Sir John Dankworth was inspired by Benny Goodman’s playing to study clarinet at the Royal Academy: his delightful Suite for Emma was composed for Emma Johnson, former BBC Young Musician of the Year, who performs it on this disc. Jazz and popular music influences are to the fore in the young Leonard Bernstein’s Clarinet Sonata, which oreshadows the music for his ever-popular West Side Story. Aaron Copland’s arrangement for clarinet of his Violin Sonata is a major addition to the repertoire. "Britain’s favourite clarinettist.” The Times "Every generation has its artists that set the standard for that and successive generations. With Brits and the world today, it is Emma Johnson.” US Concert review