Randal Clark: Imaginary World

Randal Clark teams up with fusion pioneer Jeff Lorber for some vintage plugged in sounds. Clark himself plays mostly alto, but changes things up once in awhile, while Lorber is like a utility infielder, playing bass, keyboards, guitar, even bringing in longtime buddy and bassist Jimmy Haslip in for a few tunes. The core remaining team of Gary Novak-Sonny Emory-Jimmy Branly/dr, and guest  horn players is solid and tight, with Clark’s alto filled with funky soul over Haslip’s nifty line on “Living Underground”. Haslip and Lorber are rocking with Clark and guest guitarist Michael Thompson during “Discovery” while Mononeon’s bass gives a funky pop feel to Lorber’s own “Turbocharged”. The horns give a dash of Earth Wind and Fire on “That’s Arrow” with Vinnie Calaiuta guesting on drums and Randy Brecker giving a hot solo on horn, while the soulfest continues with Clark riding over Lorber’s bass line like a long boarder on “Living Underground”. Relaxed R&B moods bring out the best in guest Gerald Albright on bass for Clark’s rich tone on “Boulevard East”, and when Clark switches to soprano sax on his Elton Johnish “Looking Back” you get a feel for his lyricism. Smooth as silk .

www.randalclarkmusic.com

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