Mike Clark Blueprints of Jazz Vol. 1

When Mike Clark's name comes up in conversation, most people recall his brilliant playing and funk fusion grooves on Herbie Hancock's Thrust (Columbia/Legacy, 1974). While "Actual Proof" and a slew of other terrific tracks have cemented Clark's reputation as a drummer with chops to spare, this particular period of his musical life has often pigeonholed him. Blueprints of Jazz, Vol. 1 will alter this perception as he demonstrates why, throughout his storied career, he has been a first call drummer for A-list artists like Hancock, Chet Baker, Bobby Hutcherson and Tony Bennett. The album kicks off with the up-tempo swinger, "In The House." Patrice Rushen's passionate piano starts a string of strong solos, with saxophonists Jed Levy and Donald Harrison blowing hard. The song culminates with Clark's chops-heavy display of taste and technique. "Like That" falls somewhere in the middle of jazz, funk and fusion, an area that Clark knows all too well, with Christian Scott joining the fray with some bold trumpet work. The slow, woozy swing of "10th Ave. 1957" evokes images of raunchy dives and smoke-filled haunts. Harrison and Scott brilliantly bring these elements into greater focus during this seductive performance. The high-energy, Middle Eastern-tinged "Past Lives" fuses Latin grooves with funk, an opportunity for the saxophones, Clark and bassist Christian McBride to have some fun before the song fades out. DAN BILAWSKY, allaboutjazz