Is clarinet considered as a jazz instrument , because they are apparently being removed from jazz band as they are not actually a jazz instrument?

x

I love jazz clarinet! I guess it maybe depends on what style of jazz they're playing, but in the jazz bands I listen to and watch, clarinet is quite normal - that's New Orleans/Dixieland jazz.

And the ABRSM do graded exams in jazz clarinet - lots of people here have done them (not me though.. yet ) so I'm sure you'll get lots of advice if you're interested

Thanks

x

I personally love clarinet , I wanted one for over a yer before i finally got one , I heard it played in Jazz Band and thats what made me want one

x

The clarinet a jazz instrument? Surely not!! Whatever next?

Clearly the people in these clips are really playing classical music - just speeded up a little?


http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=O_h-saU6gNA&...feature=related

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=v_rtqhCAmss

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=61WTC4vTot0&...feature=related


Steve

PS I think the clarinet is fantastic in jazz!

As skylark said, clarinets play a big part in early jazz - New Orleans and Dixie. However they faded out when big bands became preferable and the front line became saxes, trumpets and trombones. I think it is a great shame if school jazz/swing bands do not encompass as many different instruments as possible (within reason!).

Of course its a jazz instrument! Historically, even in big bands I think most of the sax players doubled on clarinet.

I play in a show band and because there are no clarinet parts (accept for some arrangements where sax players are required to swap mid-arrangement), then clarinets play the trumpet part. Its not perfect, but at least they get to play.

Oh well if we're showing our favourite film clips...


Artie Shaw, playing his Clarinet Concerto

Yes, and I think this is a very important point. My son plays the trumpet in the school Big Band and there's one lad who plays the clarinet. For most of the time he gets absolutely drowned out by all the trumpets, sax, trombones etc, but at least he has the chance to play, and I admire the policy of the teachers in encouraging everyone to participate.

Steve

My point exactly!

That is sooooo cool.

There are also Claris in the Swing Band my daughter plays in.

well, in our school jazz band, we have about 10 flutes - and they are definitely NOT jazz instruments. in case you were wondering, i play clarinet in jazz band cuz the flute stuff is way too easy...

I've heard some amazing jazz fluting. It's one of my favourite things to do with a flute.

The full concerto is on this CD, along with various other tracks by Artie Shaw, Benny Goodman, Johnny Dodds and others. Somebody gave me the CD as a Christmas present when I was starting clarinet lessons in the January - it was the first time I'd listened to jazz, and I couldn't get enough of it and I've not looked back since!

EVERY instrument is a jazz instrument ... jazz is an approach to music, not a rigid style. Mind you, maybe your band is looking for a particular type of sound?

nick

we didnt get taken out........yaldiiiiiiiiiii :-)

Sure they are. Here's James Moody:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-5T7MHey9U

And Eric Dolphy:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SwelF_sHoL4...feature=related

Although flute is usually a 'double' in jazz (both the above players also played sax), it is still a great jazz instrument.

I fought till I was blue in the face with my school music teacher to let me play clarinet in the school jazz band. He completely refused and stuck me on trombone instead (on which i was HORRIFIC!).

So I joined my clarinet teacher's trad jazz band and ripped it up with those wicked wailing clarinet solos that make dixie-land jazz so darn awesome!

Every single jazz festival I have been to the clarinet has featured heavily. It's just such a great instrument for jazz and I NEVER understood my school music teacher being so stupid about it.

i love jazz clarinet too!
i agree with nickjones that every instruments are jazz instruments

I think probably the first port of call for many aspiring jazz students is the 'Big Band' or 'Jazz Ensemble', typically arrangers write the parts in a 5444 format, namely parts for 5 saxes (AATTB), 4 trumpets, 4 trombones and a rhythm section consisting of piano, drums, guitar and bass. On very rare occasions you will find optional additional parts for flute,clarinet,vibes and tuba. So its not exactly easy for a clarinetist to get playing opps in this setting which is why sadly most end up playing in a wind band/concert band or classical group. Older big band arrangements had plenty of clarinet doubles but as the need to play lounder became more important (dance halls), saxophones became the preferred instrument.

At the London Jazz Festival, Courtney Pine played Sax and flute jazz pieces at the Barbican - very very inspirational, though I didn't like the warm up band at all...

Burl

Artie Shaw. One of, if not the best Jazz Clarinettist of all time.

Look for Begin the Beguine or Clarinet Concerto.

Saxlad

Now Tell Me The Clarinet is Not a Jazz Instrument.