Joe Semple & The Licorice Sticks is Joe’s current project which features the warm sounds of a clarinet quartet in a chamber jazz setting. Featuring three Bb clarinets, a bass clarinet, and drums, Joe’s writing utilizes the extensive range of the clarinet section and presents this traditionally classical ensemble in a unique musical format. Driven by bass clarinet and drums and arranged like a miniature big band, the music explores various styles and genres and pushes the boundaries of both jazz and classical music. Joe Semple & The Licorice Sticks’ first feature-length album, Licorice Tango, was released on October 26th, 2023.