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bass clarinet


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An interesting instrument, especially in the the hands of Eric Dolphy. In my opinion he is the top player, Followed by David Murray.

Not sure where I would to go from there. Probably John Surman. Maybe Anthonty Braxton.

I have just one record where bass clarinet is featured throughout: Ballads for Bass Clarinet by David Murray.

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Michel Pilz exclusively plays/played the instrument as both a sideman (on various Schlippenbach-related and FMP sessions) as well as several leader dates from the early 70s through the '80s. He's still somewhat active, from what I understand.

Michel Portal, Louis Sclavis, Frank Wright, Willem Breuker, Giuseppi Logan, Peter Brötzmann, Mototeru Takagi, Ken McIntyre, Byard Lancaster and Marzette Watts have all played the instrument as one axe in an arsenal. Checking out these players would yield a pretty wide array of musical approaches, though mostly in the 'free music' realm. Sclavis and Portal are both very active today and have sizable discographies; I don't think PB plays it much anymore, though he has recorded on alto clarinet in recent years.

Among recent practitioners I'd check out the wonderful Chicagoan Jason Stein; speaking of Chicagoans, Ken Vandermark plays it as well, though not as frequently as the straight horn. Baritone saxophonist Josh Sinton also plays the instrument occasionally (and I've heard him on alto too). He's a monster instrumentalist, regardless of what reed he's playing.

Braxton favors the contrabass clarinet but I have a nagging feeling that there's something on which he plays the bass clarinet.

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Beautiful instrument. Seems to be increasingly popular in the UK as an alternative voice for saxophonists. I've heard tenor player Julian Siegel make marvellous use of it in several contexts.

Others will know more about these two, but I've really enjoyed recordings recently by Jason Stein and Michel Pilz.

(Whoops...the last post landed before I pressed go. Take it as another recommendation).

Edited by A Lark Ascending
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I'd like to hear Braxton on bass clarinet if anyone can tell me where

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Anthony Braxton Quartet

Leo Smith (trumpet, flugelhorn, logs, siren) Anthony Braxton (alto,soprano saxophone, clarinet, bass clarinet, flute, chimes) Leroy Jenkins (violin, viola, flute, organ, harmonica) Steve McCall (drums, darbouka, percussion)

Studio Saravah, Paris, France, September 10, 1969

The Light On The Dalta BYG (F) 529.315

Simple Like -

Composition 6G: B-X0 NO-47A -

* BYG (F) 529.315; Affinity (E) AFF 15 Anthony Braxton - B-X0 NO-47A

Edited by erwbol
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I'd like to hear Braxton on bass clarinet if anyone can tell me where

link Anthony Braxton Quartet

Leo Smith (trumpet, flugelhorn, logs, siren) Anthony Braxton (alto,soprano saxophone, clarinet, bass clarinet, flute, chimes) Leroy Jenkins (violin, viola, flute, organ, harmonica) Steve McCall (drums, darbouka, percussion)

Studio Saravah, Paris, France, September 10, 1969
The Light On The Dalta BYG (F) 529.315 Simple Like - Composition 6G: B-X0 NO-47A -

* BYG (F) 529.315; Affinity (E) AFF 15 Anthony Braxton - B-X0 NO-47A

Will have to pull that one out again; wouldn't be surprised if he was mis-credited there. BYG weren't known for very good recording data. He's credited on both "bass" and "clarinet" on Jacques Coursil's Black Suite but he plays solely contrabass clarinet on the date.

Here's some fine dueling Portal/Surman bass clarinet action - this tune is on Portal's Alors!!! (Futura). Killer LP.

Edited by clifford_thornton
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haven't listened to it for some time but jeff mentioned it recently and i have it on my to listen to list

R-3190101-1319769772.jpeg.jpg

Bass Clarinet, Contra Bass Clarinet, Sopranino Clarinet – Mwata Bowden
Bass Clarinet, Contrabass Clarinet, Alto Clarinet, Gong, Natural Ewartophone – Douglas Ewart
Bass Clarinet, Soprano Clarinet – Roscoe Mitchell
Contra-alto Clarinet, Alto Clarinet – J.D.Parran
Contrabass Clarinet, Sopranino Clarinet – Anthony Braxton
Double Bass, Thunder Sheet – Malachi Favors
Soprano Clarinet – Henry Threadgill
Soprano Clarinet, Alto Clarinet – Edward Wilkerson
Soprano Clarinet, Bass Clarinet – Don Byron (tracks: 6)

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