Among enthusiasts of New Orleans jazz, Albert Burbank earned legendary stature as a clarinetist, even as wider audiences largely passed him by; his lower register delivered a tone of striking beauty, and although major stardom eluded him, consistent work defined his path. Serious study of the clarinet began at age 17, leading to 1920s engagements alongside drummer Arnold DePass’ band, Buddy Petit, Chris Kelly, Punch Miller, and additional peers. Dance-hall jobs occupied the 1930s, after which he formed his own quartet by the war years. Further partnerships throughout the 1940s and 1950s included Wooden Joe Nicholas, Albert Jiles, De De Pierce, Herb Morand from 1949 to 1950, Paul Barbarin, Kid Clayton, Bill Matthews, Octave Crosby, Ernie Cagnoletti, and a brief 1954 stint with Kid Ory during an uncommon journey beyond New Orleans to Los Angeles. Steady appearances at the Paddock Lounge from 1954 to 1966, at Dixieland Hall, and at Preservation Hall from 1969 to 1973 complemented frequent collaborations with Kid Thomas Valentine and Papa French. Only a single album appeared under his own name, issued by Smoky Mary in 1969, yet sideman credits on numerous sessions date back at least to 1945 with Wooden Joe Nicholas.
