Imaginary World
Blue Hour, 2021
8/10
A veteran saxophonist who calls Salt Lake City home, this first album from Randal Clark enlists Randy Brecker, Jeff Lorber, Jimmy Haslip and Michael Thompson, among many more, for an exciting contemporary jazz listen where several players bring much skill to the equation.
“Trailblazer” starts the listen with no lack of energy as Clark’s bright and smooth sax playing is complemented by punchy drumming from Gary Novak and Lorber’s dreamy keys, and “New Day” follows with flowing melodies thanks to Haslip’s precise bass playing and Mike Miller’s guitar complementing the soulful brass.
Further down the line, “Discovery” radiates warmth via Thompson’s guitars, Jimmy Branly’s drums and, of course, the strategic sax from Clark, while “Boulevard East” is textured precisely with Jon Herington’s guitar, David Mann’s keys, synth and sax, and Sonny Emory’s drums in the timeless jazz climate. “Tiger Lily”, the album’s best, then offers a busy and firm delivery of soaring sax and spirited guitar work that you can’t help but admire.
Arriving near the end, “Turbocharged” emits a stylish demeanor that benefits from Melanie Shore’s organ and Mononeon’s bass, and the title track exits the listen with Scott Kinsley’s charming synth alongside Clark’s strong sax playing and Branly’s exceptional drumming.
An extremely well done debut, Clark and company make the most of each track present, and it sets them clearly on a path towards further greatness in the area of modern jazz.
Travels well with: June Bisantz- 7 Shades Of Snow; David Larsen- Deviate From Standards