Bob Draga, Clarinet

During the past seven years, many jazz fans have known him as a member of the Titan Hot 7 Jazz Band, but clarinetist Bob Draga's professional career encompasses over thirty-five years of live performances (national and international) at jazz festivals, jazz cruises, and personal engagements. Bob has appeared regularly with the Titan Hot 7, Wally's Warehouse Waifs, and as a duo with Jeff Barnhart, a noted pianist and international performer. Bob performs exclusively on the "high seas" for Jazzdagen Cruises, sailing throughout the world.

A long association with the popular Garden Avenue Seven Jazz Band has brought this clarinetist to the forefront of jazz -- a position richly deserved. Bob's is a "fat sound," smooth and silky, using the entire range of the horn. His fluid tone reflects a mix of Irving Fazola and Benny Goodman, and his solos bristle with inventiveness and authority.

Since leaving the Garden Avenue Seven, a band he founded and led for twenty-two years, Bob has led several all-star bands, was co-leader of the Draga-Vax Connection for three years, and has worked frequently with Johnny Varro, Tom Saunders, Rick Fay, Bob Haggart, and other world-class jazz performers.

He has many recordings to his credit, including: Swing Sweet Clarinet, recorded with his own quartet; Rhapsody in Silver, as a featured soloist with Mr. Jack Daniel's Original Silver Cornet Band; and Mood Swings, which was recorded with a symphony orchestra. He also appears on several recordings with the Titan Hot 7 Jazz Band of Nashville, TN, including Jam in Music City and Never the Same Way Once.

In addition to playing superb clarinet, Bob presents an almost wicked brand of humor. He may make you cry, laugh, roar, or applaud wildly, but he will surely move you to emotion. It's no wonder that Bob Draga is one of the busiest musicians on the trad jazz circuit today.

Other Bios: Jeff Barnhart | Danny Coots | JIm Fryer | Ike Harris | Jerry Krahn | Flip Oakes