Clarinet Players' Favorite Jazz Standards: A Must-Read List for Every Musician

Jazz and clarinets go together like coffee and cream. There's just something about the liquid warmth of a clarinet that blends so beautifully with the vibrant rhythms of jazz. Over the years, certain jazz standards have stood out for clarinet players. Whether you're a seasoned performer or just starting your jazz journey, these pieces are worth exploring. Let's take a look at some of clarinet players' favorite jazz standards and why they shine like stars in the musical universe.

Favorite Jazz Standards for Clarinet Players

Jazz Standard	Key Features	Playing Tips
1. “Moonglow”	Light, romantic, smooth	Experiment with dynamics and phrasing
2. “Stardust”	Hauntingly beautiful, long lines	Focus on smooth legato technique
3. “Take the ‘A' Train”	Energetic, toe-tapping	Practice crisp articulation and rhythmic clarity
4. “In a Sentimental Mood”	Moody, introspective	Explore rich phrasing and subtle nuances
5. “Sing, Sing, Sing”	Energetic, boundary-pushing	Approach with infectious enthusiasm
6. “Body and Soul”	Emotionally deep, expressive	Portray vulnerability and sincerity

1. “Moonglow”

Light, romantic, and effortlessly smooth, “Moonglow” instantly conjures up images of dimly lit dance floors. The piece allows clarinet players to experiment with dynamics, tone color, and phrasing to achieve that classic jazz sound. Try taking your time with the opening melody. Savor each note like fine wine—it's not a sprint, and the space you leave between phrases can be as impactful as the notes themselves.

2. “Stardust”

This hauntingly beautiful tune has graced countless jazz performances and remains a favorite among clarinetists. The piece's long, lilting lines are an opportunity to showcase control and a smooth legato technique—traits that are hallmarks of great clarinet playing. Uptown legend or downtown dreamer, every musician has found “Stardust” transformative in building emotional depth in their performances.

3. “Take the ‘A' Train”

You'd be hard-pressed to find a jazz lover unfamiliar with Duke Ellington's “Take the ‘A' Train.” This energetic, toe-tapping masterpiece is a playground for clarinet players. The clarinet's ability to swoop and soar makes it a natural fit for this up-tempo standard. Challenge yourself to match the crisp articulation and rhythmic clarity of the note patterns—it's a skill that'll serve you well in any fast-paced piece!

4. “In a Sentimental Mood”

If you love wearing your emotions on your sleeve, “In a Sentimental Mood” is your song. The clarinet can capture its moody, introspective undertone like no other instrument. What makes this piece a gem for clarinet players is the freedom to explore its rich phrasing. While the melody's simplicity might lure you into thinking it's an easy play, true mastery comes from understanding its subtle nuances!

5. “Sing, Sing, Sing”

Nobody can forget the roaring swing of “Sing, Sing, Sing.” This piece has enormous energy and pushes the boundaries of clarinet playing. It's daring, bold, and simply electrifying in performance. Originally popularized by Benny Goodman, often called the “King of Swing,” clarinetists approach this standard with infectious enthusiasm.

6. “Body and Soul”

The emotional depth of “Body and Soul” sits unmatched. Clarinetists enjoy the chance to explore the lush, expressive potential of the clarinet's range. This sobering yet beautiful ballad challenges players to portray vulnerability and sincerity while exploring complex harmonics—it's an excellent piece for any budding clarinet jazz enthusiast to practice!

Mastering Jazz Techniques on Clarinet

What makes jazz truly special is its expressiveness. To truly bring the standards mentioned above to life, clarinetists must embrace some techniques specific to the genre. Vibrato, for instance, is key to adding warmth and emotion to your tone. Employ subtle variations to avoid sounding overly dramatic—less is often more here.

Articulation should also demand your attention. Jazz clarinetists strive for fluidity in their phrasing while maintaining clarity in fast passages. Focus on clear tonguing without excessive force for a clean and airy sound.

Don't skimp on listening. Spend hours absorbing how legends handle these classics. Benny Goodman, especially, showcases a wealth of inspiration for jazz lovers, as does Pete Fountain. And if you're using a Martin Freres Clarinet, you'll notice the tonal advantages when tackling subtle nuances required in jazz.

Jazz music isn't just about individual expression. It's a dialogue; you're communicating with your fellow musicians and your audience. When you play these iconic standards, you're stepping into a shared history, creating your own interpretation while respecting the legacies of those who've played them before.

Take Your Time and Make it Your Own

One of the joys of jazz clarinet-playing lies in its freedom. Feel encouraged to experiment as you approach these standards. Swing rhythms, embellishments, and improvisation let you bring your unique voice to a tune. That's one reason players of all levels, from beginners to professionals, gravitate toward brands like Martin Freres for their reliable, expressive sound and craftsmanship.

In the end, playing jazz on the clarinet brings as much joy as listening to it. Whether you're dreaming up smooth, sultry tones or lively, upbeat phrases, these jazz standards are the perfect companions on your musical journey. So, grab that reed, start improvising, and lose yourself in the rhythm—there's a whole jazz world waiting for you to explore!