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Barni BigardAmerican jazz clarinetist.
Date of Birth: 03.03.1906
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Albany "Barney" Bigard
- Early Career
- Switch to Clarinet
- Collaborations with Jazz Legends
- Duke Ellington Era
- Post-Ellington
- Later Years
Albany "Barney" Bigard
Barney Bigard was an American jazz clarinetist born in New Orleans on March 3, 1906. He passed away on June 27, 1980, in Culver City, California.
Early Career
Bigard began learning to play the C-clarinet from Lorenzo Tio. However, he soon discovered the tenor saxophone and began honing his skills on the instrument. In 1922, he joined Elbert Nicholas's Orchestra as a saxophonist, relocating with the band to Chicago in 1924.
Switch to Clarinet
During this time, King Oliver's Orchestra was also in Chicago, and some of their musicians began recording with Bigard's group. Oliver invited Bigard to sit in on clarinet, and the instrument gradually became his primary focus.
Collaborations with Jazz Legends
Bigard collaborated with legendary jazz musicians, including Jelly Roll Morton, Johnny Dodds, and Louis Armstrong. In 1927, he briefly joined Charlie Elgar's Orchestra in Milwaukee.
Duke Ellington Era
Bigard moved to New York and briefly played with Louis Russell before securing a position in Duke Ellington's Orchestra in 1928. He remained with Ellington for nearly fifteen years, becoming one of the band's most prominent musicians. His playing was characterized by its warm and lyrical tone, chromatic runs, and extended glissandi.
Post-Ellington
After leaving Ellington's Orchestra in 1942, Bigard led his own groups in Los Angeles and New York. He participated in recording the soundtrack for the film "New Orleans" with Louis Armstrong, who subsequently invited him to join the All Stars Orchestra.
Later Years
Bigard toured extensively with the Armstrong's All Stars Band from 1947 to 1961, with some interruptions. In 1962, he scaled back his performances but continued to appear on television and radio, as well as at jazz festivals around the world until his passing.
