CARL CLEMENTS

A DIFFERENT LIGHT

Greydisc

Carl Clements, tenor & soprano saxophones/North Indian bansuri flute; Chase Morris, piano; Bruno Råberg, bass; Gen Yoshimura, drums.

The opening tune titled “Onset” is a Carl Clements original, as are all nine of these carefully selected album compositions.  Clements pulls his own style and interpretation of his original music through the bell of his horns and also from a North Indian bansuri flute.  This first composition offers the listener a maze of music, with the piano creating mad rhythm beneath the smooth execution of the interesting melody Clements has created. Bruno Råberg opens the piece with a melodic bass line.  Carl Clements rides the rhythmic wave created by his powerful rhythm section, smooth as a saxophone surfer. This song introduces us to the players of his entertaining package of jazz.

Chase Morris is a pianist, composer and educator, popular for his diverse musical range.  He takes a jazzy solo, pumped up by the busy and delightful drums of Gen Yoshimura.  What I found captivating about Morris’s piano solo was the way he built the tension and at the top of his crescendo, Bruno Råberg steps into the spotlight on double bass. His low notes growl throughout this arrangement and enhance it.  Yoshimura takes a featured solo on drums and is quite impressive. Now we have met all the characters who are unraveling this musical story.

A song called “Sanyog” (an East Indian or Hindi word) plays next.  It sounds very Middle Eastern and Carl Clements plays his flute during this arrangement.  It’s a pretty original song.  When Råberg enters on bass, his tone woos me.  He has a definite style and unique presentation.  Improvising freely, it is quite thrilling when his fingers pull that growl from his instrument, like a stalking tiger’s warning voice.  Raberg is an internationally renowned bassist and composer.  In fact, he has made six albums as a leader and five-times that many as a sideman. This Clements composition is quite intriguing. The group has a very youthful, energetic sound.

Gen Yoshimura is a versatile drummer, composer, and he too is an educator.  His excitement and creative attitude on his trap drums is impressive. He teaches masterclasses at prestigious institutions around the world.

Together, this quartet will completely entertain you.  Clements is an amazing composer and a master on both tenor and soprano saxophone, as well as on the bansuri flute.  His bandmates match his intention and talent in spades!

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

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