Kevin Clark: Once Upon A Song I Flew
By Mike Moroney
It's a little awe-inspiring to be reviewing an album of someone who has academic letters longer than his name, a background steeped in world music and is currently tutoring Latin jazz at the Massey Conservatorium of Music. This is a classic jazz album in anyone's language, all original compositions by Clark who plays piano, trumpet and bull-cornet. But it doesn't stop there. From South African folk to Caribbean and Celtic-based themes; all have their essence stretched into an improvisational plane that holds interest for the whole album. Superbly produced by Dick le Fort with a huge line-up of great session musicians. I can't help being reminded of Chic Chorea's My Spanish Heart or, occasionally, Keith Jarrett's earlier works – this album needs a much wider audience than NZ can provide. Available from smokecds.com if you can't find it in your favourite record store.
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