[Dixielandjazz] Kenny Davern

[John Petters]

RICK KNITTEL wrote:

 > Allan Vache' told me that Kenny Davern died in his sleep of a heart
 > attack last night. A shock.
 >
This is really shocking news. Kenny was one of the true masters of hot 
jazz clarinet as well as being a wonderful soprano saxophonist. Anyone 
who doubts that should listen to Jazz at the New School with Krupa, Wild 
Bill, Condon & Dick Wellstood. One of my all time favourites.

I have memories of some great sessions with him in the UK, some of which 
were recorded. I did a series of trio dates with Martin Litton. Each was 
gem. So we booked the Pizza Express in London's Dean St to do a 
recording. Kenny was not the easiest person to record with. We did a 
live recording for Essex Radio with a quintet, including vibes, a little 
later, which swung like mad. We did 'That's A Plenty' and  Kenny echoed 
the early Goodman recording.

I also did a trio session with him and Art Hodes, which was great fun. I 
had been booked to play another session the day before but the club 
managed to get an American drummer and I got cancelled. Kenny took me 
aside and said "Don't go with Art's time just lay it down. we had xxxxxx 
on drums last night and it was all over the place". I knew what he 
meant. Art would roll the blues, so the drums had to keep on top of the 
beat. It was a great session.

Another occasion - Kenny would not be cloned. He always said "I'm not 
Artie Shaw, I'm not George Lewis, I'm not Benny Goodman". Someone asked 
for Pee Wee's Blues. He asked why. They said they had heard a local 
clarinettist play it the week before.  "That's a good reason, Kenny 
replied. He played it Davern style. Then as after thought he blew a 
chorus that almost out Pee Wee'd Pee Wee.
You could always identify Kenny after just hearing a few notes. He had a 
totally individual style.
Thanks for the music RIP Kenny
-- 
John Petters
www.traditional-jazz.com
Amateur Radio Station G3YPZ