Tim Laughlin

Biography

Tim Laughlin is a renowned clarinetist and composer, born in 1963 in New Orleans, Louisiana, where he continues to live and work[2][3][4][5]. He fell in love with the clarinet at an early age after hearing a childhood friend practice, and began playing the instrument at age nine[4][5]. Early exposure to jazz on the radio inspired him to focus his musical journey on the rich traditions of his hometown, drawing deeply from the New Orleans jazz idiom[4][5].

Laughlin's career has spanned over 35 years, during which he has become a fixture in the New Orleans jazz scene, performing at major festivals like Satchmo Summerfest and collaborating with many of the city’s top musicians[2][8]. He is celebrated not only for his mastery of the clarinet and his beautiful, fluid tone, but also for his work as a composer. His album 'The Isle of Orleans' (2002) features all original compositions, a rare feat among New Orleans clarinetists, and showcases his commitment to advancing the tradition by writing new standards for the 21st century[2][8].

Laughlin’s style is characterized by a blend of technical precision and lyrical expressiveness, influenced by both the early clarinet masters and the vibrant cultural mix of New Orleans. His legacy includes a body of original work that is ripe for reinterpretation by future generations, and a reputation as one of the city’s most respected jazz musicians[2][7][8].

Fun Facts

• Tim Laughlin is one of the few New Orleans clarinetists to record an entire album of original compositions, breaking from the tradition of only interpreting standards[2].
• During Hurricane Katrina, Laughlin and his band were on tour in South America and could not return home, leading them to perform benefit concerts for hurricane relief in Mexico[3].
• Laughlin’s clarinet style is noted for its clarity and lyricism, with a conscious effort to play 'prettier' rather than simply faster or louder[2].
• He has performed at major New Orleans festivals, including Satchmo Summerfest, and is recognized as a 'true native son' of the city’s jazz tradition[2][8].

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Pete Fountain - Major early influence and inspiration; Laughlin began as a Pete Fountain acolyte, modeling his tone and phrasing after Fountain’s clarinet style. (General stylistic influence; not tied to specific albums.) [1970s–1980s]
• Lorenzo Tio Sr. and Jr. - Historical influences; Laughlin publicly acknowledged the Tio family's foundational role in jazz clarinet and paid tribute to them in concert. (Tribute performances; general influence on clarinet tradition.) [Ongoing historical influence]

Key Collaborators

• Connie Jones - Frequent collaborator and featured musician on Laughlin’s recordings. ('The Isle of Orleans' album (2002)) [2000s]
• Lucien Barbarin - Collaborator and featured trombonist on Laughlin’s recordings. ('The Isle of Orleans' album (2002)) [2000s]
• Tom McDermott - Collaborator and pianist on Laughlin’s projects. ('The Isle of Orleans' album (2002)) [2000s]
• Jason Marsalis - Collaborator and drummer on Laughlin’s recordings. ('The Isle of Orleans' album (2002)) [2000s]

Artists Influenced

• Younger New Orleans jazz clarinetists - Laughlin’s original compositions and modern approach have inspired a new generation of local clarinetists to write and interpret new works. ('The Isle of Orleans' album; original compositions performed by others) [2000s–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. It's a Lovely Day Today (The Trio Collection, Vol 1)
2. Must Be Right, Can't Be Wrong (The Trio Collection, Vol 1)
3. Up a Lazy River (The Trio Collection, Vol 2)
4. The Gentilly Strut (The Isle of Orleans)
5. If I Could Be With You (The Trio Collection, Vol 1)
6. Blues for Faz (The Isle of Orleans)
7. 'Deed I Do (Rebecca Kilgore with Hal Smith's California Swing Cats)
8. You're Lucky to Me (The Trio Collection, Vol 1)
9. Si tu vois ma mere (New Orleans Rhythm)
10. A Kiss to Build a Dream On (Rebecca Kilgore with Hal Smith's California Swing Cats)

External Links

• Spotify