Blueprints Of Jazz: Vol. 1

Clark, Mike
Talking House Records
Jazz | Dec 2008

Reviews

Fo
Reviewed 2009-01-17
MIKE CLARK: Blueprints of Jazz, Vol. 1
Talking House, 2008

This new series shines the spotlight on underappreciated older players who deserve wider exposure. Drummer Mike Clark is best known for his 1970s fusion work (Herbie Hancock/Headhunters), but here proves to be an excellent postbop player, leading a first-rate band. Great stuff.

All tracks solid. Fo’s Picks: 2, 3, 7, 8 … maybe 6, 10

1. 6:01 – driving, but with an airy feel: very hip solos, just slightly angular.
2. 6:35 – exotic, catchy postbop groove: great ensemble sound & cool solos
3. 6:43 – slouching, 1950s noir/crime-jazz feel: boozy trumpet, hustling sax
4. 7:03 – Eastern-tinged melody, intriguing solos, drums are just all over it
5. 4:45 – swinging tune over a rock-solid marching beat; active bass solo
6. 7:47 – loose, funky theme: groovy bass & drums, touches of New Orleans
7. 9:08 – midtempo modern: elusive, searching, solos stretch like tendrils
8. 7:54 – thoughtful tune in 5/4 suggests Coltrane; very fine round of solos
9. 7:05 – uptempo urban sneak, very fine drums & tasty walking bass
10. 10:32 – soulful sax ballad, Donald Harrison really shines

[ Fo ] 17-Jan-09

Recent airplay

Clark Kent
No Cover, No MinimumDec 21, 2017
Like That
No Cover, No MinimumJan 31, 2014
Conchita's Dance
No Cover, No MinimumApr 13, 2012
10th Ave. 1957
No Cover, No MinimumJan 20, 2012
Like That
No Cover, No MinimumJul 15, 2011
Conchita's Dance
Emphysema For EmphasisMar 20, 2009

Charting

2009-01-18 — 2009-03-22 Jazz
Week EndingAirplays
Mar 22 1
Mar 8 1
Feb 15 1
Feb 8 2
Feb 1 1
Jan 25 1

Track listing

1. In The House
2. Like That
3. 10th Ave. 1957
4. Past Lives
5. Thanks Len
6. Loft Funk
7. Clark Kent
8. Conchita's Dance
9. Morning Became Electra
10. I Want To Talk About You