CLARINET CLARITY >>>

I burned the midnight oil the other night in front of the 1956 The Benny Goodman Story flick on the boob tube. If it weren't for the music, it's a film to avoid. It's a bit stiff for me. Oh, but the music ... "Sing, Sing Sing," "Stompin' at the Savoy," "Memories of You" - I'm a sucker for swinging melodies and rhythms ... and the clarinet. From woody depths to light, fluffy heights, Goodman, Artie Shaw and Sidney Bechet mastered the "licorice stick" with fluid fingering.

The clarinet popped into my mind again after just learning that Tacoma's Alea Publishing just published "That's Life" for clarinet - new work by Tacoma composer Deborah Anderson.  According to the press release, "This three-movement piece is an excellent addition to the clarinet quartet repertoire. The work is melodic and cheerful, perhaps providing a nice contrast on a recital program. Additionally, ‘That's Life' is accessible enough for student performers to work well for a student recital or community music venue."

Details of Anderson's new work can be found on bassclarinet.org, including the option of purchasing the sheet music.