Blue Horizon

Sidney Bechet was a pioneer of early jazz, but his profound connection to the blues was undeniable. In December 1944, recording for the independent Blue Note label in New York, Bechet delivered one of the most emotional instrumental performances of his career. On "Blue Horizon," playing the clarinet instead of his usual soprano saxophone, Bechet led a slow, mournful, six-chorus blues. Utilizing a massive, throbbing vibrato and dramatic, sweeping slurs, Bechet made the woodwind instrument weep and moan like a human voice. The brilliant recording blurred the lines entirely between sophisticated jazz improvisation and deep, agonizing Southern feeling.