Espresso Jazz  provides this page for jazz commentary.

CHAMBER JAZZ

Have you noticed all those TV commercials using clarinet for upbeat messages? The clarinet never really left, but it has been overshadowed by the saxophone. Espresso is reprising the clarinet's joyful sound via its classic blend with strings; in the intimate setting of a trio, following the great jazz tradition of swinging "chamber groups" dating from the early 20th century.

Chamber groups featuring the clarinet include: the Jelly Roll Morton Trio with the marvelous Johnny Dodds on clarinet; clarinetist Jimmy Noone's Apex Club Orchestra with Earl Hines on piano;and the Benny Goodman trio with the giant Teddy Wilson on piano. Reissues have made these recordings and many others available for listening. Later, more "modern" groups included the John Kirby sextet; the Joe Mooney Quartet, with Andy Fitzgerald on clarinet: the George Shearing Quintet; Louis Jordan's Tympany Five, which really started the Rhythm & Blues rage; the Miles Davis Quartet; Gerry Mulligan Quartet; Dave Brubeck Quartet; and the small combos of tenor master, John Coltrane.

Small combos now reign supreme in jazz for both musical and economic reasons, but they have always been the incubator for innovation and individual expression; connecting with audiences in intimate ways.                                                                          

- Bob Sparkman  July 26, 2000 

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