[Dixielandjazz] Re: Clarinet High Notes

[Stephen Barbone]

> "Gerard Bielderman" <gerardbielderman at freeler.nl> wrote (polite snip)
>
> Maybe some people will take offence with my remarks but I loathe Kenny
> Davern's high notes. In general I think he often misses the warm tone a
> clarinet can produce. Although I published his discography I'm not a great
> fan of his playing,

I hope no one would take offense at your opinion. I do wish to state, however that
mine is completely opposite. I think Kenny Davern's tone is warm as well as exciting.
I also think that his altissimo is among the best of his peers.( such as Eddie
Daniels)

Besides that, Kenny Davern also communicates with the horn. Every note he plays means
something, to me at least. He does not just run the changes, or copy Benny or copy
anybody. His musical language is extremely broad, from the harmonics of Pee Wee
Russell to the fire of Edmond Hall and everything else in between, from Irving Fazola
to Johnny Dodds. He understands but does not copy them, thus producing a unique style
that is his alone.

Best of all, perhaps, like Artie Shaw, he limits his altissimo excursions to places
in his musical conversation that are meaningful rather than just blast of a lot of
high note garbage at the listener.

To me, Kenny Davern, is one of the all time greats, who speaks volumes through his
horn.

Cheers,
Steve Barbone