How to Play New Orleans Style Clarinet

Evan Christopher and Eli Yamin talk about the techniques a clarinetist can use to capture the sounds, colors, and stylistic tricks of New Orleans Jazz.
Learn more at our Jazz Academy! Visit academy.jalc.org
Evan Christopher - Clarinet
Eli Yamin - Piano
Eric Suquet - Director
Bill Thomas - Director of Photography
Richard Emery - Production Assistant
Seton Hawkins - Producer
Theme music composed and performed by Eli Yamin.
Recorded April 9, 2013

[@hannahh2504]

As a clarinet player myself, I love being able to hear all different kinds of sounds people make using the instrument. Jazz clarinet is by far my favorite.

[@FelledOff]

check out on youtube Mr curly (contra clarinet)

[@hannahh2504]

+Box Gaming thanks for the recommendation I loved it

[@avah9721]

I’m a jazz clarinetist and I love it

[@colejohnsondrums]

Check out Benny goodman

[@LegoDonut18]

@@colejohnsondrums never heard of him

[@b.ellenlininger4866]

Gentlemen, not only is your music amazing, but you both have the most soothing speaking voices

[@julierose689]

I found my old clarinet the other day. Once I have learned the basics again (haven't played in 10 years) I may wander down the Jazz path.

[@Jimmy_602]

Julie Rose that’s exactly why I’m here

[@dmfetkewicz]

Did you learn your clarinet again?

[@andremoreira2098]

We want to know!! :)

[@shekinahsitiar1321]

I rented my clarinet when I was in grade 8. I wanna try again and move down into a jazz path (I'm 18).

[@kendrastrange18]

I've just done this! I'm currently working through some Coltrane. I find jumping into actual pieces helps me relearn the basics so I do both.

[@tykeske]

It's 11:00pm and I have a test tomorrow and I don't even have a clarinet...

[@xFanGame23]

TheBluePrint its 4 pm and I have clarinet tomorrow but I dont even have a test

[@callmejay05]

How did you do on your test?

[@jarijansma2207]

That made my day.

[@adopate719]

Good use of your time bud

[@m..w6877]

I feel this on one too many levels.

[@zackmccolgan1216]

This video has inspired me to relearn the clarinet since not playing, since middle school days! I will be transitioning from a more classically trained to jazz style. Thank you!

[@MrBulshoy]

Just FYI this video was legit helpful. Couple of month later I have the slides down and can play Careless Love like a champ. So thanks for the inspiration!

[@natanytzhaki8665]

Just 8 minutes of so much from everything about the clarinet and new orleans style!! Beautiful!

[@madeintheyard]

My goodness what a great video! Consistently informative and entertaining, thank you so much for such wonderful videos!

[@JazzAcademy]

Thank you! Spread the word!

[@heyitsgrey9856]

Beautiful! I should dust off my clarinet after 4 years, it's sad how sometimes life just gets too busy and you forget to live.

[@rhewt01]

Did you do it?

[@clarinetchamber7158]

To all who asked: It's not a German clarinet! It's an Albert Clarinet (aka the simple system clarinet)! These instruments are like the early German Clarinet with less keys. The Albert Clarinet is played in Jazz or Balkan music

[@zvonimirtosic6171]

Christopher is playing Selmer Paris Brevete, Albert system clarinet. It could be more than 90 years old instrument!

[@JazzDuets]

tremendous!

[@straightouttaalderaan6672]

Jazz Duets you're a legend, mate

[@mario70324]

The word "tremendous" really exist in the english language?

[@robertbarnsley373]

The. Torrents of summer King singers.

[@ethanthompson3198]

this was awesome, and sort of surreal, I don't know why.

[@joelrobertson6520]

Ethan Thompson I find it funny how the clarinetist is positioned perfectly in line with the piano lid. It's like a renaissance painting

[@crystalpasula2932]

Awesome! it gives me new inspiration to learn jazz after a lifetime of classical.

[@huguesfardaoclarinettesolo7210]

Great musicians, very good explainations, great clarinet sound.

