. . . or click on the link here for Audio Player – Buddy De Franco – Live in Buenos Aires 1980
More sad news this week. The passing on Christmas Eve of Jazz Hall of Fame Clarinetist Buddy De Franco, whose work began in the Big Band era and continued for a 75 year stretch, collaborating with everyone from Frank Sinatra to Billie Holiday, was another in a seemingly endless series of notable deaths this year.
Although in ill-health the past few years, De Franco still had a huge following among Jazz fans and the Jazz festival named after him still continues each year at the University of Montana.
I ran across this concert, recorded in 1980 in Buenos Aires and it gives some idea of the versatility and wide range of musical genres De Franco travelled in. Considered by many to have picked up where Benny Goodman left off, he was a vigorous supporter of Reed players on the way up, and his contributions to the Jazz World also netted him, in addition to the Jazz Hall of Fame, he was also given a National Endowment for The Arts Jazz Master as well as a Kennedy Center living Jazz legend award.
His presence will be missed, but luckily for everyone, including those musicians who are only now becoming familiar with him, Buddy De Franco’s artistry and contributions will continue for a long time to come.
Enjoy the concert and the remembrance of a great musician.
