Acker Bilk (b. Bernard Stanley Bilk, Pensford, Somerset South West England, 28 January 1929), known more familiarly as Mr. Acker Bilk, has been one of the world's best known clarinetists since the late 1950s. His trademark goatee, bowler hat, and striped waistcoat are almost as recognizable as his breathy, vibrato-rich, lower-register clarinet style.
Born in Detroit, Michigan, in 1969, James Carter began playing saxophone at age 11, first recorded with a Detroit student ensemble in 1986 and, by 1991, had recorded with legendary trumpeter Lester Bowie on The Organizer and contributed to the 1991 collection The Tough Young Tenors. Mastering a family of reed instruments, from sopranino to contrabass saxophones to contrabass and bass clarinets, James Carter mesmerized the jazz world after arriving in New York City in 1988 to play under the auspices of Lester Bowie.
Calefax aka Calefax Reed Quintet See Calefax Reed Quintet:
www.last.fm/music/Calefax+Reed+Quintet The Dutch Calefax can be described as a
Arun Ghosh is a British-Asian clarinettist, composer and music educator. In April 2009, Arun Ghosh was invited to perform at the jazzahead! Festival in Bremen, Germany as part of the UK showcase presented by Jazz Services. He was selected for the 4th edition of the Jerwood/PRS Foundation 'Take Five' initiative for emerging jazz musicians produced by Serious in 2008. Conceived in Calcutta, bred in Bolton, matured in Manchester and now living in London, Arun Ghosh’s musical vocabulary and vision reflects his rich geographical heritage.
Benny Goodman, born Benjamin David Goodman, (May 30, 1909 – June 13, 1986) was an American jazz musician, known as King of Swing, Patriarch of the Clarinet, The Professor, and Swing's Senior Statesman. Goodman was regarded by some as a demanding taskmaster, by others an arrogant and eccentric martinet. Many musicians spoke of The Ray, Goodman's trademark glare that he bestowed on a musician who failed to perform to his demanding standards.
Bob Mintzer (born January 27, 1953), originally from New Rochelle, New York, is a jazz saxophonist, composer, arranger and big band leader based in Los Angeles. After graduating from the Interlochen Arts Academy in 1970, Mintzer made his mark as a soloist, mainly on the tenor saxophone and the bass clarinet. He is also proficient on flute, EWI, and other saxophones and clarinets. He is a member of the jazz rock band the Yellowjackets...
Ivo Papazov (Bulgarian: Иво Папазов) (born 16 February 1952 in Kardzhali), nicknamed Ibryama (Ибряма), is a Bulgarian clarinetist. He leads the Ivo Papazov Wedding Band in performances of jazz-infused Stambolovo music, and is one of the premier creators of the genre known as "wedding band" music in Bulgaria, along with saxophonist Yuri Yunakov and accordionist Neshko Neshev. He was only nine years old when he first got involved with music.
The Tango Saloon is an experimental tango band from Sydney, Australia. Their self-titled debut, a tango-flavored album with a twist of spaghetti western, was released in 2006 by Ipecac Recordings, the American record label run by Mike Patton and Greg Werckman. The followup, Transylvania was released in 2008. In June 2007, the band was seen supporting Ipecac label-mates Peeping Tom on the East-coast leg of their Australian tour.
NOW Ensemble is a dynamic young group of performers and composers dedicated to making new chamber music for the 21st century. With our unique instrumentation of flute, clarinet, electric guitar, double bass, and piano, NOW Ensemble brings a fresh sound and a new perspective to the classical tradition, infused with a blend of musical influences that reflects the diverse backgrounds and listening experiences of our members.