[@RomanDiyanovGuitar]

Im try to play flute now ( few month) , and never had a clarinet, but Im so inspired by this video , that gladly spent two hours for pick this 5:18 by ear ) Now i can play it on flute )) Just need to find a clarinet and few happy years for it ) Thank You so much for inspiration ! Sorry if I maid mistakes. Hugs from Russia.

[@KIKAALEGRIA]

Wow an Albert system clarinet ❤️

[@t.diddle7998]

I'm studying this because I'm making a theme song that is based on an old tune, which is in the public domain, but I want to orchestrate and articulate this song into a classic New Orleans jazz style...from the time period of say 1915 or so, and I'll be producing this in FL Studio. I want to put a banjo in it, because I think the bass clarinet and banjo duets really capture this era. And it's such a fun sound. Thanks for this primer, and the info on the articulation of the bass clarinet is superb! I'm also trying to understand how the piano is played, because I will have a piano in my piece too. I hope there is a like discussion of how the piano is played in this style too. I was watching as best I could, and it seemed that the pianist was alternating between bass and treble...chords and ornamentation...to accentuate the jazz style. I still have a lot more to learn, but thanks.

[@deborahstrayhand3901]

I love the clarinet. I teach basic clarinet and I play just straight melodies, but it is always good to keep on learning.

[@sriramanmuralidharan7053]

I agree , I bought one a couple of months ago and am still learning to blow it. I've not been able to generate melody [or melodies] as yet.

[@deborahstrayhand3901]

Be sure to wet your reed by placing it in your mouth for a few minutes. The sound vibrates on the reed. Make sure you put it on correctly, even with the mouthpiece. Tuck in your bottom lip, put your teeth and lips on top. No air leaking out and blow into the instrument.

[@emberphoenix3039]

I have played clarinet since the 5th grade. The way I played just developed on its own for the most part. It's odd because I was taught the same way that everyone else was. I didn't like lessons and was way behind compared to others. Only gone through one lesson book while others went through 3, 4 or even more. Surprisingly I turned out just fine; if not better. Never felt like the way I played fit with band, marching band, nor classical. Watching this video...everything makes sense now.

[@clari-net6133]

Everyone should understand that it's the player not the clarinet making the sound.....So it be Albert or Boehm, the player is making it happen.... Nice video!

[@leotard2536]

Yeah but Albert makes no sense anymore.

[@liebestraumboi3366]

Leonard W That depends, they have different techniques and they’re both good for different scenarios.

[@zvonimirtosic6171]

Albert system is fundamental clarinet system; from it you may go in this or that direction. But Albert system, with a good size bore, is perfectly capable of playing in a jazz band, and for most recitals. It is at home with folk music. And if it doesn’t have too many rings, it’s even better for some techniques, like portamenti.

[@zvonimirtosic6171]

Zvonimir Tosic Overcomplex keywork in some (most) today’s clarinets make the instruments rattle more than necessary; when played, they sound like cutlery being thrown in the drawer - too much keywork and ring noise because they are over-engineered for too much ‘convenience’.

[@arnoldwegstern5124]

Superb. On You-Tube another clarinet-player, Martin Schmidt-Hahn from northern germany, can be watched performing an individual style. He is playing an old clarinet with a german system. I discovered 3 nice videos of this german clarinet- player on You-Tube. Very talented as well...

[@ZvikaDror]

Yauza! I was working in office on my stepper and bumped into this while putting some YT music, checked what you guys discuss and when the music started I realized its Bb! got Suzuki Pro Master Bb from my left pocket, and played along with the song... so cool!!! Thanks for putting this up, I'll watch for more! Enjoy music

[@brannonpaulsen7608]

That is the coolest register Ive ever seen!! Love how it curves😂

[@cams1003]

Brannon Paulsen it’s not a French boehm it’s an oehler

[@Hnmcl-l9z]

Thebigbg false its an albert

[@zebra3stripes]

It's fun to listen to jazz musicians yamin' together.

[@thomh6083]

zebra3stripes Pun intended?

