Magpie: The Music Of Joe Clark
Self-Released, 2025
9/10
Listen to Magpie: The Music Of Joe Clark
The Chicago supergroup Entre Amigos return with a 2nd album, where the 6 tracks illustrates a dynamic and collaborative appeal.
“Bernard” starts the listen with a playful mood, where Hana Fujisaki’s warm keys suit Gustavo Cortinas’ frisky drums, and “Magpie” follows with a cozy intimacy via the mature keys and Kitt Lyles’ soft bass that complements Roy McGrath’s soulful sax.
At the halfway point, “The Parliament” moves cautiously, as the quartet’s interplay builds into a meticulous execution, while “Heaven On Seven” brings a festive appeal thanks to the marching band drumming, quick fingers from Fujisaki and animated bass lines.
The final 2 tracks, “Butcher, Baker, Candlestick Maker” and “Potato”, don’t disappoint, either. The former allows for McGrath’s rich sax to shine, and the latter exits with the stylish rhythm section helping illuminate the melodic piano and rich sax bouts.
The quartet tip their hat to the legendary trumpeter, composer and arranger Joe Clark here, where swingin’ moments, sublime balladry and plenty of rhythm is executed flawlessly.
Travels well with: Spike Wilner Trio Contrafactus- The Children & The Warlock; Brad Turner Quintet- The Magnificent