MIKE CLARK:
Actual Proof
(Platform)
Mike Clark, best
known for his work in the 70's with Herbie Hancock's Headhunters, just released
his debut solo album, Actual Proof. The album covers a lot of musical ground,
ranging from downbeat jazz to deep funk. Clark gets things into a serious
groove right off the bat with "Stingers," thanks to guitarist Charlie Hunter.
"The Grinder" slows things down a bit, but sax man Jed Levy keeps the groove
going and Tim Ouimette lays down a great trumpet solo on the cut too. The first
really outstanding moment comes on the brooding "Aristide." The song begins
innocently enough with Ted Trimble's acoustic bass solo. As the keyboards float
in slowly over the top, Bennie Maupin comes in with a progressive sounding
tenor solo and Clark follows close behind with a sublime workout on the drum
kit.
Actual Proof wanders into the avant-garde realm a bit also, as heard on "The Viper" and the middle section of "Attack of the 40Ft. Woman." "59th Street Station" is an homage to the subterranean caverns of the New York subway system. This dark, slow groove features Maupin again (this time on bass clarinet) and an amazing solo from Trimble. "Bacon Phat" features the fretwork of Hunter and a groove that just dares you to ignore it. With his new (and long awaited) CD, Clark proves once again that he is truly a force to be reckoned with in the jazz/funk arena.