Billy barratt music

2/1/2019 12AM

Clarinet master Julian Bliss celebrates Benny Goodman’s classic sound

By Scott Hall

Julian Bliss had been studying classical clarinet for three years when he bought his first Benny Goodman recording. The sound of the iconic jazz clarinetist and bandleader – the “King of Swing,” in fact – came as a revelation.

“He was breaking all the rules of traditional classical playing,” says Bliss, an Indiana University alumnus. “It was quite far removed from what I was used to. … You can’t put your finger on what it is. It just works.”

Keep in mind that the British musician was 7 years old at the time. And that diploma from IU? Earned at age 12.

A bona fide prodigy, Bliss went on to international acclaim for his classical work, performing with leading orchestras and chamber ensembles at top venues across Europe and the United States. He played by royal invitation at Queen Elizabeth II's Golden Jubilee and her 80th birthday celebration. He w JULIAN BLISS -!