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        LARRY SHIELDS
   
    (Clarinetist of O.D.J.B., September 13, 1893 - November 21, 1953)
 
Larry Shields' place in the lineage of great clarinetists emanating from New Orleans is certainly well at the top. Critics of national stature acclaim him as a driving force behind the O.D.J.B. and a perfect foil for Edwards tailgate glissandos. Larry's tone was full and his notes flowed faultlessly. His solo on "Tiger Rag" is regarded as the yardstick by which other clarinetists may be measured. Larry also was a great composer.
           
   
Picture
The picture on the upper right hand of the page shows Larry as a youngster at the height of his career, while that on the lower left was taken in 1952 on the occasion of his last pilgrimage to New Orleans. Of particular interest was Larry's very retiring personality and his avoidance of any and every conversation which might lead to an argument.
   
           
 
Picture
We regret very deeply that we did
not get an opportunity to turn a mike
 
          on (without h i s
knowing!) one day
while he was attending a "session"
at our home, so
that his v o i c e
would be preserved
for posterity. As A
is. We must let his
wonderful music
 
Picture    
  speak for him. Sad to say he has been
 
  recorded in too limited a number
 
  of tunes! But they will make Larry
 
  immortal.
   
             
                         
4
   
Annual New Orleans Jazz Club Festival,
Friday, October 7, 1955

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