James Danderfer’s If Not Now: The Jazz Clarinet Album You Didn’t Know You Needed

What happens when one of today’s leading clarinetists records at the most legendary studio in jazz history? You get James Danderfer’s stunning new album, If Not Now.

Recorded at Rudy Van Gelder Studio — the same room where Coltrane, Miles, and countless jazz giants made history — this album captures Danderfer’s unique voice on both clarinet and bass clarinet.

The music is deeply personal. From tunes inspired by family life to pieces that showcase the wide expressive palette of the clarinet family, If Not Now feels like a snapshot of a jazz artist at the height of his creative powers.

In our podcast conversation, James opened up about:

• The challenges of bringing bass clarinet into a frontline jazz role

• Why clarinet still feels like a “free agent” in modern jazz

• His journey from classical clarinet studies with Richard Hawkins to carving a voice in jazz

• The joy (and grind) of composing for ensembles, from trios to big bands

For clarinetists, jazz lovers, and anyone curious about where the instrument fits in today’s scene, If Not Now is a must-listen.

🎶 Stream the album on all major platforms Spotify Apple
📀 Support James directly and learn more: JamesDanderfer.com
🎧 Listen to my full interview with James on the Clarinet Ninja Podcast here