Danny Rubinstein

Born in Brooklyn in 1924, clarinetist Danny Rubinstein – one of the leading lights of American Jewish and society music - studied clarinet and saxophone at an early age with his first cousin, the late Howie Leess. Danny became a "first call" commercial performer with society and show bands as well as Jewish groups – klezmer and Hassidic. He has worked for virtually every Jewish bandleader in the industry – they were lucky to get him! – and was one of the busiest free-lancers in the New York musician's union, Local 802. Danny got a great sound out of each instrument, be it alto or tenor sax, clarinet or flute. He played superior swing and early-bop jazz on tenor, excellent lead alto sax, lovely flute, and expressive Jewish clarinet in a style based on Dave Tarras' and Max Epstein's. To this day he is considered the only player who could approximate "Maxie's" phrasing. Rubinstein has made many recordings – including the 1959 The Happy People with his own band – and countless more with groups ranging from Neginah and the Epstein Brothers to Peter Sokolow. He has been renowned for his ability to fill any chair in a reed section, solo effortlessly, and always sound first-rate. Danny continues to work as a klezmer specialist and society saxophonist in his home area of Florida.