[@obrienastro]

His clarinet is so interesting! Is that a special new orleans/jazz clarinet? I've never seen that before!

[@JPFdsFds]

This is an Albert or German style clarinet.It is older version of todays Boehm(classical clarinet).Its know for a warmer tone for many reasons.Rare to find but worth the effort.These clarinets are also used in Greek and balkan music as well.

[@ScarRach]

@@JPFdsFds I really don't think that you can say that a German style clarinet (this isn't btw.) would be a "older version" of a Boehm. It is a different type of clarinet, with benefits and flaws. Just because it is an techniqur that is used before boehme technique it is on one Level with the Boehm clarinet, because the Boehm clarinet was desinged for a special purpose.

[@rubengreenberg2253]

@@JPFdsFds It's actually Belgian! an Albert system instrument. I think that's what you need to get the New Orleans sound.

[@MrBulshoy]

Dunno man but I love that reedy sound!

[@ethosandaftermath]

So, so helpful and a pleasure to watch/listen. Coming from classical training, this is blowing my mind and warming my soul.

[@andrepalomaro353]

Am a player of many instruments, love clarinet, it’s possibly the instrument for me, I’ve always loved winds but I grew up playing guitar as well, but nothing says expression like wood winds

[@MoneyAli75]

Startin clarinet this spring can’t wait 😛

[@mikehawk2148]

Holy crap Evan Christopher sounds exactly like Leonardo DiCaprio

[@flyingboxcow8724]

WTF HOWW!!??? IT'S LEO😂😂

[@beethovenloco2692]

I didn’t know Leonardo DiCaprio was a clarinettist..the more you know.

[@MegaBster69]

beethovenloco2692 hahahahahah

[@leeceero]

hahhhahahahahahahhaahha

[@pallabroy]

What a great video, it inspires me to learn more

[@JazzAcademy]

Pallab Roy That's great! There's more here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/faHacqJjjNWcp5I

[@Riversflowin]

I like that he produces vibrato as well. Sounds lovely.

[@kendrastrange18]

I've always said I love woodind because it's like singing! I learned vibrato with oboe, so it's abit easier for me to apply to clarinet now.

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

Speaking of Jazz Clarinet, Essential Elements for Jazz Ensemble has Clarinet Parts that you can play (they double the Trumpet parts as they're both in the same key)

[@MHowzey]

Thank you, all the best.

[@gilliflower2002]

New Orleans jazz bring a little blues and some kind of sorrow beautiful note in mind

[@ghazalbn5]

So many thanx for sharing this ..

[@jerryinman3044]

This is really good. Thanks for posting.

[@RobertAnchipolovsky]

An amazing musician!

[@joslynderousse4562]

This is a really good lesson its got good sound quality and its vary informing i love the clarinet i love playing with the notes and just the clik you make when some things work I've been playing for about 3 years now im not advanced but im not new to it eather 😀😁

[@ednorman9881]

Positively brilliant. Inspiring.

[@gabrielbarrostavares5023]

Caras! Eu sou do Brasil, mas gosto muito de música (de uma boa músic, é claro). Parabéns!

[@richardbradleyclarinet9778]

Great video, informative, very clear, no bullshit

[@Gedagnors]

This is so great that I applause standing!

[@JazzAcademy]

Ged Agnors Great! Be sure to check out more from Evan: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e5LHoZaggqeSaNU

[@Gedagnors]

Jazz at Lincoln Center's JAZZ ACADEMY Thank you very much!

[@vrietyhubya3823]

Is it just me, or doesthe guy on piano look like hes on a green screen?

[@uluc3025]

yeah me too

[@teaskovski336]

It's just the odd lighting

[@LarryShone]

Love this stuff

[@Scrappy4444]

Hi I enjoyed the video very much! I am a beginner clarinetist. I have heard from some people that the clarinet loses power and sound in the lower register. Can you clear this up for me? Thanks :)

[@chrisabraham8793]

Very interesting.

[@Yumabillion]

How do you give the clarinet such a full and strong sound? It sounds different than a normal concert clarinet I've always noticed.

