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281
Album Review

Mike Clark: Blueprints of Jazz, Vol. 1

Read "Blueprints of Jazz, Vol. 1" reviewed by Dan Bilawsky


When Mike Clark's name comes up in conversation, most people recall his brilliant playing and funk fusion grooves on Herbie Hancock's Thrust (Columbia/Legacy, 1974). While “Actual Proof" and a slew of other terrific tracks have cemented Clark's reputation as a drummer with chops to spare, this particular period of his musical life has often pigeonholed him. Blueprints of Jazz, Vol. 1 will alter this perception as he demonstrates why, throughout his storied career, he has been a first call drummer ...

433
Album Review

Billy Harper: Blueprints of Jazz, Vol. 2

Read "Blueprints of Jazz, Vol. 2" reviewed by George Kanzler


Tenor saxophonist Billy Harper has been keeping the jazz fires kindled by the ritualistic, incantatory side of the classic John Coltrane Quartet stoked and burning bright for over a quarter-century. Here Harper's working quintet, augmented by a second bassist, presents a program redolent of the processional and the chant. Over it all, Harper's coruscating, brawny tenor strides like a colossus (only Sonny Rollins may have a richer, fuller tone) with a charged intensity matching the roiling, loping, massed rhythms of ...

261
Album Review

Mike Clark: Blueprints of Jazz, Volume 1

Read "Blueprints of Jazz, Volume 1" reviewed by Elliott Simon


For their Blueprints of Jazz series, Talking House Records decided to give free studio reign to individuals who have significantly influenced modern jazz but, for whatever reason, have not been given their due. Drummer Mike Clark has influenced several generations since his time with keyboardist Herbie Hancock's Headhunters and inaugurated the series. While additional releases showcase tenor saxophonist Billy Harper and drummer Donald Bailey, Clark was the first to be given the heady opportunity to handpick a band to construct ...

310
Album Review

Joan Jeanrenaud: Strange Toys

Read "Strange Toys" reviewed by Dan McClenaghan


Cellist Joan Jeanrenaud joined the Kronos Quartet in 1978, participating in more than thirty recordings and over two thousand performances with the always innovative string ensemble known for interpreting other composers' works. In 1999 she struck out on her own, as both a solo artist and a composer.Strange Toys, Jeanrenaud's second solo effort, is a study in mournful minimalism and an exploration of her instrument's richly gorgeous sound.This release is an adventurous work. The cellist duets ...


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