Clarinet with jazz ensemble
Remembering Kenny Davern
Jazz musician Kenny Davern died this week at the age of 71. Davern loved traditional jazz, and played clarinet and soprano saxophone. He was a member of Soprano Summit, along with Dick Wellstood and Bob Wilber. We rebroadcast a live concert with Davern, performing with guitarist Howard Alden and bassist Phil Flannagan. This originally aired on Feb. 18, 1988.
A Big Band Leader in a Smaller Ensemble
Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews a new reissue of recordings by Artie Shaw's quintet, the Grammercy Five, which went through a lineup changes over the years. He says it reveals the seriousness of Shaw's search for greatness.
Striving for Perfection When Perfection's Not the Point
Before his death, Benny Goodman gave Yale University five truckloads of his recordings, which are now being released on compact disc. Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews the first volume, which he says blends the facile in Goodman's music with the raw.
Kenny Davern and Two Members of his Quartet Perform.
A live concert with Kenny Davern, one of the greatest living clarinetist playing traditional jazz. Davern will perform with guitarist Howard Alden and bassist Phil Flanigan.
10 Best Jazz Releases and Reissues of 1987.
Jazz Critic Kevin Whitehead surveys his picks for the year's ten best releases.