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. 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. 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.

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. 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.

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.

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.
• 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.
• Laughlin’s clarinet style is noted for its clarity and lyricism, with a conscious effort to play 'prettier' rather than simply faster or louder.
• 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.

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