CONCERT: Friday, May 8 at 8 PM

Kenny Davern Returns to Watchung with Quartet
Noted Clarinetist Joined by Stellar Rhythm Section

Jazz fans recognize that clarinetist Kenny Davern hates the sight of microphones. Unless the hall is so large or so noisy as to make unamplified music impractical, he prefers the control he has in a purely acoustic setting. The Watchung Arts Center's "celebrated acoustics," as one reviewer put it, are just perfect for performers like Davern, which is why he (and fans) look forward to his visits.

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, May 8. Guitarist James Chirillo joins him this time, along with bassist Greg Cohen and drummer Tony DeNicola. Tickets are only $10, including light intermission refreshments. The music starts at 8 PM.

Jazz Hall of Famer 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.

"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."

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.

Summit's Greg Cohen is the bassist of choice for so many groups that he's thought of as the "house bassist" at this venue. No undue influence here; he's just the one most leaders want. James Chirillo is also the "first call" guitarist for all-star aggregations because his versatility allows the group to venture in whatever direction the mood carries them. This prevents the group from being limited to tunes, arrangements and approaches they've all done many times before. Tony DeNicola is a tasteful drummer, able to moderate his playing for the crisp acoustics of the Center's Gallery.

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.