Did Woody Allen Play Clarinet in Midnight in Paris?

By Michael Ferguson

Introduction

Midnight in Paris is a 2011 romantic comedy film written and directed by Woody Allen. The film follows a screenwriter named Gil (played by Owen Wilson) who travels to Paris with his fiancée (played by Rachel McAdams) and her family.

While wandering the streets of Paris at night, Gil is transported back to the 1920s, where he meets several iconic writers and artists of the time. One of the most memorable scenes from the film features Woody Allen playing clarinet at a nightclub. But did he really play clarinet in the movie

The Scene

In Midnight in Paris, there is a scene where Gil and his fiancée go to a nightclub called Le Grand Colbert. The band is playing “Si Tu Vois Ma Mère” by Sidney Bechet when Gil notices that the clarinet player looks like Woody Allen. After asking the band leader if it really is Woody Allen, Gil’s fiancée confirms that it is indeed him.

Woody Allen’s Love for Jazz and Clarinet

Woody Allen has been an avid fan of jazz music since his teenage years. He has spoken often about his love for early jazz musicians like Sidney Bechet, Louis Armstrong, and Bix Beiderbecke. In fact, he has even played clarinet publicly on numerous occasions.

The New Orleans Jazz Band

One of Woody Allen’s most notable performances was with The New Orleans Jazz Band at Michael’s Pub in New York City during the 1970s. The band was made up of some of the best jazz musicians in New York City at the time, including Eddy Davis on banjo.

Performances with Other Bands

Throughout his career, Woody Allen has also performed with other bands, including The Preservation Hall Jazz Band and The Manhattan Rhythm Kings.

So Did He Play Clarinet in Midnight in Paris

The answer is yes. Woody Allen did play clarinet in the scene at Le Grand Colbert in Midnight in Paris. In fact, the band that plays with him in the film is made up of some of the best jazz musicians in France, including Stéphane Belmondo on trumpet and Francois Leclercq on bass.

Conclusion

Woody Allen’s love for jazz music and clarinet is no secret, and his performance in Midnight in Paris only solidifies that fact. The scene at Le Grand Colbert showcases not only his skill as a musician but also his passion for early jazz. It’s no wonder that the scene has become one of the most memorable moments from the film.