when they say clarinets aren't jazzy

A transcription of Emma Lacey's solo on Smada by Duke Ellington. A great solo that I think really captures the feeling that Ellington's music had. I hope you all enjoy it!
Original: • Essentially Ellington ...

[@drewmfie]

honestly its pretty insane to me that so many people, even actual band directors, dont know that the clarinet was the original reed instrument in jazz bands.

[@MarvelousMaxter]

You sure? Or are you just making that up. None of the band directors i've played under have been that ignorant.

[@drewmfie]

@@MarvelousMaxter sadly im not making that up. from my experience, there are a decent amount of people, in academia at least, who feel that clarinet has no place in jazz. i realised that my wording made it sound as if it was the majority of band directors and thats a mistake on my part.

[@samaldag478]

@@drewmfie yeah I think a lot of those directors probably tend to be more classically or vocally focused and as such tend to think more to modern jazz, which unfortunately doesn't have a lot of clarinet. As a clarinet player I believe it absolutely has a place in jazz, however it's been a really really long time since it has been super prevalent. It had some usage in the swing era, but that was generally due to the band leader playing clarinet. Honestly since then there just hasn't been much jazz music written that includes clarinet in a meaningful way unfortunately

[@drewmfie]

@@samaldag478 yeah thats true.. aside from buddy defranco, i dont think there are any "big name" clarinet players after the swing era

[@jeremymarks8228]

I feel like the clarinet can be used in place of like the trumpet though (like trumpet parts) as saxaphone jazz parts have their own feel, and obviously low brass does their own thing, also solos for clarinet have such a big oppurtunity in jazz bands

[@emmalacy9813]

Welp, I did not expect to get transcribed today 😳 Thank you JaqTheTrombone and company! Glad you enjoyed my playing 😅🙏 P.S. It's probably too late now but it's Emma "Lacy," not "Lacey"😉

[@pallavisrikanth9748]

you played soo beautifully. i can feel your passion from here. showed my dad (big jazz fan) and he loved it too! keep doing what you love :)

[@emmalacy9813]

@@pallavisrikanth9748 how sweet! Thank you so much!😊

[@xatnu]

Nice phrasing! Expect about 50 comment by the way. If I can't resist I bet others won't either haha.

[@emmalacy9813]

@@xatnu ahaha you are all too kind- thank you😊

[@Victor_C_LawtonII_Music]

Killed it!!! 🎉

[@scurfle938]

I have to convince my band friends every couple weeks that, yes, clarinet is a traditional jazz instrument and is beautiful in jazz. Love the solo and transcription

[@matthewkim8291]

point them to Doreen Ketchens shes a worldclass jazz clarient player

[@scurfle938]

@@matthewkim8291 I have! As well as Benny Goodman, the classic. They just don't listen :(

[@Idkwhattoputhere...306]

I Dont rlly get it tho,the clarinet looks pretty great if it was played in an orchestra-ish jazz play,or maybe its because they stand out too much,could be just taste ngl,but it def does sound good.

[@CheckItTwice]

Thumb if you own a tenor saxophone for the sake of your school band

[@scurfle938]

@@Idkwhattoputhere...306 They only seem to stand out because they aren't used as much as they should be imo

[@Asylia5911]

A bit unrelated, but I love how jazz music always has that same font. Less frigid and formal that regular printed music. It’s like the notes themselves are jazzy.

[@meghannachtiean3830]

Yeah I know right? I was always able to tell my jazz music for my classical music and I loved it.

[@svnsparks]

it’s called the jazz font

[@SnowedAllDay]

I love the jazz font but it can get hard to read when the quality is bad

[@Asylia5911]

@@SnowedAllDay true. Sometimes it’s like impossible to tell apart, for example, if it’s a 3 or 5 in measure number markings lmao

[@_glowstickeater]

if the font gets too jazzy i can’t read some stuff tho ngl

[@agatalightningcloud7538]

as a clarinetist i'm impressed how she played that high d flat and other high notes with flats and sharps so damn fast

[@nicolamonte86]

Even not making them sound bad...omg I really couldn't

[@Gacha__Staryy]

i personally forget sharps and flats but im working on it lols, i kinda need to know them for my chromatic scale

[@heatherperleberg7816]

Playing altissimo is like a different instrument altogether

[@ericab65]

@@Gacha__StaryySameee!

