Showing posts with label Ken Clark. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ken Clark. Show all posts

Monday, August 7, 2023

Tim Carman Trio - King Comfy

Styles: Bop
Year: 2023
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 40:35
Size: 93,5 MB
Art: Front

(3:13) 1. Chicken Noodle Man
(4:22) 2. Dumpty Dumb
(4:03) 3. Southpaw
(3:59) 4. If You've Got It, Flaunt It
(4:00) 5. Cookin' With Gran
(1:31) 6. Do That Thing!
(5:15) 7. First Mind
(4:14) 8. Don't Let Me Down
(3:04) 9. Buster Rides Again (Live in Studio Session)
(6:48) 10. Blues for Bob (Live in Studio Session)

From the first notes of King Comfy, Tim Carman Trio play jazz like it was supposed to be played: hot, sweaty, and a damn good time. Recorded in one day on the floor of The Record Co. in Boston MA, this LP opens up the door to what jazz is really all about. “Jazz doesn’t have to be so academic. It can be a party. It doesn’t have to be about playing a million complicated notes that only schooled musicians would enjoy. I went in focusing on groove, sound, and simplicity,” says bandleader/ drummer Tim Carman (GA-20). That’s exactly what the listener gets from this trio: straightforward grooves with a sound that blows the roof off the joint. Drawing inspiration from notables such as Big John Patton, Brother Jack McDuff, Babyface Willette, and Freddie Roach, they open the door to a very special party that we’re all invited to. In fact, it’s a ten-track jazz party that’s swinging, upbeat, and funky as hell.

Consisting of eight original songs and two covers, the entire record itself gives off a live feel. Tim Carman Trio could be playing at Club Mozambique, The Lighthouse, The Cliche Lounge, The Front Room, or any jazz club on the circuit during the late sixties or early seventies, but they’re playing in your living room right here in the present day, and you’ve got a front row seat. On this record, as with their freshman Keylime LP, the trio did not rehearse before the sessions. They would figure out a tune and cut it in one or two takes. It’s about the process, old and new. TC3 does a top-notch job of preserving a style while adding their own feel from start to finish.

With Tim Carman on drums, Ken Clark on organ, and Steve Fell on guitar, these three accomplished musicians have done more than release a jazz record, finding and perfecting a formula that most can not even buy. They’ve put together an homage to the true essence of great jazz music, one that the aforementioned greats would be proud of. King Comfy pays respect to the past and is a real jazz party, just like it should be.

Personnel: Tim Carman - Drums; Ken Clark - Organ; Steve Fell - Guitar

King Comfy

Thursday, August 3, 2023

Tim Carman Trio - Key Lime

Styles: Bop
Year: 2022
File: MP3@128K/s
Time: 42:05
Size: 39,3 MB
Art: Front

(7:11) 1. Blues For Bob
(6:02) 2. Scoochie
(1:50) 3. Key Lime
(4:17) 4. Not A Tear
(4:37) 5. Driftin'
(4:14) 6. Buster Rides Again
(5:32) 7. Sonnymoon For Two
(5:12) 8. Insomnia
(3:07) 9. Buster Rides Again (Live)

"Key Lime, Tim Carman Trio’s debut LP, is no-frills, timeless, B3 organ trio jazz. Inspired by 60s icons like Big John Patton, Jimmy Smith, Brother Jack McDuff, Ben Dixon, Donald Bailey, Roy Haynes, Kenny Burrell, and Grant Green. Tim Carman (drums), Ken Clark (organ), and Steve Fell (guitar) harken back to an age where blues, gospel, jazz, and soul music combined and simmered in barrooms across the country.

Tim Carman, who’s main gig is playing drums with the heavy-blues trio GA-20 (Colemine/Karma Chief Records), crafted the idea for the project in 2020 while off the road due to tour cancellations. Immersed in some of his favorite 60s records, Tim sought to fill a void he noticed in the current jazz world.

