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I am a reformed classical clarinetist.
Having played classical clarinet for many years has given me an unusually rich tone, and an ability to make full use of the amazingly versatile range of sound that the clarinet affords. In playing gigs and recording, I collaborate with some excellent players: the pianist Si Perkoff, who is something of a legend among San Francisco Bay Area musicians — he was the pianist the new San Francisco Jazz Center chose to do a concert celebrating Thelonious Monk's birthday; and guitarist Bart Hopkin, who, like me, combines years of classical training with voyages into jazz, folk, pop, and rock — a guitarist with a lyrical melodic style and a strong bass / rhythmic pulse. Most often I play in trio format — either with bass and piano or with bass and guitar — but Bart and I also do a very elegant duo format, guitar and clarinet. I have played many concerts, parties, and weddings, and I play in several of the best Marin County restaurants. Contact me to book a performance |
FOUR CDs BY DALE POLISSAR
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Out of the Blue
Ten tuneful, lyrical jazz originals by Dale Polissar and Si Perkoff, varying in style from tender ballads through latin and blues. Trio: Clarinet, piano, and bass. Available for purchase on Bandcamp Out of Nowhere
A collection of some of the best loved jazz standards, alternating slow/soulful with fast/swinging. Trio: Clarinet, piano, and bass. Contact me to purchase directly — $18, shipping included 
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Bossas, Ballads, and Blues
Eloquent, expressive versions of classic jazz and pop standards, and a couple lovely settings of folk tunes. Clarinet and guitar duo, with Bart Hopkin dubbing in a bass line on most songs. Available for purchase on Bandcamp Melange
Great jazz and pop standards interspersed with graceful, melodious original compositions by Dale and Bart Hopkin. Trio: Clarinet, guitar, and bass. Contact me to purchase directly — $18, shipping included 
Cover Painting, Judy Molyneux
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About My Musical Partners
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Bart Hopkin, Guitarist
After graduating from Harvard in ethnomusicology, Bart spent some years in Jamaica studying local music and serving as a musical director and arranger. Since then he has played professionally for many years and has recorded several CDs of his own music. Also an instrument maker, he is director of Experimental Musical Instruments, an organization devoted to unique, original instruments, and has authored several books on instrument construction. www.barthopkin.com |
Si Perkoff, Pianist
Si has been prominent in the SF Bay Area jazz scene since the early 1960s, when he was house pianist at the legendary Bop City. Rooted in blues and bebop, but with a command of jazz styles from Jelly Roll Morton to Bill Evans, he performs with many Bay Area bands, including the Noel Jewkes Quartet, Mal Sharpe's Big Money in Jazz Band, and the Wanda Stafford Band. He also leads his own trio, leads the "Theloniousphere" quintet (he is considered an expert on Monk's music), and a swing dance band called the Fantastic Swingtime Band. www.siperkoff.com |
Daniel Fabricant & Blake Richardson, String Bass
Both Dan and Blake are frequent sidemen in many Bay Area bands. Dan is the bassist of choice for name singers on tour — among them, Andrea Marcovicci, Petula Clark, and Keely Smith. He also plays with the popular Lavay Smith and the Red Hot Skillet Lickers.
Blake tours with Dan Hicks and His Hot Licks and plays in several swing bands.
Both Dan and Blake are frequent sidemen in many Bay Area bands. Dan is the bassist of choice for name singers on tour — among them, Andrea Marcovicci, Petula Clark, and Keely Smith. He also plays with the popular Lavay Smith and the Red Hot Skillet Lickers.
Blake tours with Dan Hicks and His Hot Licks and plays in several swing bands.