument from me on any of the choices...
Wow, thanks Bill! Hard to put them in order
Since I'm on a clarinet wave right now, here's another name for all clarinet lovers: Ivo Papasov - a Bulgarian clarinet player. He's good for warming up.😉
I've gotta check them out, thanks for the tip!
Don Byron?
I really like don byron! I’ve seen him live. One of my favorite albums he did was “romance with the unseen” he plays Perdido. It’s awesome.
NO BUDDY DEFRANCO??? I can't believe
Fair point! He's in our Round 2 clarinet video. Please feel free to check it out. Thank you for watching :)
and Tony Scott?
Check out Round 2! :)
Yes Doreen Ketchens is GREAT !! 💯💯💯
Right on
Surprised not to see Buddy DeFranco.
Tony Scott, Eddie Daniels and many others
conspicuously all of the best ones are missing... Anat Cohen, Buddy DeFranco, Ken Poplowski, Paquito D'Rivera, Pete Fountain? You definitely hit a lot of the early masters but there's so much happening in jazz clarinet these days that I'm surprised the list was weighted so heavily toward the early 20th century.
Many of those you mentioned made our "Round 2" video! I'll link it below. Thanks for tuning in :)
ua-cam.com/video/28959Oqr9UE/v-deo.html&
@@PeterAndWillAnderson thanks! i didn't know this existed! I'll check it out later.
I agree with everything, except I think I would rank Hall over Bechet. Mostly because whenever I think of Bechet I think of Soprano Sax first.
Wow interesting choice, but I respect it
Étant danseur , pour moi le top c'est Sammy Rimington (dixieland & new-orleans) et Artie Shaw (années swing) .
Dear Peter you sound good but Mister Buddy de Franco should have been in this list. He was an incredible hard bop improviser and Bebop too!
Tony Scott ?
Yess man, he is top 1 clarinetist for me, best sound
Buddy,you missed Buddy DeFranco
Buddy is great
Missing my captain Buddy DeFranco
He'll be in the next video! Thanks for the reminder :) He's great.
With all due respect (and I really mean that) to post this as the "Top 10 Players in Jazz" is ridiculous. I disagree with your list and I think you are flat out wrong for ranking these players. What was the criteria for ranking each player? Top 10 according to who? How can you rate one better than the other? This posting would have been much better served if you had listed something like: "Ten of the Greatest Jazz Clarinetist of All Time" and then followed it up with another 10 and then another. Posting the ten you listed as the "Top 10" was a slap in the face to the many clarinet greats that you omitted such as Jack Maheu, Peanuts Hucko, Pee Wee Russell, Archie Semple, Bob Wilbur, Joe Muranyi, Irving Fazola, Phil Bodner, Bobby Gordon. It who among others are considered as "next round draft picks" who may or may not be chosen for the second or third or fourth round. Am I a tad upset? Damn right I am! I've been playing jazz clarinet for over 55 years. I was weaned on the sounds of some of the greatest jazz clarinetist of all time, some who I had the pleasure and honor to know personally and shared a stage with. It's not a matter of who is a better technician or who is more famous. So who ranks higher? Anat Cohen (ripping through "Chinaboy") or Pee Wee Russell (whispering through "The Very Though of You")? If you answer is either "Anat" or "Pee Wee" then I would question your love and appreciation for both jazz music and the clarinet. The fact of the matter is they are both great jazz artists - who happen to play the clarinet. It's a sin to suggest or give the appearance that one ranks better than the other. My suggestion: Get rid of the title "Top 10 Clarinet Players in Jazz" and replace it with "Among the Great Clarinet Players in Jazz". Other than that good job Peter and Will in mentioning some of the greats that don't get much mention anymore. ps: Don't forget Frank Teschemacher!
Hey Ron! Thanks for chiming in. Part of the fun of learning about these players is to rank them (just an opinion, not fact), of course it's totally subjective and have probably changed my mind since releasing the video. We have "Next 10" videos coming out so we can include as many great clarinet players as we can! Frank Teschmacher is one of my favorites, too.
@@PeterAndWillAnderson I just get frustrated sometimes because there are players who for decades put their heart and soul into their playing but for whatever reason are rarely, if ever recognized or shown appreciation for their talent and contribution to Jazz. I'm happy to see that you guys are looking into other greats - which by the way if I may suggest: My mentor and friend Jack Maheu and oh yeah, Ken Peplowski, who will shun me like the Amish if I don't mention his name. Looking forward to your "Next 10"!
@@RonJoseph-Swingdatmusic Ken is one of our friends and one of the best players we know! We're proud to have made a CD with him. I don't know Jack Maheu, so I will have to check them out. I hope we get to play together sometime, too.
These choices are OPINIONS. Everyone has opinions, even musicians. IMO, lists of "better", "best", "greatest" etc., are compiled mainly by non-musicians, who also have their own personal preferences. For me, the "better" and "best" is anyone who plays better than me .....
Thanks for tuning in. And yes, you are spot on, John. Consider this is "My Top 10" I'd love to hear which ones you think should be up there too! (There's so many to name)
@@PeterAndWillAnderson Being a "traditionalist", my favourites (not necessarily "top" or "best") are Johnny Dodds - and in no order - George Lewis, Omer Simeon, Sidney Bechet, Barney Bigard, Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw, Kenny Davern, Tony Parenti, ....and Geoff Kitchen, Barry Wratten, Paul Furniss (Australia). There are more favourites, and many more who "play better than me"; but that's enough, surely !
