Tim
Laughlin was born at the Touro Hospital in New Orleans, where he is still
performing today. He took up both the clarinet at the age of 9, and although he
played the alto sax at school, his main instrument has always been the
clarinet. He says this is because he saw lots of great sax players,
but very few good clarinetists. He is mostly known as a traditional New
Orleans player, but he hates being labeled in any way and so has recently made
some albums with more modern artists such as the pianist Peter Martin. In
an interview with tod Smith, he explained that he decided to study 6
clarinetists and incorporate the best features of each artist into his own
playing. The 6 clarinetists were Pete Fountain, Benny Goodman, Kenny
Davern, Bob Wilber, Jack Mayhew and Connie Jones. Pete Fountain was his
main influence and Tim took very seriously Pete's advice to concentrate on
getting a nice tone before worrying about fancy technique.
He has played and
recorded with such artists as Tom Fisher, Buddy DeFranco, Jack Maheu, Al Hirt,
Bob Wilber, Rebecca Kilgore, Harry Connick, Jr. Bob Haggart and Pete Fountain.
Bands he has graced include New Orleans Nightcrawlers and 7 years with The Dukes
of Dixieland.
He also composed many pieces, featured a solo in the film
"double jeopardy", has made musical appearances in coffee adverts and played all
over the world, including a memorable visit to Germany in the late
90s.
