Alphonse Picou

Alphonse “Pike” Picou (1878-1961) was at the center of the evolution of ragtime music in New Orleans. Alphonse began playing clarinet during his youth in New Orleans, and by 1892 he went on gigs with Boulboul Valentine’s band. His clarinet lines flowing with the brass marching bands created a new sound. Alphonse played at the Paddock on Bourbon Street with trumpeter Walter Blue, Freddy Keppard’s Olympia Band, and Papa Celestin’s Tuxedo Brass Band. His playing style is well noted through the clarinet solo in “High Society”.

Songs
Clarinet Marmalade