John Roberts Barry Wratten is great!
I don't think "boehm" is pronounced "bome." (more people say "bame") Your list is pretty good. I would certainly include Jimmy Noone. But here's a surprise - Bob Helm, who played with Lu Watters and Turk Murphy. His tone was as far from classical as you could get and he sometimes had intonation problems. But he came up with more ideas in one solo than any on your list could invent in an entire set. He did things you'd swear couldn't be done on a clarinet.
Thanks Dar! I didn't know how to pronounce "boehm" and took a stab at it. Oh well. Jimmy Noone is one of the greatest for sure! I will check out Bob Helm!
@@PeterAndWillAnderson Out of curiosity I checked out how to pronounce boehm on the net. There are at least four different ways! The way I mentioned ("bame") is the way every player and technician I know says it. So nobody knows anything (including me).
@@darz3829 Won't be my last pronunciation mistake hehe
I have been playing for more than fifty years and here in Europe it has always, always, always been pronounced Bo-em (NEVER BAME!!!!!)
@@davidbondy8340 I have known many players from Europe and they mispronounce just about everything. I suppose if they could really pronounce things they would speak English.
Great lust. Unfortunately they have all passed. Who is great today that we can go to hear play live?
Chloe Feoranzo!
@@larryfischer1970 Absolutely! She's fabulous.
You missed the clarinettist's clarinettist - Kenny Davern.
He's in our "Round 3" video. Check it out! Thanks.
Barney Bigard!
Right on!
Buddy DeFranco!!
Paquita?
Doreen Ketchens is the top on my List!!!
She has a great UA-cam Channel I watch often!
I agree with his list except I would’ve put Artie Shaw in first place
I like your take...Artie Shaw often goes overlooked!
Jimmy Dorsey-You missed the true No. 1 !
He's great
as a very skilled jazz clarinets myself-i put shaw ahead of goodman
Artie may have been more of a skilled technician on the clarinet. But I'd say because it is a jazz list, benny is top because of his solos and improvisation
No Eddie? No Buddy? ....., perhaps the gleeful reality for Jazz is there should be a top 25 players.
You've got a nice presentation, perhaps a little antiseptic but nonetheless necessary I fear. I can't help but sense though that there's too strong a thread of Manufacturing Consent (Chomsky!) here throughout.
Both Eddie and Buddy made it to Round 2! Check out that video :) Thanks for watching
"Top 10 Clarinet Players in Jazz" That's a very misleading statement? That should have read "Top Clarinet Players in Traditional and Swing Jazz"? Notwithstanding from that genre you missed out Joe Dixon, Joe Marsala, Joe Darensbourg and Bob McCracken to name but a few deserving candidates. If we're talking "Jazz" without a defined genre There's Tony Scott. Buddy DeFranco, Putte Wickman and Eddie Daniels. If you're gonna make a definitive statement ya might wanna add "in my opinion" cos in my opinion you're flat our wrong.. Just sayin'
Thanks for the input. A top 10 list made by any one person is going to be subjective, so I don't really see the point in adding "my opinion." It's really up to each individual to decide what their top 10 would be. Which is why this video was so fun to make! Those are great player suggestions! Most of them ended up in our round 2 and 3 jazz clarinet player videos. I can see if you disagreed. But most will and that's OK.
Buster (bailey) of course!
Oh, yeah! Have you heard his version of "Man with a horn goes bizerk?"
Yes i heard it !magnificent
Benny Goodman!!!
Hard to beat!
How can Jimmie Noone not be in the top 5?
I think you cracked your head.
Granted the clarinet was more popular in the swing era but the music that came afterwards is a lot more difficult. Jimmy Giuffre, Buddy Defranco and even Paquito DRivera should be listed in any top 10 list. But to not list the torch bearer most of my life (I’m 57) Eddie Daniels. Your list is just the 1st 3 decades of jazz clarinet? Why?
Check out our Top 10 clarinet round 2 video! You will see all your names there. Thanks for watching as always.
@@PeterAndWillAnderson Jimmy Giuffre? He wrote Four Brothers … but check out Free Fall. The guy was a pioneer in cool jazz and free jazz.
@@kingwilliamjazzcollective301 Thanks for the tip! Will check it out.
I'd have put DeFranco, John LaPorta, Pee Wee Russell, and Woody Herman on there plus, if we're talking sax players, Art Pepper was a fine clarinetist.
Never heard Art Pepper play clarinet. Will have to check him out.
@@PeterAndWillAnderson "Sometime" on the "Landscape" album (Galaxy) is wonderful.
Barney Bigard? You got to be kidding.
He's no slouch ua-cam.com/video/HsYL1sEmbvY/v-deo.html
Here's another great clip ua-cam.com/video/KRLlHQkFpbs/v-deo.html
More Barney :) ua-cam.com/video/hmV0jmlHd98/v-deo.html
Hey guys, tried to access your website, but it is blocked and we get this: Dangerous Webpage BlockedYou attempted to access:peterandwillanderson.com/This is a known dangerous webpage. It is highly recommended that you do NOT visit this page.
Has someone hacked your site? Can't get to it, so I hope you can fix it!
I think our website is fixed now!
Duh, Buddy DiFranco?
Good list……but where’s squid ward
Ok I am wrong, see you never again
hehehe