Mike Clark - Carnival Of Soul

Mike Clark - Carnival Of Soul
2010, Owl Studios

Mike Clark is something of a legend. Coming to prominence as Herbie Hancock's drummer in the early 1970's, Clark has gone on to play with the likes of Chet Baker, Tony Bennett, Gil Evans, Brand X and a host of other names in jazz music. Clark teaches regularly at camps, colleges and music shops but still finds time to create, as vividly displayed on his latest album, Carnival Of Soul. A tribute to B-3 trios, Clark finds the freedom to let go and play with a youthful energy on Carnival Of Soul, assisted by the likes of Delbert McClinton, Rez Abbasi, Delbert Bump, Jerry Z and Jeff Pittson among others.

Carnival Of Soul opens with "T's Boogaloo", a tribute to Al Tanner where Clark and friends challenge you to sit still. It's a pure mix of boogie and funk that's absolutely irresistible. "Monk's Dream" mixes bop and blues with a modern twist while Clark provides quiet pyrotechnics on the skins. " Multiple GRAMMY winner Delbert McClinton sits in on vocals for "Cry Me A River", providing a dynamic vocal line to balance the uniquely subtle and compact arrangement cooked up here. Clark shows off his New York swing style on "Water On The Moon" and channels a bit of Max Roach on "Turok Son Of Stone". The latter is pure bop with a modern twist.

Stay tuned for Clark & company's rendition of "Angel Eyes"; a classic read with electric solo work from both Delbert Bump and Steve Homan. For the true drum aficionados out there nothing will beat "Bookin'". Clark conjures rhythms that are difficult to imagine and nearly impossible to copy, treading the sort of polyrhythmic ground tread by Buddy Rich and more recently by Neil Peart. Things take a funky turn on "Zoyd", a fun little nugget that seems a tad out of place here but sounds like it was too fun to play to leave off the album. Carnival Of Soul closes with a tribute to Sid Catlett entitled "Catlett Outta My Bag". Lenny White sits in, and the ensemble invokes thoughts of Miles Davis, Chick Corea and Herbie Hancock before the album fades away into musical aether.

Mike Clark seems to create something new every time he sits down at the drums, and there is a tremendous sense of play on Carnival Of Soul. This is not just a first class jazz/fusion/funk album; it's an album alive with the joy of the players practicing their craft at its apex. Carnival Of Soul is likely to be truly enjoyed by a narrow demographic of jazz fans, but that doesn't change the fact that at the halfway point of 2010 it's among the best new jazz albums to be released this year.

Rating: 4 Stars (Out of 5)

Learn more about Mike Clark at http://www.mikeclarkmusic.com/ or www.myspace.com/drummermikeclark.  Carnival Of Soul is available as a CD or Download from Amazon.com, as well as from iTunes.

Dave Duncan - I'm Not Made Of Stone

Dave Duncan - I'm Not Made Of Stone
2010, 15 South Records

Dave Duncan has thirty-five years in the music business under his belt, having played with folks such as Gatemouth Brown, JJ Cale, Charlie Daniels, Delbert McClinton and The Nighthawks. With two Gold Records to his credit and a Blues Song Of The Year nomination (2008), Duncan has also received his share of recognition. 2010 finds Duncan returning with a new album of 12 original songs entitled I’m Not Made Of Stone. It’s a raucous trip through the blues featuring sharp songwriting, excellent musicianship and Duncan’s wicked sense of humor.

I'm Not Made Of Stone opens with the catchy blues/rock of "I Ain't Down With That", showing off Duncan's rough-hewn voice in great light. Duncan shows a predilection of early R&B and B.B. King style guitar licks that never really fades throughout the album. "Heartache Who's Time Has Come" is a catchy R&B number that will rattle around in your brain. Duncan goes for inclusion on "The Blues Comes In All Colors", a slower tempo tune about the universality of the blues. Duncan references the classic blues scenes and several influential performers past & present in the process.

Duncan shows a softer side on "I'm Not Made Of Stone", dropping the blues bravado from his voice for a more Joe Cocker-style vocal. Duncan's voice is not the most aesthetically pleasing here, but what he may lack in tone he makes up for with a highly emotive and moving performance. The highlight of the album is the duet "1-800 Use To Be", a highly danceable kiss-off song that rocks around in true 8-to-the-bar fashion. Vocalist Jonell Mosser shows off amazing pipes opposite Duncan on this tune. Duncan is solid the rest of the way, using up much of his better material on the first half of the album. He does save a couple of gems for late in the game, however. "Wild Hair On My Redneck" is a highly entertaining turn, and "Y Pay The X" is a classic protest song against the evils of alimony. It's a cute closing number that shows off both Duncan's musical chops and his wit.

Dave Duncan's I'm Not Made Of Stone is a solid effort that mixes Blues, R&B, rock and roots music in a concoction that's quite enjoyable to listen to. The songwriting ranges from par to superb. Nothing here really drags, but the second half of the album isn't up to the level of the first. I'm Not Made Of Stone does show a heavy B.B. King influence, and fans of King will dig the vibe Duncan has going on.

Rating: 3 Stars (Out of 5)

Learn more about Dave Duncan at http://www.daveduncanmusic.com/ or www.myspace.com/daveduncanblues.  I'm Not Made Of Stone is available as both a CD or Download from Amazon.com.

Dick50 - Late Show

Dick50 - Late Show
2010, East Folks Music

Dick50 is, among other things, the backing band for Delbert McClinton. Creative souls themselves, the band plays and writes their own material when they’re not supporting McClinton. Dick50’s Late Show is a charming album mixing elements of Rock, Funk and Soul in a blissed out, melancholy package. The band shows a distinctive ability to craft catchy melodies and arrangements while exploring sounds from garage to blues-inflected pop. Highlights include the funky "Flyin' Now", "Medicine Man", the raw garage anthem "Dirty South" and the Black Crowes inspired "Goldilocks". This is a band that's fun to listen to at home, but likely a whole lot more fun in a roadside bar on a Saturday night where Lynyrd Skynyrd and .38 Special share billing on the jukebox with Stevie Ray Vaughan and Hank Williams, Jr. Late Show is entertaining.

Rating: 3 Stars (Out of 5)

Learn more about Dick50 at http://www.dick50.com/ or www.myspace.com/dick50band. Late Show is available as either a CD or Download from Amazon. A digital version is also available from iTunes.