With a runtime just shy of 40 minutes the LP is a healthy dose of original tunes, like the laid back “Blues For Bob” and Ken Clark original “Insomnia,” lesser known jazz gems, like the blazing “Scoochie (Hancock) and lone ballad “Not A Tear” (Stevenson), and jazz classics, like Rollins’ “Sonnymoon For Two” and a unique take on Powell’s “Buster Rides Again.”

Recorded live in a single day, the trio captures and creates a fresh spin on the old-school feel and off-the-cuff nature of some of their favorite 60s Blue Note, Verve, and Impulse! recordings. Best spun at late night cocktail parties with spirits aplenty. "

Credits: Tim Carman - Drums; Steve Fell - Guitar (Electric); Ken Clark - Electric Organ

Key Lime

Tuesday, April 28, 2015

John Stein - Green Street

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 66:19
Size: 151.8 MB
Styles: Guitar jazz
Year: 2013
Art: Front

[5:28] 1. Booga Lou
[6:12] 2. Hotcakes
[4:18] 3. Jack's Back
[5:19] 4. Our Love Will See Us Through
[5:45] 5. Sultry
[7:54] 6. Green Street
[4:38] 7. Greyhound
[5:31] 8. Do Nothin' Till You Hear From Me
[3:42] 9. Culebra
[5:42] 10. Digits
[4:45] 11. Be Ooo Ba
[7:00] 12. You Stepped Out Of A Dream

John Stein; Guitar: Ken Clark; Organ: Dave Hurst; Drums and Percussion. Special Guest; David 'Fathead' Newman

Many jazz enthusiasts have received the resurgence of the “Organ Combo” with welcome arms. On Green Street, guitarist John Stein along with organist Ken Clark and drummer Dave Hurst pursue turf that originated in the 1950’s & 60’s following the traditional approaches of Jimmy Smith, Brother Jack McDuff and others. The John Stein Trio along with guest star David “Fathead” Newman incite the listener’s imagination with an aggregate of toe-tapping, invigorating Stein originals and Ellington’s “Do Nothing ‘Till You Hear From Me”.

John Stein possesses a guitar technique which is firmly rooted in the Wes Montgomery and Grant Green school as Stein’s warm, sonorous sound coupled with an inventive, fluid attack is pleasantly persuasive, distinctive and endearing. The opener, “Jack’s Back” sets the upcoming pace through smooth, skillful execution, panache’ and plain old foot stomping’ fun. The legendary saxophonist David “Fathead” Newman picks up the flute on “Hotcakes” and even quotes a few lines from The Beatles’ “Eleanor Rigby”. “Hotcakes” is an affable yet determined swing number as organist Ken Clark does a commendable job on those Hammond B-3 foot pedals. On “When I’m Away”. Newman lends a hand with his signature husky Texas-Tenor blues sound. Vivid images of being in a roadhouse somewhere in the heart of Texas come to mind. Here and throughout, Stein’s multi-colored, subtle and delicate phrasing is a sheer delight. The title track, “Green Street” is a bluesy-swing as organist Ken Clark trades sprightly choruses with tenorist David “Fathead” Newman’s raucous and rollicking style of play. Stein proceeds to settle things down just a bit via poignant and well crafted soloing as he intelligently plays with the memorable and melodic theme. “Greyhound” is a true organ cooker as they proverbially “give the drummer some”! Dave Hurst gets his moment in the sun as he sticks and jabs behind the kit, complimenting the rapid thematic movements from Clark and Stein. David “Fathead” Newman rejoins on alto sax as the band performs Ellington’s “Do Nothing “Till You Hear From Me”. Stein and company restate the recurring theme in alternating fashion through spirited choruses and solos. The final track, “Digits” is a medium tempo swing piece as Stein shines with sleek, elegant phrasing and impressive single note soloing. Stein presents a flurry of ideas through his ax as Ken Clark answers with some cool, jazzy Hammond B-3 riffs.

