Hubert Rostaing: The nearly forgotten Jazz virtuoso

[Windsong]

When golden-era jazz clarinetists' names are thrown out we often hear Artie Shaw, Bennie Goodman, George Lewis, Albert Nicholas, Peanuts Hucko, Pete Fountain, Jimmy Dorsey, Sidney Bechet, Buddy DeFranco, Gioria Feidman, Woody Herman, Barney Bigard, Acker Bilk and the like.

One of the names we almost never hear is Hubert Rostaing.  He was what was often referred to as a "Gypsy Jazz" clarinetist, and at 8 notes per second and tempos that seldom dropped below 180 beats per minute, his speed and precision were rarely collectively matched.
Studying photos, it appears he played a Bb Boehm, mostly.


I aspire to learn and play his part in Django Reinhardt's recording of Rhythm Futur, released in 1940.  I can already play its rudiments, but as it crosses the break in the most uncomfortable of places and with such ferocity, it is a real hang-up at present.  I do love a challenge, though.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=hA-YoVUFOrw

[Airflyte]

Wow. That is some serious swinging!

[Windsong]

Just brilliant, yeah?!

[Airflyte]

Yes, indeed.

I'd like to add a few virtuosos to the fine list you created.

• Joe Ashworth
• Don Suhor
• Björn Ullberger

[Windsong]

I am not familiar with Joe Ashworth or Björn Ullberger.  Don Suhor, however, is just incredible.  His glissandos and his falsetto altissimo range are legendary.  He doesn't just poke it--he lives there, and with tremendous fluidity.

[ghostler]

I aspire to learn and play his part in Django Reinhardt's recording of Rhythm Futur, released in 1940.  I can already play its rudiments, but as it crosses the break in the most uncomfortable of places and with such ferocity, it is a real hang-up at present.  I do love a challenge, though.

This is the first time that I have heard of Hubert Rostaing, thanks for sharing.

I listened to it just now. Yes, the speed of those notes would provide a bit of a challenge. I still struggle with Woodie Herman's Four Brothers up to tempo.

It is in my Hal Leonard Jazz Play Along Volume 28, The Big Band Era. It has parts in C, Bb, Eb and Bass clefs, giving flexibility in instruments to play. At times I have found it a riot to bring out my humble Venus (China) student model Eb sopranino clarinet (bought it over a decade ago, think I paid $79 for it, seller said it's gold colored keys may flake off but hasn't happened) and give it a shot with the other tunes in the book.

[Windsong]

Hey, that is nice.  That is my kinda jazz.  I do love those harmonizing saxes!

[LarryS]

Nice, that was damn cool!