Review: The Peter Clark Trio
-by Natalie Wilson
Since we haven’t seen or heardPeter Clark for a while it was easy to forget what a gifted musician / entertainer he is. It all came crashing back on a recent Sunday afternoon in November at SOhO .Playing to an overflow crowd, Peter along with the super musicians, Hank Allen on bass andCraig Thatcher handling the drums started right out with a swinging rendition of the classic, Have you Met Miss Jones. His choice of standards all afternoon was perfect to show off his tasteful piano work along with his carefree singing style. Showing his versatility, he doubled on the vibes on a very Erroll Gardneresque version of I remember April.
Peter introduced us to a fabulous, young, sax player, Andrew Adams. His handling of the Miles Davis classic, Four, made it hard to believe he is still in high school. If he is any indication of the jazz players of the future, I’d say we have a lot to look forward to. Special guest singer, James Arnold, knocked us out with his spirited, powerful voice with On the Street Where You Live and Peter and James had fun taking turns scatting on Green Dolphin Street. Accompanying himself on the piano, James gave us the moving, A House Is Not a Home. He never fails to give it everything he’s got. The last set turned out to be sort of a jam session with guitarist, Maitland Ward, sitting in with his contemporary sound on Sleepwalk.
Young Andrew joined in on his tenor with Misty andJames was featured on a moving Georgia . The last tune of the day had the audience grooving with the Count Basie/ Joe Williams blues, Well, All Right You Win. The trio and guests got a deserving standing ovation from the crowd. PETER, YOU’VE BEEN AWAY TOO LONG…