Sidney Bechet and Petite Fleur

[SuiZen]

I first became aware of Sidney Bechet a couple of weeks ago, while watching the Josephine Baker Story.

I started doing some research, and listening to his music.

I was most impressed by his playing of Petite Fleur.

Now that I know he played soprano sax and clarinet, I can't tell if which instrument he is playing.

I know it's hard to tell without listening, but does anyone have an idea of what instrument he used for Petite Fleur.

Bill

[max]

Sounds like soprano to me.

[singlereed]

I thought it was clarinet on the recording I heard. Quite likely he recorded both as he switched mid career.

[max]

Good point - the one I was referring to was recorded in 1952.

[Dave Dolson]

Bill: Soprano saxophone. Bechet wrote it, and I just listened to it to confirm my response. He recorded it 1/31/52 with Claude Luter and His Orchestra, in Paris, according to the album-cover notes.

The clarinet version of PETITE FLEUR was a popular hit in the late '50's also - by Monty Sunshine, as I recall. DAVE

[SuiZen]

Thanks very much for the replies.

I haven't been able to find any Sidney Bechet tune books. I assume there aren't any, correct?

Bill

[Dave Dolson]

Bill: I've never seen one, but that doesn't mean they don't exist. One day in New Orleans I found a Louis Armstrong book of famous solos. It was something someone transcribed off of recordings.

E-mail me and we can discuss this issue. DAVE

[singlereed]

I have a page of music transcribed from Petite Fleur, I got it from a 'well-heeled Australian' forum member IIRC. Let me know if you want it.

There is a sublime version of it on Gilad Atzmon's recent album too (on clarinet).

[SuiZen]

Dave,

What's your email?

Or you can email me at feadog@aol.com

Bill

[Dave Dolson]

Bill: Check your e-mail. DAVE