Raymond Beckenstein

This talented multi-instrumentalist was raised having a neighborhood filled with musicians that included vibraphonist and composer Terry Gibbs, tenor saxophonist Al Cohn, and drummer Tiny Kahn. While his profession in the studios so that as an associate of a number of top-flight dance rings suggests that there is not very much he can’t perform, Beckenstein has accepted that wasn’t always the situation. On his 1st professional job using the combo of Johnny McGhee, Beckenstein produced a lot of flubs around the baritone saxophone component that he was informed to affix his tent somewhere else; ironic, since that horn is definitely the least complicated of any in the reed family members. Adding flute and piccolo to his handbag of techniques and garnering a popularity as a fantastic clarinet soloist, Beckenstein experienced a summary of rings in the ’40s and ’50s that included Lew Grey, Lee Castle, Richard Himber, and Bobby Sherwood. With the ’60s he previously become well-established in the studios of NEW YORK and was a lot more than able to deal with the diverse noises which will be concocted in following eras. His documenting career provides included soundtracks to movies and Broadway displays and tasks with vocalist/songwriters such as for example Janis Ian and Phoebe Snow. He provides performed on Latin, bossa nova, and funk information and was frequently area of the staff that arranger and manufacturer Don Sebesky employed to generate his luxurious wedding-cake jazz productions. While he’s sometimes used only to create history detail, some market leaders utilize a particular instrumental skill; for instance, trombonist Urbie Green highlighted Beckenstein’s great alto sax function in a swinging framework, while Ralph Melts away utilized his flute playing as a nice-looking touch on many albums offering vocals.