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A CLARINET PLAYER LISTENS TO LOUIS ARMSTRONG

As a youngster, my first jazz heroes were the brilliant clarinet players out of New Orleans, Chicago, and the swing bands of the 1930's. I was privileged to hear, in person, Edmond Hall, George Lewis, Pee Wee Russell, Rod Cless, Joe Marsala, Artie Shaw and Benny Goodman. On records I studied Johnny Dodds, Jimmy Noone, Don Murray, Barney Bigard, Irving Fazola, Gene Cedric, and many more. They all showed me the way on clarinet; but it was listening to Louis that taught me about melody, phrasing, swing and intonation. I only heard him twice in person, but every note of every recording he ever made is in my head, and is the basis for everything I play on the clarinet. Armstrong was the master, especially on blues and ballad playing, and most of the greats of jazz agree.

Those of us who revere Louis have our favorites, but if one recording shows all of his genius more than most, it would be his 1929 "Stardust". There are two versions, (pick your favorite) both masterpieces. If you get inside either, or both, the wonders of jazz will be with you forever! Ken Burns was wise enough to use one of them as background to the Louis Armstrong section in his PBS series. Good for him!  

- Bob Sparkman  January 23, 2002   

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