Sidney Bechet

Sidney Bechet (May 14, 1897–May 14, 1959) was a jazz saxophonist, clarinetist, and composer. He was born in New Orleans, Louisiana.

From a young age, Bechet quickly mastered any musical instrument he encountered. (S

Sidney Bechet (May 14, 1897–May 14, 1959) was a jazz saxophonist, clarinetist, and composer. He was born in New Orleans, Louisiana.

From a young age, Bechet quickly mastered any musical instrument he encountered. (Some New Orleanians remembered him as a cornet hot-shot in his youth. In 1941 as an early experiment in over-dubbing at RCA Studios, he recorded on six different instruments: the clarinet, soprano saxophone, tenor saxophone, piano, bass, and drums. This recording can be heard under the title of the "Sheik of Araby".) At first he decided on the clarinet as his main instrument, and Bechet remained one of jazz's greatest clarinetists for decades. However, he is best remembered as the master of the soprano saxophone. Bechet was perhaps the first notable jazz saxophonist of any sort. Forceful delivery, well conceived, improvised ideas, and a distinctive wide vibrato characterized Bechet's playing.