CLAY WULBRECHT

THE CLOCKMASTER

Instru Dash Mental Records

Clay Wulbrecht, piano/keyboards/clockmystery; Rodrigo Cotelo, guitars/clockmystery; Federico Navarro Trias, Spanish & Electric guitar; Mateo Ottonello, drums; Marco Messina, electric bass; Summer Kodama, upright bass; Bob Hart, upright bass; Lee Hinkle, mallets/percussion; Ramiro Flores, woodwinds/conduction; Jeffrey Parker, trumpet/ trombone.

With his colorful and electronic soundscapes, Clay Wulbrecht creates his own musical world.  As a pianist, keyboardist and worker of creativity and magic with his clockmystery techniques, Wulbrecht opens this album with a selection called “Time to get Up” incorporating a female voice that announces the title, like a mother’s command to a stubborn child.  The tune begins a bit whimsical, with the keyboard sounding like a string section pumping out the rhythm. An organ changes the mood of the arrangement as Clay resists, saying “I don’t want to get up.”  We’ve all been there before.

This is followed by “Hit the Ground Running” that is basted in a fusion gravy, thick with flavorful electronics.  The drums of Mateo Ottonello drive this composition forward with insistent energy and spontaneity.   The trumpet of Jeffrey Parker enhances the arrangement with a sweet melody sung against the pounding rhythm including Hinkle’s percussion that drives the piece ahead. Ramiro Flores adds saxophone to the mix in a sweet, jazzy way.  The fusion turns into a very pleasant smooth jazz piece.

On “medieval Love” I am intrigued and completely entertained by Federico Navarro Trias’s guitar mastery.  He plays both Spanish guitar and electric guitar with a warm fluidity.  Flores offers his saxophone solo next and spreads woodwind brilliance across the arrangement. A voice is incorporated into this piece saying, “Hello,” then inviting someone to go for a walk. The mood changes, with drums dropping out long enough to snatch my attention.  When the bass and drums re-enter, they bring a bluesy brilliance to the forefront. The creativity on this album is noteworthy, with Wulbrecht’s piano playing, arranging and composer gifts shining brightly.

Clay Wulbrecht studied piano from an early age, when it was obvious he was a gifted child. He was drawn to composing and arranging music early-on, releasing three albums before he had even reached his teen years. In 2018, the young prodigy was selected as a Disney All American.  He earned his degree in Jazz Studies at Indiana University Jacobs School of Music.

This album is completely enjoyable, with wonderful compositions and interesting arrangements. They signal a special style and the fresh new face of Clay Wulbrecht on the musical spectrum. This electronic music has a scheduled public release date of May 2^nd.

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

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