[@Gacha__Staryy]

@@ericab65 that’s not me anymore I became first chair in my grade and I memorized all the notes

[@sky2213]

You barely hear us clarinets in music today- holy hell her range💀

[@PancakeTheKat]

Exactly like we need more clarinetists like her, or even more appreciation in jazz and music in general for clarinets

[@Khonsu_Sunflowers]

@@PancakeTheKat band teachers don't let clarinet players into their jazz bands. That's why there aren't many jazz clarinetists

[@bossm60]

⁠@@Khonsu_Sunflowersits just that big band composition traditionally isn’t written for clarinets. It’s alto, tenor, bari, trombone, b. trombone, trumpets, rhythm

[@omniyx7837]

@@Khonsu_Sunflowers mainly because theres extremely rarely clarient parts

[@Lilianarochaaaa]

@@Khonsu_SunflowersMy band teacher lets clarinets play in our jazz band. I play mainly clarinet but alto sax for jazz, but my friend and a couple other people play clarinet for jazz. If there is no clarinet part she just gives them a trumpet or tenor sax part.

[@acennguyenmusic]

Last year, I was the only clarinet player in my school’s Jazz Band. Now I’m a bass player because my band directors had the power to switch me to the tenor saxophone and I like to play bass. I still remember the “awesome” solo I had during one song with my clarinet.

[@Sal-fp6xj]

Wow! I play clarinet in band but bass in jazz

[@Nicole-jl3pd]

there's literally a girl in my biology class with the same name as you

[@paigeportincaso9949]

@@Sal-fp6xjme too that’s so slay would never think there is so many clarinetists that are bassists

[@Sean-Ax]

To think that there are people who think that the clarinet doesn't belong in jazz... They don't understand that the clarinet was there from the beginning! I always loved listening to the clarinet in Dixieland jazz ensembles.

[@loisloik2438]

Not true. Please research

[@Sean-Ax]

@@loisloik2438 that it wasn't there from the beginning? or that people don't say it doesn't belong jn jazz?

[@kbye2321]

​@@loisloik2438 The burden of the evidence lies with you. Hence, Russell's Teapot. Show us the proof of the unimportance of clarinet, especially in the early days.

[@alijhi]

I love the annotations like "GET IT" and "STANKY" !

[@mdhbigdog]

She was justifiably happy that her solo went so well. Very impressive and good feeling!

[@Smurgles]

If they say clarinets aren't jazzy they've never heard of Benny Goodman. Classic! And Emma nailed this!

[@dmiller4511]

Or Pete Fountain, for cryin' out loud

[@alexwertheim870]

Don't forget the incomparable Doreen Ketchens!

[@jasobres]

Or Artie Shaw. But then again, when was the last time anyone ever thought of Artie Shaw?

[@magicgordo4878]

Or Eddie Daniels or Buddy DeFranco or the clarinet leads in the many Glenn Miller bands. The King of Swing playing Mozart is a thing to behold.

[@magicgordo4878]

@@dmiller4511 Damn Right!!

[@mikegordon8178]

I could feel the joy in her heart when she nailed that piece.

[@maverickzalewski2871]

That guitarist looked so amazed by her!

[@macalby]

Love the little bop at the end, she's like "yeah, I nailed that"

[@dukeofrodtown1705]

To echo what others have said, Emma practically nailed it here! She is just an incredible clarinetist and saxophone player. As a big band and jazz enthusiast, I'm elated to see what she does next in her career, wherever it takes her musically.

[@benjaminc.5862]

Humongous win for the jazz community. Now that the transcription is in the wild we need a coined “Emma Lacy Lick”

[@benjaminc.5862]

Personally I vote the 4 bars at 0:31

[@emmalacy9813]

@@benjaminc.5862 I endorse this.🤝

[@happythebestboi]

As someone who started playing clarinet 3 months ago, this is probably one of the most impressive things I've seen in a while

[@DennisJohnsonDrummer]

I like how she hopped to her toes on the high F sharp.

[@ch3rrysoob974]

I’ve been playing clarinet for a bit over 4 years now and whenever I watch these I’m just in shock

[@isa0629]

She's sooo good and I love her confident smile at the end 😭

[@mitchevett3304]

I was there for this live! It was even more of a treat! Killing the game Emma!

[@hersheybar5797]

bro shes jazzier than i could ever be

[@legaleagles3654]

Wow she grooved on that music 🎶💖

[@Hmm_Ace_Attorney_Channel]

Most clarinet players will only ever hit those notes accidentally. Usually in the middle of a grade 8 concert after practicing for weeks at home and playing everything through without mistakes.

[@alexaaass]

sadly 😔

[@emusqueak]

Clarinet is the OG when it comes to jazz! Loved this 😍

[@slimeyar]

How did a trombone advocate for a woodwind instrument, I am so shocked right now

[@thedankknight8333]

Especially a clarinet 🤢, saxes get love from low brass but definitely never clarinets

[@alexaaass]

@@thedankknight8333 💀.. u mad bro?

