THE RETURN OF THE CLARINET!

After more than 30 years of having abandoned it, I finally got another chance to play the clarinet thanks to a much welcome recent birthday gift.  But of course, it has been so long, I have to remember how to play the instrument, so I'm back to my beginner's days and dusting off those old clarinet courses, charts and tutorials. I'm back to square one with embouchure, fingering, tone and reed control.

Will I ever attain professional status?  Of course not! Will I become the next Benny Goodman? Never! 

But the point here is to just have fun and play to myself trying not to squeak much and flub as less as possible.  Music, maestro, please!

My first year trying to get some decent sound out of the instrument!

After much practice, I was proficient enough to get a gig on stage at a small dinner theater, playing

 "As Time Goes By" and "St. Louis Blues" in a musical show!

The day I got my new clarinet, 30 plus years after I had abandoned the instrument.

Back to the Clarinet Player Starter Kit!

Hopefully, this won't ever happen...but you never can tell!

Remembering BENNY GOODMAN on his birthday.

BENNY GOODMAN was born May 30, 1909. 

In celebration of his birthday, from the 1948 film A SONG IS BORN, here's a great rendition of "Stealing Apples". Starring Danny Kaye and Virgina Mayo, the film also features some swing greats like Louis Armstrong, Tommy Dorsey, Charlie Barnet, Lionel Hampton on the vibes, and many others! 

FRANK SINATRA (1915-1998)

22 years ago, on May 14 1998, the world lost FRANK SINATRA.

However, his voice and his talent will remain from here to eternity!

                        

Listen to Frank singing one of my favorite Sinatra songs on his TV special

 "The Man and His Music"!

                                             

BENNY GOODMAN remembered!

                    We lost Benny Goodman on June 13, 1986! However, his music is still very much around us!

Benny Goodman and his Orchestra playing BUGLE CALL RAG:

                                            

May 30th...A Significant Date!

Okay, so May 30th might seem to be just like any other day for everyone, but to me it's significant for two very special reasons: one is because, according to the Catholic Calendar, today is my Name Day, and the other more relevant one, it's Benny Goodman's birthday.
King Fernando III, King of Castile, died on May 30, 1252, and was the son of Rodrigo Diaz, better known as El Cid. He was known as "the Saint" during his lifetime.
Benny Goodman, on the other hand, was no saint but his music was the most swinging this side of heaven. He was born on May 30, 1909 and was known as the "King of Swing".  His career spanned more than 60 years, remaining active until 1986. His records consistently made the best seller lists during the 30s and 40s and his Concert at Carnegie Hall in 1938 became legendary.
So, today I remember King Fernando III and the King of Swing, Benny Goodman!