Since the end of the big band era, the clarinet has taken a backseat to its sexier woodwind cousin, the saxophone. But in the Bay Area, thanks to a fertile environment of classically trained ...

is an odd-looking instrument, all the more so because it’s rarely encountered. More than three feet long, its long central core is an extended version of the standard clarinet-a black tube with silver ...

Three bass clarinetists have put forth albums in these hard times, aiming to earn respect for that dour, difficult instrument. Rudi Mahall especially earns praise. Irony and affectionate satire rule ...

Marcus gets a clean, unfettered sound from both his band and his instrument on his new album. Trio+ is crisp, tight and varied — with more good melodies than we can dip into. This is FRESH AIR. The ...

Since the end of the big band era, the clarinet has taken a backseat to its sexier woodwind cousin, the saxophone. But in the Bay Area, thanks to a fertile environment of classically trained ...