Saxophonist-clarinetist Ab Baars (Magrette, Zeeuws Vlaanderen, 21 November 1955) is a mainstay in a number of important groups from the Dutch improvisation scene, like the Guus Janssen Septet, the Theo Loevendie Quintet, the Instant Composers Pool, the Corkestra and ensembles led by his partner, violist-composer Ig Henneman. His main outlet as a band leader/composer is the Ab Baars Trio. He started out playing the baritone and soprano saxophones, but he now focuses on the clarinet and tenor saxophone. John Carter, an American clarinetist, is his mentor for the latter instrument. He helps him to master it and develop his unique sound. His main musical weapons are solo structuring and tone color. Baars prefers horn players who can explore the extremes in tuning and coloring, such as the American saxophonists Von Freeman or Albert Ayler. Baars added the Japanese bamboo flute shakuhachi (a Japanese-style Japanese flute) to his instruments over many years and sought out specialists to help him learn how to play it. Played in Ab
