On his fourth album as a leader, French horn player John Clark showcases his talents as a composer and arranger for a rotating ensemble of up to eleven musicians, including Alex Foster on saxophone, Ryo Kawasaki on guitar, and Howard Johnson on bass clarinet. The eclectic lineup works its way through five Clark originals and three standards, including a rousing large group take on John Coltrane's "India," which opens, appropriately enough, with a sitar. Clark's compositions range from freely improvised duos and trios to more intricately orchestrated pieces for larger groups. The ensemble playing throughout the album is always interesting and frequently inspired. - Joel Roberts
Tracks
01. India (John Coltrane)
02. 96th Street Sonata (John Clark)
03. Casilda (John Clark)
04. Mellow Max (John Clark)
05. King Bert (John Clark)
06. My One and Only Love (Robert Mellin/Guy Wood)
07. Bad Attitude (John Clark)
08. Now You Start (John Clark)
09. Airegin (Sonny Rollins)
10. I Will (John Clark)
11. Sister E.M.C. (John Clark)
MIKE RICHMOND bass (1) (2) (4-6) (9)
HOWARD JOHNSON bass clarinet (1) (9)
DAVID TAYLOR bass trombone, trombone (1) (6) (7) (9)
BRUCE DITMAS drums (1) (2) (4-6) (8) (9)
CHRIS HUNTER flute, alto saxophone (1) (9)
JOHN CLARK French horn
RYO KAWASAKI guitar (1) (5) (6) (9)
PETE LEVIN keyboards (1) (2) (4-6) (9) (10)
TREVOR CLARK sitar (1)
ALEX FOSTER(1-4) (6) (9)
STANTON DAVIS trumpet (1) (6) (7) (9)
BOB STEWART tuba (8)
Recorded October 7 & 8, 1996 at Sony Studios, New York City
Postcards - POST 1016