Thursday, February 18, 2010

Remembering the wonderful Sidney Bechet


One of my favorite jazz instrumentalists is Sidney Bechet (1897-1959), a pioneer of the form (he first recorded in 1923) and one of its greatest soloists (clarinet, soprano saxophone).

This video combines two of my obsessions: Bechet (recorded in 1939) and silent actress Louise Brooks.

Here’s a live recording from 1958, in France, I believe. The French loved the guy. Check out his vibrato!

1 comment:

Otis said...

I've never heard of him, but he does sound great.

Roy's obituary in LA Times and Register: "we were lucky to have you while we did"

  This ran in the Sunday December 24, 2023 edition of the Los Angeles Times and the Orange County Register : July 14, 1955 - November 20, 2...