[Dixielandjazz] Small World Gigs

[Charlie Hooks]

on 1/21/03 1:34 PM, Stephen Barbone at barbonestreet at earthlink.net wrote:

> Only saving grace is that at 90 something, he is very hard of hearing so
> after the first number, I was able to convince myself he couldn't hear
> me. And he wears very thick glasses so I convinced myself that he
> couldn't see my hands either.

    I know the feeling of panic.  I was working a job up in Evanston (a
Chicago suburb containing Northwestern University and home to many CSO
players) when I saw at the bar a guy who looked just like Larry Coombs,
principal clarinet with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.  I said to my
trumpet player, "That guy looks just like Larry Coombs."  He said, "That's
because he IS Larry Coombs."

    Larry came over and stood listening for awhile, expressionless.  He
hears quite well and sees all things.  I wanted to brace him for clarinet
lessons again (I did 20 years ago, but never got around to scheduling them)
but I was afraid that after actually hearing me play, he might not be
willing.  Larry plays jazz, too, and improvises on a level that wipes out
Buddy DeFranco: I've heard them onstage together!

    Back in 1978 when I first came to Chicago I dropped in on a recording
session at an Episcopal church on the near south side where the winds and
horns were recording under Ray Still (at that time principal oboe).  I had
never heard of Larry Coombs then, and I'm not certain he had taken over as
principal clarinet; but suddenly I heard this absolutely incredible sound,
perfectly controlled, brilliant like a sheer beam of light.  At the break I
went up to this player and said, much in awe, "Who ARE you?"  He said,
"Larry Coombs.  Are you a clarinet player?"  And I said, meaning it, "I
thought I was until just a minute ago."

So I know how you felt, Steve.

Charlie