Green Street is loads of fun and a breath of fresh air. The John Stein Trio along with David “Fathead” Newman represent the organ combo concept in prominent fashion. The performances are top notch as the overall craftsmanship is meticulous, skillful and heartfelt. Green Street is guaranteed to rejuvenate one’s spirits. ~Glenn Astarita

Green Street

Thursday, April 24, 2014

Ken Clark Organ Trio - Mutual Respect

Size: 110,8 MB
Time: 47:19
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2005
Styles: Jazz: Hammond Organ, Funk
Art: Front

01. K Mart Special (3:14)
02. Lil' Joe (4:52)
03. The New Sound (4:53)
04. For Now (4:15)
05. Close The Door (4:35)
06. I Just Woke Up (3:58)
07. Kato (4:08)
08. Mutual Respect (4:23)
09. Nocturne (5:15)
10. Frustration (4:03)
11. Influence (3:38)

Getting down and getting funky, Ken Clark heats things up with a hip attitude. His trio provides the spark to get things moving as the program moves dynamically through eclectic moods. Clark's song list, consisting mostly of originals, affords plenty of variety. From slow, romantic R&B to hip-hop stompers, he grooves with spirit.

Drummer Steve Chaggaris provides a striking backbeat, guitarist Mike Mele solos with fire, and organist Ken Clark creates murals that are made up of "organic" elements. It's true-life stuff from the guys down the street. Clark's trio lends that kind of a credible familiarity to the program.

"Mutual Respect" stutters with a driving swirl. The trio's anthem allows heels to cool while pushing forward in a motion designed for comfort. The song's structure allows them room for an explosion of creative fire. Here, they've captured the essence of mutual respect by working together cohesively to release spasms of energy. Clark sings "Close the Door" with blues on his mind. Romantic R&B colors give the room a glow that's suited to a sultry mood, as the trio oozes with the spirit.

The trio's lightweight funk session comes with a familiar appearance. You get the feeling that you've met these players before. Like the house band from your favorite downtown nightspot, Ken Clark's organ trio gives you the kind of performance that rings familiar. ~Jim Santella

Personnel: Ken Clark: organ, electric piano, vocals; Mike Mele: guitar; Steve Chaggaris: drums.

Mutual Respect

Monday, March 31, 2014

Ken Clark Organ Trio - Dr. Organstein

Size: 75,5 MB
Time: 32:03
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2013
Styles: Jazz: Jazz Funk, Hammond Organ
Art: Front

01. Goodbye Mr. Smith (4:04)
02. 2 Young (4:28)
03. Ella In The Belly (3:02)
04. Unconditional Groove (4:23)
05. Lovelocks (3:51)
06. Naima's Knee (4:07)
07. The Rhapsody I Hear (4:46)
08. Jinkies (3:18)

This is the 4th Ken Clark Organ Trio cd. They have been performing around New England and the eastern U.S. for
the past 15 years.

"Organist Ken Clark, guitarist Mike Mele, and drummer Steve Chaggaris lean on the beat, (high stepping funk, shuffle boogaloo back beat ballad), build dynamic climaxes sprinkle in jazz solos and deliver the goods. Clark controls the B3 like a master: hip bass lines, sizzling chordal washes, feel-good riffs, funky blues lines and syncopated accents figure in the mix. The groove, the sonic power of the organ and a soulful message are a forceful combination for reaching the people, all the way from the church to the dance floor. Can't beat the feeling."---Owen Cordle, Jazz Times

"You might be skeptical about listening to the a CD without a bass player, but from the opening bars of the first track, school is in session! Organist Ken Clark has a punchy, thick bass tone that rivals Rocco's, and he grooves like a funky S.O.B. His right hand is pretty happening, too. A must hear for fans of jazzy, funky groove music."-----Bass Player Magazine

Ken Clark has toured and recorded with Bernard Purdie, Melvin Sparks and David "Fathead" Newman among others

Dr. Organstein