[@magicgordo4878]

Please try to get over it.

[@kbye2321]

Y'all, it's just frigging instruments. It doesn't matter which instrument you put your fingers or mouth on, you're still making music, dammit.

[@slimeyar]

@@kbye2321 def an opps 👮

[@littlebodybigtearsT-T]

That was awesome!!!! I really needed to hear that since my band director didn't let me join jazz band because I play clarinet.

[@ChrisF_1982]

At my high school clarinet players had to play soprano in jazz band. Tell him that Eric Dolphy utilized bass clarinet. I never understood why directors are so hesitant to allow non traditional jazz instruments in jazz band. To me it would make it a bit more interesting.

[@user-nv6bm6iu9e]

This my first year in band as clarinet so thanks for showing people what the clarinet can do

[@dellamcgowan7502]

Oh sweetie you’re the BEST. I learned the wonderful music of Tommy Dorsey & Benny Goodman as I grew up & haven’t been blessed to hear a new band until today. I know this vid isn’t new but think about it. You & your music will just enrich lives for eternity. I live in country Australia so the only way you can spoil me is thru your vids. So glad I found you & I wish you a life of unexpected happiness & success. Della McGowan

[@thatpianoman4350]

The fact that a lot of the players are young makes this so much better

[@irahoffman3867]

the look on her face as she finished her solo is priceless. hey world - I NAILED IT

[@user-nx4ki4xo9h]

🤯🤩 WOW! SHE IS SO GOOD! Thanks for the inspiration! 😄

[@nerd.3452]

Squidward wishes he could play like this.

[@Bumbleoka]

insane skill, beautiful

[@204lemon]

It's so mind blowingly beautiful!!

[@alexanderbenjaminconley8213]

"when they say the clarinet isn't jazzy" Two words: Doreen Ketchens

[@marcvdbosch1802]

Oh Yes ! Shes a great player in the New orleans style. But dont forget Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw,.....

[@elissahunt]

@@marcvdbosch1802 I Googled "jazz clarinetists" and immediately about 50 names popped up. I don't know why anyone would say clarinet isn't jazzy. (I'm married to a professional reed player. He's great on sax, but his clarinet makes me swoon.)

[@Chetzcall]

I love Emma lacy so much omg

[@emmalacy9813]

omg thanks!🥰

[@ryanross3824]

Lmfao I love the commentary on the music sheets.

[@geisterglow4857]

and again. the sister has transcended the instrument, the spirit flows freely. very impressive and: RESPECT.

[@bobhellmann2179]

Simply awesome!

[@emilerose1424]

No one who follows jazz would ever say clarinets aren't jazzy. They would be chased by the spirits of clarineting giants like Sydney Bechet (clarinet and sop sax), Johnny Dodds, Artie Shaw, Benny Goodman, Alvin Batiste, Woody Herman, Eric Dolphy, Polo Barnes, Scofield Brown, and the inimitable Ms. Doreen Ketchens who was recently on CBS Sunday Morning.

[@chesscrater6331]

LoL I love you already. Thanks for showing me they are Jazzy I didn't think they were Jazzy myself, but I figured it was possibly, but you have to go everywhere for it. Jazz is just unbelievable vibes, I purchased a clarinet for $30 on Facebook and I initially wanted a saxophone to get those same vibe maneuvers you were pulling off. Love it. Give me more...

[@gonefiishiing]

as a clarinet player some of those notes are still insane to me.. this is crazy impressive

[@birdrocket]

Killer solo. Essentially Ellington is such an incredible experience, happy to have had it back in 2016!

[@socmonkey]

I was so close to quitting band but then I remember if I stay I can play like this

[@masonkane9802]

We had a flute and clarinet in our hs jazz ensemble a couple of years. It was interesting

[@mouhiazeck]

My high school's jazz ensemble has a flute rn. She's only there because she's REALLY good on the flute but you can't hear her 99% of the time lol

[@Fwyd]

Swingin’ l;Ike a beast! You’re the boss, Emma.

[@PiotrBarcz]

Wow! I've heard many great jazz clarinetists (and I know a kid who has played with some of the best jazz players alive), and she's one of them!

[@talonnewsom7896]

Squidward has been awfully silent since this dropped

[@Dazza4000]

That was amazing I don’t think most people understand how hard that piece is I could play it since I’ve only played clarinet for three years but that was amazing

[@misukoshinonome]

NgI feel pretty proud with my clarinet now

[@chrisibeawuchi4493]

OMG she's so good

[@bean3220]

Ahhh the high notes!! See everyone, they don't ALWAYS kill your eardrums!!

