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