The magic of the Creole Clarinet

About the concert

The unique sound of the Creole clarinet was born in New Orleans and thus began the glorious tradition of jazz. Creole is the result of the melting pot between Europe and Africa. The sound of the clarinet includes "squeals" and glissando, high notes and low notes, adorning and glorifying the style of any respectable concert of New Orleans music. The expression of this music is both very personal and deep. The clarinet, along with the trumpet and the trombone, is played both at funerals and weddings, and of course for parades and dance music. Musicians drew inspiration from African rhythms, European classical music and folk traditions. The tone of the clarinet players was rich, full, and soulful, which made it possible to convey a wide range of emotions.

The clarinet player Uli Wunner is considered one of the successors of the traditional school of playing the Creole clarinet which, as mentioned, began with the birth of jazz a little over a hundred years ago. With his incomparable sound and wit, Wunner is one of Europe's most respected clarinet and saxophone players. His passion for New Orleans jazz led him to meet and play with some of the scene's greatest artists. He fuses his true Bavarian roots with Brazilian rhythms and New Orleans soul. He also founded the band ‘Storyville Shakers’ and performed with them for over 40 years. He has been a guest at the famous Ascona Jazz Festival for 30 years, where he has performed with icons such as Shannon Powell, Gerald French, Lucien Barbarin and many others.

Harry Kanters is a virtuoso pianist in the various styles of traditional jazz and comes from the Netherlands.  His specialties include Ragtime, New Orleans, Stride, Swing and early Bebop.  With his extensive repertoire, Harry is a popular pianist with 'All Stars' ensembles and is a much sought after guest vocalist with various bands.  Harry has recorded dozens of records and albums and is also a member of the bands ‘How About Rita?’ and the Belgian band 'New Orleans Night Owls'.

Featuring:

Uli Wunner Clarinet (Berlin)

Jerome Etcheberry Trumpet (Paris)

Amnon Ben–Artzi Trombone

Harry Kanters Piano (Amsterdam)

Dor Bar Av Drums

Anton Lutsky Sousaphone

*photos by: Luca Vantusso/ Piet Gispen/ Patrick Martineau/ Peter Vit/ Victor List MUPERPHOTO