[78-L] Let's Raise a Toast (*Klink!*)

[Jeff Sultanof]

Off-topic I know, but Al Klink was one of the best flautists in the New York
studio scene, not only the C Flute, but the Alto Flute as well.

I came close to meeting him several years ago, and have always regretted
that it didn't happen.

Jeff Sultanof

On Wed, Jan 13, 2010 at 8:16 PM, simmonssomer <simmonssomer at comcast.net>wrote:

> Klink was the best tenor man in the Miller reed section. Unfortunately he
> couldn't sing and Beneke was a better commercial attraction.
> When it came to jazz Klink was your man. (I'm not forgetting about Caceres
> who was also an excellent but unused soloist in the Miller Band.
> He went on to be a regular in the Condon gang.)
>  Miller never gave Klink much of a chance. Sometimes a few bars with Beneke
> taking over the rest of the solo opportunity and the rare
> feature such as "Yes My Darling Daughter" mentioned by Taylor Bowie.
> I spoke to him some ten or so years ago at a NYC saloon and told him just
> that.
> He said that he had a dartboard with Miller's picture on it in his bedroom
> in Forest Hills, NY.
> Every morning when he woke the first thing he would do is to throw five
> darts at the board.
> Miller has become an mythical icon but according to a lot of guys who
> worked
> for him he was a martinet.
> Klink was an intelligent and erudite chap. He went on to join the Benny
> Goodman reeds and did a great deal of steady studio work
> in NYC.
>
> Al S.
>
>