RIP Buddy DeFranco

[Dave Ferris]

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/27/arts/music/buddy-defranco-versatile-jazz-clarinetist-dies-at-91.html?_r=0

Only played with him once when I was subbing on the Louie Bellson big band years ago. He was the guest soloist. Remember playing Cherokee at about 160 = half note...

 

I do remember talking with him on break about his practice regimen. I believe he was just short of 70 and said he still put in 3-4 hours everyday except took Sundays off. He'd been doing this since he was a teen he said. Wow.

 

Almost any serious woodwind player and doubler will tell you the "stick" is perhaps the hardest of all the woodwind family to master in a jazz/classical/studio genre.

 

Can relate to these words of wisdom from him:

"Everybody that listens to something hears it differently from their own perspective. And you can't please everyone. Don't even try. Please yourself first and then try to please those people around you that you feel know what you're doing".

 

Quite a trailblazer on the instrument. He came up in the shadows of the swing era giants of Benny Goodman & Artie Shaw. He became fascinated with Bird and the whole Be-bop movement. He changed gears and then had to practice his a** off to play in a more modern style to hang with like minded rhythm section players. Probably had a lot to do with his life long work ethic of practicing.

 

Obviously a total virtuoso, but a very humble man from my short connection with him.

 

RIP Buddy.

[Joe Muscara]

Wow - I wish I had heard of him before now. I think I need to check out his stuff.

[yamoho]

I actually didn't even know he was still around... the only recordings I have with him are group sessions w/Tatum on Pablo, which are outstanding, and I'm not a major fan of the clarinet. RIP, Buddy.

[Mark Schmieder]

Wow, I had no idea he was still around. As a clarinetist, a human being, and a jazz fan/artist, I am saddened but also gladdened that he made it to such a healthy old age (especially given the rather young age that so many musicians leave us at).

[Al Quinn]

I have an Art Tatum LP that Buddy D. plays on. What an incredible musician! RIP Buddy. Kind of sad I haven't listened to my LPs since I bought a CD player 30 something years ago. Should really setup the record player and listen to some LP's.