[78-L] Venuti!

[Howard Friedman]

>> Sacre bleu!! You don't know what you're missing. Venuti was 
>> technically better as a violinist but I've found Grappelli's tone to 
>> be sweeter, his swing stronger, and his melodic improvisation far 
>> more sophisticated. If you still question whether the violin can be a 
>> suitable jazz instrument, listen to the QHCF's "You're Driving Me 
>> Crazy." If that don't move you, nothing will.
>>
>> Cary Ginell

Re the above, Benny Goodman was the better clarinetist technically, but Artie Shaw was far better at improvisation, with a better tone as well.  PeeWee Russell's clarinet literally squeaked most of the time, but what came out was amazing!  In other words, technique ain't everything.

Howard