The sound of Kenny Davern's clarinet is unique, such that any jazz fan could pick it out during a blind test. Reed players carefully study his technique, yet nobody truly duplicates it. No wonder he was inducted into the American Jazz Hall of Fame.

Famed clarinetist Kenny Davern will present an all-star quartet when he returns to the Watchung Arts Center for their acclaimed Jazz Series on Friday evening, July 23. Guitarist Howard Alden joins him this time, along with bassist Murray Wall and drummer Tony DeNicola. Tickets are only $12, including light intermission refreshments. The music starts at 8 PM.

"No clarinetist has a more attractive basic sound than Davern," wrote reviewer Chip Deffaa recently. "There's a warmth and wholeness that is easy to take." The New York Times said Kenny Davern is "probably the finest clarinetist playing today."

Europeans are even more positive. According to the Manchester Guardian, "Kenny Davern is without doubt the greatest traditional jazz clarinetist in the world today."

Clarinetist Kenny Davern is certainly among the most sought after reed players in the jazz world. He was playing professionally by age 16, sitting in with the legendary groups appearing in the NYC clubs at the time. He won the clarinet chair in Jack Teagarden's band, and from there moved on to work with many of the top players both stateside and in Europe.

Teamed with fellow reed star Bob Wilber for Soprano Summit, Davern made a huge impact on the jazz world as that quintet's landmark recordings became hot items. He's played Carnegie Hall, performed on several movie soundtracks and even appeared in Paul Newman's The Hustler. He's performed both on and off Broadway, but mostly his schedule is filled with club and festival dates, where he is accorded star status, and rightly so.

Guitarist Howard Alden has just returned from the Sacramento Jazz Jubilee, the largest festival of its type on the continent, possibly the world. There he led his East Coast All Stars, surrounded by the best of the best. Howard has been featured at Watchung several times over the ten years of jazz there.

Drummer Tony DeNicola and bassist Murray Wall are also frequent visitors. They form a rock-solid rhythm team, able to adapt to the crisp acoustics of the room without overwhelming the other players. They are both respected as soloists as well.

Given the intimacy of the Gallery, seats are best reserved in advance to avoid disappointment. Call (908) 753-0190, leaving a message on the voice mail outside the 1 to 4 PM office hours. Tickets will be held at the door.