Drummer Mike Clark's new album in the Blueprints of Jazz series opens with an irresistible hard-bop beat that lets you know good things are in store. The series re-introduces unheralded pioneers like Clark, who propelled Herbie Hancock's ground-breaking fusion group, Headhunters. But this CD proves he's not only a masterful percussionist; he's also a superb composer. Just listen to his opener, "In the House," or "Loft Funk," a tune penned with Jed Levy. Clark's choice of band-mates is also first-rate. Patrice Rushen burns up the piano while Christian McBride (bass), Christian Scott (trumpet), and Levy (tenor sax) all turn in powerful solos. But the second star of this album is alto man Donald Harrison. On "10th Ave. 1957" he's slinking around like a saxophone snake in a B-movie strip scene. After several more sublime workouts, Harrison pours it out with emotion reminiscent of John Coltrane on the final cut, "I Want To Talk About You."
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