[@vadimzitsermusicianvlogcha3870]

Because you used to hear bohem clarinet. This is Albert clarinet. It has different bore and sound.

[@arnoldwegstern5124]

Very nice. But take a look at Martin Schmidt-Hahn clarinet !!

[@SlamaWolfPlays]

Back in the days I use to perform these type of music in bars in the wild west

[@malcolmlakin5265]

Oh guys, heaven, heaven.

[@caioneryfilho755]

Where can I get the clarinet music sheet for this version of Careless Love?

[@ariak9858]

Your ear

[@usererror2572]

Be a jazz musician and learn it by ear

[@knightstickiv93]

Google “The creole jazz band” fake book pdf Bb. It’s included in that pdf among other great standards. The best part is it’s free!

[@mrlawilliamsukwarmachine4904]

theseacity it makes my blood boil when I see people asking for sheet music. Unless it’s a classical piece, it’s annoying. Especially when google has sheet music results.

[@Gexgrino]

@@knightstickiv93 thank you!

[@tyasiafryar2310]

OMG THAT WAS SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO BEAUTIFUL yessssssssssssssssssss

[@theresatran9337]

You should teach how to play your intro music. You guys are amazing! 😀

[@sonijam]

Very enjoyable

[@jessenelson8906]

You did very good! I play clarinet but trying to put more jazz or blues into it and runs like I do with guitar and spice up the sound like you do... Can you play Benny Goodman style?

[@rym6060]

Wow ... I just gor sentimental over that song in the beginning :)

[@jayjames7055]

thankyou. Transcribing,

[@frat7939]

Go Christopher go!

[@bertomtz]

use a Beechler clarinet mouthpiece it is really good for jazz and is worth your money in my opinion

[@MrLiren1234]

hi, I love the way you play, may I know what's brand and model is your clarinet? thank you so much Sir..

[@timjoseph887]

Fantastic

[@gountrillea.3603]

This video is great, and as simple as it sounds its way above me. What would you suggest to improve my Clarinet playing, like some basic tips to sound better, in quality and flow. I'm more the analytic type and not the improve, any way to use that as my advantage or ways of improving my improve part of me that exists somewhere? Sorry if I don't make sense, I can further explain if you need me to. Thanks

[@JazzAcademy]

+gountrille A. Try some of our lessons featuring Victor Goines: kzbin.info/www/bejne/roXMp5eQm617jcU

[@vitaliyvyntu4566]

Bravo

[@fang-weiliu4815]

That is just lovely~~

[@thegratefulbread7707]

Wow ! Fantastic. Thank-you for this. Don't recognize some of those keys though. What kind of horn is that?

[@TessTesteza]

Fantastic!!

[@hermandaniel4008]

music + interview! that's it

[@milliedriscoll2010]

ive got to compose jazz music and play it on my clarinet, someone pleas help. I have to use the blues scsale but i dont know what rythms or notes to use it sounds weird.

[@earthelenagarrett6003]

Definitely want lessons

[@MHowzey]

Sounds amazing!! Can anyone recommend any bands or artists as i've just come across this style of music over the past couple of days but i don't know too much about it. Any help would be most appreciated. thanks

[@JazzAcademy]

+MHowzey For clarinet (and soprano saxophone) try Sidney Bechet, Jimmy Noone, Barney Bigard, George Lewis, and Pee Wee Russell

[@ronnieanand]

+Jazz at Lincoln Center's JAZZ ACADEMY You forgot Benny Goodman.

[@JazzAcademy]

Benny Goodman is wonderful, but represents a later style of clarinet playing (as does Artie Shaw, Woody Herman, Buddy DeFranco, and more) than the New Orleans-style clarinet players listed

[@ronnieanand]

Are there any online lessons for learning New Orleans Style Jazz ?

[@eric1939N]

and the great Johnny Dodds

[@barrelhousegang1520]

What kind of clarinet is that? I definitely want one with rollers on the left hand pinky keys. Mine doesn't have them and my pinky hurts like hell from sliding.

