Mike Clark and Phil Haynes: Keep Beating The Drum(s)

A great drummer is the driving force of any band's performances, whether on stage or in the studio. So, is it any surprise that jazz ensembles led by drummers invariably evince strong collective personalities, even if the members of those groups are as self-motivated and inner-directed as their leader(s)? Each of these bands, led by Mike Clark and Phil Haynes, exhibit a distinct persona, each reflecting the salient virtues of their leaders: a predilection for adventure, a tangible humility, and above all, a vision rooted in their shared experiences. The collaborations become all the more compelling as they crystallize, taking recognizable and ultimately memorable forms as the participants establish their connections.

Mike Clark
Itai Doshin
Wide Hive
2025

The eclectic span of material in this release's 48-odd minutes reflects the diverse talents of the musicians. Ranging from Thelonious Monk to The Wailers and incorporating originals by the bandleader as well as members of the quintet, a lithe elegance radiates from performances, like those of "Epistrophy," " I Shot The Sheriff" and others among these nine selections. And, on cuts such as trumpeter Eddie Henderson's "Mganga," the very unity in play at those moments renders the sound of the group much larger than just a fivesome. Within those confines, the bright, crisp texture of Patrice Rushen's Rhodes contrasts beautifully with the dusky tones of Henry Franklin's bass on "Inside Zone," even as her acoustic piano work mirrors the agile motion of Clark's around his kit. Likewise, Craig Handy's saxophone, obtrusive as it is on "Epistrophy II," among others, bolsters the seamless contours of performances recorded with so much realism by Chris Magrew and Gregory Howe; mixed by the latter with Alberto Hernandez for mastering by Justin Weis. Attention to fine detail abounds here.

Phil Haynes & Free Country
Liberty Now!
Corner Store Jazz
2025

The deceptively leisurely pace at which Phil Haynes & Free Country play on tracks like the free-spirited "Situation Ethnics" bespeaks their confidence in their chemistry. But it also allows the quartet plenty of time to move into abstract realms such as those of "Strands of Liberty," as well as the muted and contemplative likes of "Higgens." With all four members of the band contributing originals, there is hardly a shortage of material, but it is the range of style that impresses most of all, that quality reflected in the constantly shifting prominence of the various instruments from Jim Yanda's electric guitar ("Next of Kin") to Hank Roberts' cello ("The Wire"). On the second disc, a cross-section of the group's work over 17 years, sporadic vocals from all four, like those on "Johnny Guitar, " tend to disrupt the various moods as they coalesce. Yet that is a minor shortfall indeed, given the 14 cuts showcasing the disparate likes of The Beatles' "Revolution" and Aaron Copland's "Fanfare For The Common Man" plus Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On." Phil Haynes's enthusiasm for this group is understandably infectious, so much so that his bandmates imbue familiar selections such as "The Way The West Was Won" with high spirits that certify this set as a history lesson as readily accessible as it is socially conscious.

Tracks and Personnel

Itai Doshin

Tracks: Epistrophy: Cherokee; Mganga; Inside Zone; I Shot The Sheriff; Savant Clark; Yakini's Dance; Midori; Epistrophy II.

Personnel: Patrice Rushen: piano, Rhodes; Eddie Henderson: trumpet; Craig Handy; saxophone; Henry Franklin: bass; Mike Clark: drums

Liberty Now!

Tracks: CD 1 -Situation Ethnics; Past Time; Strands of Liberty; Higgens; Diaphana; Confetti; Corner Store Strut; Joy; Next of Kin; The Wire; Home Road; Dawn on the Gladys Marrie. CD 2 -The Way the West Was Won; She'll Be Coming 'Round the Mountain; Revolution; Dakota Hymn; Johnny Guitar; Joshua Fought the Battle of Jerico; Simple Gifts; Respect; What's Going On; To Anacreon in Heaven; The Defense of Fort McHenry; America the Beautiful; Fanfare for the Common Man; What a Wonderful World

Personnel: Jim Yanda: guitar, vocals; Hank Roberts: cello, lead vocals; Drew Gress: bass, vocals; Phil Haynes: drums, vocals.