Kevin Clark & Tom McDermott: New Orleans Jazz Brunch

Jim Santella

Senior Contributor since 1997

Jim Santella has been contributing CD reviews, concert reviews and DVD reviews to AAJ since 1997. His work has also appeared in Southland Blues, The L.A. Jazz Scene, and Cadence Magazine.

Recent articles (1,677 total)

Published: July 1, 2001

New Orleans Jazz Brunch comes with complete recipes for:

Chick-Pea Salad,

Huevos Rancheros,

Green Bean Casserole,

Curry Chicken & Mushroom Noodles,

and

Fried Apples & Pecans.

A family potluck gathering? I'll bring the drinks. This is light music that will make your dinner an enjoyable occasion.

Kevin Clark has a pleasant trumpet tone that blends immediately with Tom McDermott's loping rhythms. This is a laid back affair – a Sunday morning brunch with no cares or worries. "Way Down Yonder in New Orleans," this duo performs the classic songs that came up with Louis Armstrong and Jelly Roll Morton. McDermott handles his role as it has been managed on countless player pianos. He and Clark share the different feelings that belong to each classic tune. Together, pianist and trumpeter create a relaxed session that moves easily through memorable times.

Clark's first professional gig was as trumpet player for Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus. His clear tone may derive from the need to make oneself heard night after night with perceived clarity. The power and rip-roaring antics of such an engagement, however, have not carried over. The trumpeter's soulful interpretations are carefree, gentle, and quite flexible. McDermott ensures that a two-step rhythm carries through. "St. Louis Blues" invites a tango comparison, while several numbers employ a plunger mute and a conversational style. It's music that's still played in towns all over the world for audiences who treasure the memories. Clark and McDermott bring it to us on a platter, to accompany our meal.

Track Listing: Smiles; Sugar Blues; Up a Lazy River; Chinatown, My Chinatown; I'm Confessin' that I Love You; Wrap Your Troubles in Dreams; Way Down Yonder in New Orleans; St. Louis Blues; Louisiana; South; Careless Love; On the Sunny Side of the Street; High Society; Tom's Buick.

Personnel: Kevin Clark- trumpet; Tom McDermott- piano.

Style: Straight-ahead/Mainstream