[Dixielandjazz] Goodbye Mr. Davern

[Butch Thompson]

Kenny was a clarinet maven.  He knew clarinetists all over the world,  knew
what they played on and, often, what they probably should use instead.  I
took his advice about 20 years ago and bought a matched pair of 1927 Albert
system Buffets he located for me in New Jersey.  The price was quite
reasonable for these superb horns, and I've used them (mostly the B-flat)
ever since.  That made him just as happy as it did me.  It was a great
pleasure talking with him about players, everybody from Albert Burbank to
Tony Scott.  He had boundless enthusiasm.  Some said he was hard to get
along with.  I think he just knew his own mind and didn't shy away from
saying exactly what he wanted.  He was honest.

Butch Thompson