Gypsy jazz reed player-what to study?

Polkat

Most of my background is in swing jazz violin. I'm doing...well, okay in that regard, but have a new interest in playing this music on a reed instrument (in this case clarinet). But who (or what) to study? I guess what you like counts as well. Post bop players certainly had something to say, but does that help with GJ? I've always loved the comping style of Zoot Simms, but would studying that help any? Not much written material out there for GJ clarinet I guess...or am I wrong?

Ampsmasher

I would recommend starting with any of the early swing guys, artie shaw, benny goodman, woody herman. I also noticed you are from Chico... and am shocked I don't already know you.. or maybe I do.

Jazzaferri

IMO one could spend time with Sidney Bechet. Not GJ but great chops and many of the GJ swing standards are from his era

Both Rostaing(cl) and Fols (sax) have some very nice chops both with Django and on their own as well

Ken Bloom

If you already play swing violin you might just try doing on clarinet what you do on the vioin. Lines are lines and good ideas can translate to any instrument. You are just substituting your embouchure and breath for the bow. Listening to the great players of the era can certainly help, but your own style will come through no matter what. I started on clarinet and came to the guitar years later. I find that many lines I play on the guitar come right from my clarinet playing. All the suggestions that have been made are excellent. I'm just suggesting that you add your own resources as well.

Ken Bloom
http://www.boweddulicmer.com

Polkat

Yea Ken, that's what I've been doing. Just wasn't sure of that approach. Ampsmasher, where are you in Chico?

Jazzaferri

When another player plays a short phrase that I resonate with I try to get it down til it becomes part of my vocabulary. Usually a bar or two in length.