The Master Speaks - Joe Allard

[@michaelhorton1350]

@ 8:40 the back of reed (he mentions it’s new) and technique shown is to “flatten” or level the, by now, swollen surface due to fibrous pith emerging between fibers. Producing sort of ‘fuzzy’ tone and progressively less response and losing crisp voice. Rubbing reed on glass is one way to treat the problem. Another, better in my opinion, technique involves ‘planing’ pith with CAREFUL use of abrading surface (Van Doren) makes glass plate for such purpose, half is smooth other is ‘frosted’ glass with mild ‘sandpaper-like’ surface. Using the tool with the circular stroke Allard shows (best under running water - flushes the shavings) works to make more level, responsive, greater clarity in tone. Immediate feedback, really only accurate way to gauge the progress is to check progress by putting reed on tongue (very sensitive) and feeling the surface GRADUALLY being planed smooth. Don’t get too happy or overeager, taking care to check progress continuously. Start at back of reed, then gradually work to tip, constantly checking with tongue. Be VERY careful at tip - overdoing it very common for beginners - making ‘floppy’ tip. My reeds were kept in water (refreshed daily with boiling water) making the process fairly easy. Be prepared to lose some in learning process. And your “pet” reeds, once completed, can keep (for gigs) in reed case in pocket. Using stronger reeds was my choice. Marking the reed with number or code keeps favorites organized. Love the Allard lesson. Thanks for posting - all the best. Aloha…

[@JS-dt1tn]

That candle bit blew my mind.

[@DirkJ.]

Thanks for publishing such priceless information for those of us who were never his students

[@stevenickerson829]

I studied jazz counterpoint with Joe. Anyway, he was a nice person and a great teacher. It never occurred to me that i would encounter Joe on KZbin. He was precious in the West Coast jazz scene, even though he was from Tenafly, New Jersey.

[@juvanella]

The utter absence of ego and the endless knowledge of this gem of a person.. can you imagine him standing in front of the thunderous presence of Toscanini? What a contrast

[@zillyzalesnik]

Priceless

[@HewnSpoon]

Very impressive voicing control!

[@kingperkoff]

Keeping the lig on! My college instructor taught me that.

[@stevenickerson829]

I studied with Joe at NEC, back in 1987

[@selmer1971]

Wait a minute. Did he just grab his clarinet and play it and Joe grab it back? 🤦‍♂️

[@stevierico5934]

Veteran respect ✊🏾

[@upbnap2119]

Not really understanding the X technique. What is it for?

[@rueazy]

My interpretation, based on what was said and demonstrated, is that the purpose of "X" concept is to eliminate the pressure on the mouthpiece from above, that is, you should avoid tilting your head and thus pressing on the mouthpiece or, even worse, resting your head on the mouthpiece. So, when you place the mouthpiece in your mouth, you press the mouthpiece upwards with lower jaw towards the upper jaw, but note, this does not mean that you lift the whole instrument with your lower jaw, instead you press hard enough to stabilize the mouthpiece without choking it.... Anyway, this is better be taught and controlled by your teacher

[@FATStereo]

focused air stream into the reed, particularly important at start of note.

[@HelloooThere]

Don’t see any signs of dementia here. Where were you referring to?

[@dougjsax]

It’s just the disconnection to the language center. He struggled to put words to concepts that were obviously clear in his mind. It’s early stage but pretty noticeable.

[@jchung5242]

At 25:00 use of diaphragm is different between man and woman due to construction for child birth👎👎🤣🤣😂😂😱😱👀👀