Gary Carner Interviews Bennie Maupin

Submitted by Professor Rich Falco. Interview by Historian Gary Carner
In this incredible interview, author, historian and researcher Gary Carner covers many topics with Benny Maupin. Discussions include the Detroit middle school and high school teaching techniques (successes and failures), early explorations in clarinet, saxophone and piano and the importance of mentorship in the Detroit jazz scene.

High School teacher Rex Hall directed Maupin into private instruction where he connected with many serious musicians who became life-long musical friends and colleagues.

Larry Teal and others became serious mentors for Maupin, helping to develop skills needed for a professional career. Also, the Detroit club scene offered an amazing opportunity for hearing and jamming with world class jazz players.

Bennie Maupin went on to record with Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, McCoy Tyner, Lee Morgan, Jack DeJohnette, Andrew Hill, and Eddie Henderson, to name only a few. His highly personal bass clarinet sound has helped define such important jazz albums as Miles Davis' Bitches Brew, Jack Johnson, Big Fun and On the Corner, as well as recordings by Herbie Hancock's Mwandishi band, and the Headhunters.

Carner later turned the conversation to his main research focus, Pepper Adams, about whom Bennie Maupin said, “What I loved most about Pepper Adams was his sound…he had a beautiful sound and great ideas and continuity to his playing”.

Fabulous historical content here!



Images

Photo by Barbara DuMetz
Photo by Barbara DuMetz
Photo by Ewelina Kowal
Photo by Ewelina Kowal
Photo by Gerry Walden
Photo by Gerry Walden

Audio

Bennie Maupin interview with author, historian and researcher Gary Carter.