Tenor saxist Clark's debut offers a distinctive synthesis of modern jazz styles; his band features saxist Peter Epstein.

Tenor saxophonist Chris Clark's debut offers a distinctive synthesis of modern jazz styles, which his band, featuring acclaimed veteran saxophonist Peter Epstein, plays to the hilt. Clark's compositions draw from contemporary edge, chamber elements, and a rich lyricism to form a spectrum of moods ranging from raucous to bittersweet. His tight-knit ensemble , featuring David Ake on piano, navigates the musical terrain with freedom and spontaneity. Epstein's unique voice and technical virtuosity on alto and soprano sax is well matched by Clark's tenor.

Here is an artist who knows how to judiciously pace the listener's experience with, as Clark says, 'a natural flow of energy or emotion' while continuously expanding the music's range; to draw from the resources of modern jazz a personal, deeply felt statement; to create a fine expressive balance between composition and improvisation, combining structure and spontaneity.

Peter Epstein comments: 'Chris is a really creative and unique musician. There is a huge range of emotion in his playing and writing: from quiet stillness to raging intensity and every point in between. And in all things he is incredibly generous and thoughtful, and that really comes across in his music.' Clark adds: 'There are many different kinds of music which resonate with me, ranging from the more esoteric (Tin Hat Trio, Eric Whitacre, Sun Ra) to pop (Prince, Fiona Apple, Metric). The compositions on Cedar Wisely are strongly influenced by a number of artists. One can hear a very direct Ornette Coleman influence in 'Inside the Gloves,' which was deliberately written with his compositional style in mind... [Other] artists whose music have made a strong impact on the formation of my own compositional voice include Cuong Vu, The Brian Blade Fellowship, and Wayne Shorter, specifically his albums from the 1960s and his current quartet.'

Track Listing

• Improvisation I
• Indecisive
• Moss St.
• Turkey Lost
• Inside the Gloves
• Rock Biter
• Cage Factor
• Improvisation II
• Certain

Additional Details

Label: Songlines

Genre: Jazz

Run Time: 57 mins

Release Date: 03/12/13

UPC: 774355159927