Rod Cless

George Roderick Cless was an American jazz clarinetist and saxophonist, perhaps best known for his work on sixteen Muggsy Spanier tunes for Bluebird Records. Additionally, Cless worked with other artists such as Frank Teschemacher, Gene Krupa, Art Hodes, Bobby Hackett, Max Kaminsky and Mezz Mezzrow.

Death

Walking home from the last night of a job at the Pied Piper in December 1944, Cless fell over the balcony of his apartment building and died four days later at the age of 37.

Select discography

With Art Hodes

Sittin' In
The Funky Piano Of Art Hodes
Art Hodes And His Chicagoans, The Best In 2 Beat
The Complete Art Hodes Blue Note Sessions

With Muggsy Spanier

Relaxin' at the Touro
At the Jazz Band Ball:Chicago/New York Dixieland
The Great 16!,

With the Rod Cless Quartet

"Froggy Moore" b/w "Have You Ever Felt That Way" - Black & White Records 29 A /29 B