Dawn & Dusk
Out Of Your Head, 2023
8/10
The drummer, composer, improviser and Richmond resident Scott Clark is surrounded by some exceptional musicians across these 8 tracks, where an avant garde jazz approach is much appreciated.
The softness and warmth of “The Wind” opens the listen with Michael McNeill’s graceful keys alongside J.C. Kuhl’s soulful sax, before the frisky drums give the tune a bit of power, and the title track follows with Laura Ann Singh’s distinct and emotive singing guiding Clark’s acrobatic drumming in the dreamy climate.
The album highlight, “Above The Grey”, occupies the middle spot, and balances the frisky drums, subdued brass and mesmerizing keys with a bit of mysteriousness amid the timeless jazz gestures.
The remaining tracks are live, where “Silent Singing” moves with a stirring intimacy that’s heavy on mood thanks to Kuhl’s meticulous clarinet, and “Above The Gray” exits with unpredictable trumpet from Bob Miller and Adam Hopkins’ dynamic bass lines.
An extremely accomplished body of work in the area of spontaneous and experimental jazz sounds, Clark and company make each moment here exciting and thought provoking.
Travels well with: Jessica Pavone- Clamor; Mali Obomsawin- Sweet Tooth