[@grantkoeller8911]

His clarinets is really old, a Selmer Paris Brevete, Albert system clarinet.

[@danvanlandingham3854]

I just bought an Albert System clarinet off of ebay this morning;I've played a Boehm System clarinet since 1967.Is that clarinet pitched in C? As for favourites,I like Jimmie Noone,Bigard and Fazola.I lean toward the dark sounding clarinettists.I've never played an Albert System clarinet before.

[@thetaekwondoe3887]

portamento ...been looking for this one

[@kafenwar]

Evan Christopher has that exact sound that Sidney Bechet had.

[@marcosPRATA918]

Quantas belas faces do jazz e do clarinete!!!!

[@madraven07]

Playing on a German (Oehler) fingering system clarinet, played only in German speaking countries and New Orleans. That's crazy but there you have it. Super interesting, expressive playing.k

[@rosiemwhit]

Do you have any advice about breath support or like how to make the sound from deeper inside of yourself? I notice for example at 3:57 the sound is so much more live and present... that is truly the quality that makes it soulful and giving that "singing" sound as well. I might be overthinking it, but it really comes from inside, and from love for the community too... that's why I love this music so much. Love NOLA

[@rosiemwhit]

And wow at 5:24 it's literally phat.

[@Fjoner]

thanks for this video...

[@edmundosherrera]

very good

[@jpalpharo4304]

I want to play the clarinet again

[@burntreynolds8312]

Homeboy on the clarinet plays this song better than anyone I've ever heard play it hands down killin it 👏👏👏

[@wyndhleodumegwu253]

Melancholy Soul!

[@siningwow]

Class

[@samuelkina8537]

So my brother loves pop and rock songs i showed him that i would love to play this on my clarinet *and he just stared at me*

[@PedroAspahanFilmes]

wonderfull!!!

[@Mshodeinde]

I am thinking clarinet or saxophone???

[@emmaeichbauer302]

for an instrument to play?

[@Mshodeinde]

Yes. But now I've made up my mind, i am getting a sax as I used to play both but love the sounds of the sax

[@emmaeichbauer302]

Mary Shodeinde ohhh

[@LowryYT]

start with clarinet, transfering to sax is much easier than the other way around

[@BzBlade]

Old I know but check out the Xaphoon, the combo of those two

[@dauthier]

Is that an Albert system Bb clarinet?

[@substitoad7069]

Hello can I ask for you guys to provide me the sheet music I am really into jazz and funk clarinet and I want to learn this piece

[@heckincat1406]

Is it a special clarinet? Because i have the standard black one with silver on the Buttons.

[@CRYPTOHAWKS]

Bombastic

[@gilliflower2002]

how fast beat of the rhythm and how do I set my metronome? pls tell me thx

[@MegaRas73]

please advise me. I want to play in this style as a beginner will be learning the wrong fingering and technique if I learn on a Boehm system?

[@janlabij7302]

No, lots of jazz players use Boehm System. Some of them claim they both sound the same. But the Albert has a richer tone, especially in the lower register. Albert Nicholas, an outstanding New Orleans player, claimed he could tell within three notes played on a record whether it was an Albert or a Boehm System the guy was using.

[@theezraniangovernment9302]

Do any of you guys know if he is playing a Bb clarinet or an Eb clarinet?

[@z.8873]

that's amazing😊

[@JazzAcademy]

Saki Wavericks Glad you like it! Before to check out Evan's other lesson on Collective improvisation: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e5LHoZaggqeSaNU

[@maximoflores4524]

The sounds reminds me of old 78 rpm records on phonographs

[@brunomendessoares3336]

Som top demais tá loko

[@WillowSpector]

that's a cool looking clarinet, what brand is it?

[@vadimzitsermusicianvlogcha3870]

Selmer

[@hugh8325]

Is it possible to purchase or download this version of Careless Love as sheet music? Jasper.

[@geoterra9478]

90% of it is improv. You just have to get a feel for adding in turns, blues scales, grace notes, etc. for it to sound like this