Search - Mike Clark :: Conjunction

Did we listen to the same disc?

Jan P. Dennis | Monument, CO USA | 06/09/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"My view of Conjunction is 180 degrees from that of the previous reviewer. So much so, that I wonder if perhaps he somehow got the wrong disc in his CD jewelbox. Another, albeit remote, possibility exists. Maybe he just didn't attend to the proceedings with sufficient acumen. .One thing that immediately impressed me about this very fine outing is the glorious range of tonal coloration, coming brilliantly to the fore on "Metamorphic," an outing which features vibes, clarinet, trombone, electric guitar, electric bass, and drums all marvelously interacting together--perhaps the only recorded instance of this exact soundscape. Another thing that impressed me is the range and variety of compositions, especially for an ostensibly funk outing. The two primarily responsible, saxist Jed Levy and vibesman Marc Wagnon, each write fine jazz tunes that prove to be wonderful vehicles for both improvisation and ensemble playing. Indeed, that may be part of the problem here: this is certainly more a modern-minded jazz outing than a straight funk-fest. There are really only three funk numbers at all ("Draconian Devonian," "Light Step," and "The Unknown Shuffle") and these are hardly typical of the genre. Compositionally, it shares territory much more akin to Billy Hart's brilliant jazz/fusion outings of the mid-late nineties, Amethyst and Oceans of Time. Not surprisingly, all feature perhaps the most remarkable player of the bunch, Dave "Fuze" Fiuczynski, on guitar.What can be said about this incredible electric guitarist except that he's certainly an acquired taste? Playing on eight of the ten selections, he brings killer chops, masterful comping, mature concepts, and a loopy logic that keeps all involved always on their toes. Take for instance his work on the title cut. His solo is really in three parts. It starts out conventionally enough but after a killer bass solo by the inimitable Paul Jackson and a startling but brief solo by Marc Wagnon on vibes, he comes back with the full monty--all over his ax with a deft runs and bent strings--and finishes with another brilliant but lightly tossed off short burst of guitar wizardry. Or check out his wah-wah comping on "Long Shot"--some of the finest on record. Or his brilliant solo on "Gus" where he displays more nimble axmanship, and where Marc Wanon contributes quite a stunning solo himself on midi-vibes, followed by Mike Clark's only extended solo outing (and quite stunning it is, as well).I can't say enough about the playing on this disc, especially Marc Wagnon on vibes. He plays his instrument like no one else, although sometimes he brings to mind Kahn Jamal, with his deep swing and amazing legato approach. Paul Jackson just amazes on electric bass. Eschewing annoying slap techniques (all too common on funk outings), he instead goes for agility and tonal mastery, and his handful of solos swing their butts off. For me, this is as accomplished as I've ever heard Mike Clark. Yes, he's more nuanced than typically, but that's what's called for here. And believe me, he's all over his kit with tasty fills, rim shots, polyrhythms, sprung rhythms, faux rhythms, and every other way to play with time signatures. Perhaps the biggest problem with this outing is it's not obvious who the audience is. Certainly not a typical funk outing (indeed, it would probably alienate most fans of that genre), nor really fusion (at least not of the Rippingtons or even Pat Metheny variety), not pure acoustic jazz--it just isn't easily pigeon-holed. And for me that--coupled with the above mentioned virtues--is what makes this such a happening disc. A neglected masterpiece."

Not The Best Example of Clark's Immense Talent

BatznDaBelfry | Bakersfield, Ca. United States | 04/24/2003

(2 out of 5 stars)

"I love Mike Clark's drumming. This CD does NOT represent his finest work. I was shocked when I listened to this CD the first time (I doubt there will be a second listening) as to how uneven and, at times, amateurish Clark and his sidemen sound. For a more flattering example of Mike Clark's drumming as band leader I recommend: "The Funk Stops Here", "Give the Drummer Some", "Summertime" and "Actual Proof" or Herbie Hancock's "Thrust, as well as "Straight From the Gate", "Survival of the Fittest" and "Return of the Headhunters" by the Headhunters."