official site of the trumpeter, singer, & composer
January 27, 2012
Rest In Peace, Clare Fischer
Clare Fischer, whose Big Band I performed with in Los Angeles 11 days ago, passed away last night at age 83. I only discovered Clare's music after being called to sub in his big band shortly after moving to Los Angeles, and wow, what a stroke of luck for me. He was an orchestral composer writing for big band, that's the best way to describe the sound he gets from 17 instruments. It was and is big band/jazz chamber music, with each chair in the band acting as soloist at one point or another during any given tune - - a rare feat in big band arranging. I'd never heard anything like his harmonic sense and still haven't ever had more fun playing in a big band. Playing with the great musicians in Clare's band and just listening and absorbing his music during rehearsals and performances has had a big influence on the continued development of my jazz improvisation. It was the first truly great band I had a chance to perform with in L.A., and I will always cherish Clare's music and influence. Rest in peace, Clare Fischer.
January 12, 2012
catch Knox with Grammy-winner Clare Fischer's Big Band 1/16/12
In addition to winning 2 Grammys for his own albums and composing two tunes now considered jazz standards, "Morning" and "Pensativa," Clare has also written for Dizzy Gillespie, Prince, George Shearing, Natalie Cole, Robert Palmer, Paul McCartney, Michael Jackson, Spike Lee, João Gilberto, Paula Abdul, and most recently Brian McKnight, Branford Marsalis, Tori Amos, Vanessa Williams, Brandy, and many others.
Clare's son Brent leads the band now and we'll play a few of his arrangements as well, including his breathtaking interpretation of "Pictures at an Exhibition." The band includes some incredible talent such as Carl Saunders, Scott Whitfield, Don Shelton, Gary Foster, Bob Sheppard, Ron Stout, and many others. Hope to see you there!"
- Knox