Jazz Articles about Mike Clark

Mike Clark: Blueprints of Jazz, Vol. 1

by Dan Bilawsky
January 9, 2010

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 ...

Mike Clark: Blueprints of Jazz, Volume 1

by Elliott Simon
December 4, 2009

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 ...

Mike Clark at the Douglas Beach House

by Bill Leikam
October 17, 2009

Mike ClarkDouglas Beach HouseHalf Moon Bay, Calif.Sept. 27, 2009

We all knew that when drummer Mike Clark came to the Douglas Beach House in Half Moon Bay, Calif., on Sept. 27, it was going to be a high-energy concert. This was true because coming in along with Mike were Donald Harrison on sax; Delbert Bump on Hammond B-5 organ and Steve Homan on electric guitar.

They eventually melded into a unit and presented ...

Drummer Mike Clark

by Peter Madsen
May 30, 2006

If you have a natural inclination toward the blues like I do, it will well up inside your life and pour out of your soul when the groove really hits. A really great blues can cripple you. For me, this is the big payoff. This is why most of us are still playing. That feeling is what we live for. It puts tears in your eyes, sends chills up your back, curls up your toes and tickles your funny bone. ...

Mike Clark: Summertime

by Riel Lazarus
May 5, 2003

It's safe to say that drummer Mike Clark is most commonly associated with funk. Since his days as a member of Herbie Hancock's legendary Headhunters, Clark has been considered one of the foremost trapsmen of the genre. But funk is only a small part of what this veteran artist is capable of, and Summertime may finally spell the end to this unfortunate pigeonholing. As evidenced by his appearance last month at the Blue Note, Clark is every ...

A Fireside Chat With Mike Clark

by AAJ Staff
March 7, 2003

When I was a kid, most my age were tuning in to watch Tootie and Blair on The Facts of Life or Gary Coleman say “Whatcha talkin' bout Willis." I would run home from school to catch What's Happening. Not only was the theme song funky, but Rerun (the best character ever on TV) was a dancing machine. And Rerun only got his groove on to the funk. This brings me to a Herbie Hancock record, Thrust, that opens with ...

Mike Clark: Summertime

by Jim Santella
March 3, 2003

Pianist Billy Childs and drummer Mike Clark make a great rhythm team. Their modern mainstream journey through new originals and familiar favorites swings with a surging intensity that’s stirred gently – not shaken. It’s your daddy’s music in a new picture frame.

”Summertime,” a personal favorite, is treated to a harmonic makeover. Using darkness and mystery, a quintet with Clark, Childs, Chris Potter, Jack Walrath and James Genus presents this gem as it’s never been shown before. ...