Playing music as part of a group typically requires that not only are all of the instruments tuned to each other, but also that the musicians play in a specific key. For some musicians, like pianists ...

Bennie Maupin discusses his love affair with the bass clarinet. This story is part of our spotlight this month on musicians who play instruments tuned in the lower frequencies. This month we're ...

Marcus gets a clean, unfettered sound from both his band and his instrument on his new album. Trio+ is crisp, tight and varied — with more good melodies than we can dip into. This is FRESH AIR. The ...

You've heard of the clarinet, you've heard of the bass clarinet. Well now meet their bigger, badder brother: the contrabass clarinet! The contrabass clarinet, also known as a pedal or elephant ...

Three bass clarinetists have put forth albums in these hard times, aiming to earn respect for that dour, difficult instrument. Rudi Mahall especially earns praise. Irony and affectionate satire rule ...