Paul Sanders

Essential Jazz Clarinet Duets

This collection of six duets has been curated specifically for the advanced player and if you are looking to step beyond traditional repertoire and explore more commercial, contemporary styles, these pieces are designed for you.

Each piece represents a different corner of the jazz and commercial world, requiring a unique set of stylistic hallmarks and are designed to be performed with the included backing tracks. Every track features a "Play Along with Paul" option where I will be your virtual duet partner, allowing you to experience interplay and timing of these pieces in real-time or you can find your own clarinet buddy and play with the dedicated backing.

Free Backing Tracks available here: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/0x1dyqhv7wt4x7aajsmbh/C877-Backing-Tracks.zip?rlkey=dcj78bs5nlsft6erujtc33nri&dl=0

I highly encourage you to listen closely to the demo recordings. Subtle shifts in articulation, swing feel, and tone are often best caught by ear, and these tracks serve as your roadmap to an authentic performance. Whether you are looking to sharpen your rhythmic precision or expand your expressive palette, these duets offer a challenging and rewarding journey into the commercial capabilities of the clarinet.

Contents

1. Freeway Funk
Tight, syncopated articulations and a chilled vibe. This one is all about locking in the groove—think 70s TV cop show with the Golden Gate Bridge in the distance...

2. Klosé-nuff for Jazz
A nod to the godfather of clarinet pedagogy, Hyacinthe Klosé, but with a swinging twist in the style of pieces such as Billy Amstell's 'Stick o'Liquorice'

3. Fake News Blues
Sarcastic, lazy, and a bit "smoky." Lots to play with here, take some liberties!

4. Limbada
Couldn't quite decide what Latin style this was so I invented a new one! Straight quavers throughout with a middle section with a half-time feel. N.B the gliss at the end in both parts is optional.

5. Captain Hook
A "hornpipe" brought up to date with a few jaunty harmonic twists. Requires some agile finger-work in the lower register and there's some fun corners with which you can find your sea legs!

6. Rock That Reed!

A heavy Jazz Rock groove prevails through this and it's something of a workout for both clarinets. Look for beats 2 and 4 to lock in to the groove and enjoy!