Kenny Davern

Kenny Davern was a masterful jazz clarinetist and soprano saxophonist known for his vibrant contributions to traditional jazz and Dixieland revival scenes. Born in 1935, he began his career in the 1950s, collaborating with legends like Phil Napoleon and later becoming a key figure in the 1970s jazz resurgence. Davern co-founded the celebrated group Soprano Summit with Bob Wilber, blending technical precision with a playful, soulful style that made live albums like *Soprano Summit 1975* and *A Night With Eddie Condon* instant classics. His partnerships with stride pianist Dick Wellstood (check out *Live at Vineyard*) and his gritty, lyrical solos on releases like *Miracles – George Gershwin Remembered* showcased his deep respect for jazz traditions while keeping the music fresh. Davern’s witty stage presence and dedication to acoustic jazz made him a beloved figure until his passing in 2006, leaving behind a legacy of recordings that swing as hard today as they did decades ago.

Genres

Jazz

Contemporary Jazz

Swing

Improvisational Jazz

Dixieland

New Orleans Jazz

Acoustic Jazz

Classic Jazz

Latest Release

Nobody's Sweetheart

Dick Hyman•

Kenny Davern

Single - Released May 27, 2022