Comments on: 10 of the Best Jazz Clarinet Players… with Listening Tips!

By: Greg Thymius

Greg Thymius — Sat, 24 May 2025 00:57:30 +0000

I’d add Omer Simeon and Jimmy Noone to this list.
In addition to the beautiful lines Simeon played in all those Red Hot Peppers records, some of his solo records with a Jelly Roll Morton trio and in duo or trio with James P. Johnson showcase his beautiful sound and incentive lines.
Noone’s work with Doc Cook (His playing on”Here Comes the Hot Tamale Man,” both under the name Cookie’s Ginger Snaps, and the electric recording with Cook’s Deamland Orchestra is particularly wonderful), the Apex Club with Earl Hines (“I Know What You Know” and “Monday Date” are highlights), and his own small group records for Decca are all gems.

By: Mike C.

Mike C. — Sat, 07 Oct 2023 00:35:44 +0000

Good list, except for Pee Wee Russell. Not in the same class as the others.

By: Tim Larsen

Tim Larsen — Fri, 17 Feb 2023 20:05:07 +0000

Perry Robinson is definitely in the avant garde camp but I’ve always liked his clarinet playing. Thanks for this article. I’m a long time fan of the clarinet!

By: Len Neldrett

Len Neldrett — Fri, 17 Feb 2023 10:51:58 +0000

Another name worth looking up is that of clarinetist Jimmy Lytell who made a fleeting visit to the charts with a 45 rpm 7 inch single, Hot Cargo ( B-side: A Blues Serenade) in 1958. Jimmy, born James Sarrapede in1904, recorded with various jazz groups in the 1920’s including the Original Memphis Five and even did a stint in the ODJB between 1922 and 24. He remained active until close to his death in 1972.

By: chet

chet — Sun, 15 Jan 2023 15:41:11 +0000

Yup, Don Byron,is the juice!

By: Dave

Dave — Sun, 16 Oct 2022 01:08:00 +0000

What about Pete Fountain, a great performer.

By: suzanne milne

suzanne milne — Thu, 06 Oct 2022 01:24:35 +0000

Kenny Davern is one of my favourites. The Summit Reunion Album with Bob Wilber is the best

By: WALTER GROCE

WALTER GROCE — Mon, 28 Dec 2020 22:14:01 +0000

I HAVE TALKED TO A LOT OF MUSICIANS AND THEY TELL ME THAT RENE’ NETTO WAS ONE OF THE BEST SAX AND CLARINET PLAYERS THAT THEY HAVE EVER HEARD. PLEASE CHECK HIM OUT. HE HAS ALWAYS SAID …. THERE IS NEVER THE BEST IT IS ONLY JUST A DIFFERENT STILL OF PLAYING.
THANKS,
WALT GROCE,
NEW ORLEANS