[@jameshitt9701]

Absolutely awesome.

[@jessehamilton9758]

What a player!

[@borjastick]

Take Five on a clarinet is a thing of much jazziness...

[@brycewalburn3926]

awesome solo

[@Angel_433]

As a clarinet that’s in honors band, I feel like I went back to beginner emotionally 😭👍🏻

[@imitationskanalen]

incredible talent!

[@Pearl-bn7fw]

That was beautiful!!! ❤

[@user-wx2zk3yl2j]

The guitar in the background looks so chill.

[@ShaneLH317]

Nice!! Also gave me very smooth and sly, cheeky female pink Panther vibes 😎

[@jazzclarinet2006]

Now that's what I'm talking about. 😁

[@David-R.]

It seems as if Clarinet was made for Jazz. This was beautiful!!

[@Bullroarer-oj3sp]

Who says this? It is the jazziest of all instruments iMO. Such a quirky charming sound.

[@emilerose1424]

Amen. Jazz clarinets are nearly as old as jazz. This site just wanted to attract attention! And she deserved it.

[@colourfulmagic]

Amazing.. ❤

[@Jaujau933]

Great sound 👏👏👏👏👏😎

[@mariasoto1837]

They're young snd brillant

[@char2723]

I love the ‘GET IT’ she jumped at that part lol 😂❤

[@blank2541]

PLAY ME THAT TUNE SQUIDWARD

[@stephanieshanonn366]

stunning 👏👏👏👌

[@nemo227]

Pretty damn NICE, I say. She'll be able to make a good living playing that well.

[@c5d53g2e]

That kid has chops!!!

[@cerenerturk]

✨Bir sağa bir sola parçala yavrum parçala✨

[@russs7574]

The people who say that obviously have never heard of either Woody Herman or Benny Goodman. This young lady is cookin'.

[@Berserker2011]

ILY ILY ILY ILY ILY ILY ILY ILY ILY ILY ILY ILY ILY ILY ILY ILY ILY ILY ILY ILY ILY ILY ILY ILY ILY ILY ILY ILY ILY ILY ILY ILY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you for this BEAUTIFUL solo. Wow! I just started clarinet and I want to play JAZZZZ! This has inspired me even more!

[@thembinkosi2197]

I get recommended these types of videos all the time but I can never find the full performances

[@rossmathias5675]

Respect to the kid. 👍

[@michaelbaldauf]

love it

[@projectaris661]

Jazz is my favorite style to play on clarinet!

[@emilylawson522]

Wow that’s beautiful 🩵

[@user-np7kf5bq5s]

Fellling! Wow.

[@Lukeyah]

Thats gotta be the jazziest clarinet ive ever seen

[@JustinSaysRadio]

Squidward, take notes!

[@user-xd9dx9np5q]

めちゃくちゃ良い

[@keeganlarose]

I feel like the best big bands had clarinet. Great work!

[@marcvdbosch1802]

The secret of THE Glenn Miller sound is a clarinet mixed with the saxes. And all saxophones doubled on clarinet. Some of his titles have more the one clarinet. And yes all the big bands did: Count basie, Duke Ellington, and Offcourse Beny Goodman etc etc...

[@keeganlarose]

@@marcvdbosch1802 Thanks for sharing! I remember reading or hearing about how the clarinet is what helped make Glenn Miller's sound. I'll have to dive into his arrangements at some point.

[@beeeuh]

as a clarinetist I felt her pain, those are hard notes to hit

[@Bookgirly12]

IKR

[@williamgregory1848]

“When they say clarinetists aren’t jazzy.” Benny Goodman would like a word with you.

[@GamerArtist365]

Clarinets getting the respect they deserve

[@NatureHeadSupreme]

Well damn, okay then Ms. Lady. 🔥

[@jordanmntungwa3311]

Lacey with the jazzy licks

[@bryandavis001]

Wow!

[@astridkowalska8807]

I can t stop to sesen this

[@brauncito]

A W E S O M E !

[@kakyoin4535]

good solo1

[@OrianaLouu]

Bravo 👏

[@turiiiiiiii]

My lungs hurt watching this 😥HHHHHHEEEEELLLLPPPP I'M OUT OF BREATH

[@jeremiahreilly9739]

Wow. What a cooking solo! Thanks for presenting and transcribing. Who are the band? Where was the performance?

[@Kny_gachas]

Oh my gawsh the notes are so high- the highest note I can play on the clarinet it like a high g lol

[@ZHL242]

_unbeLIEVABLY thicc_