“(He’s) not a revivalist: he was actually there, anchoring Herbie Hancock’s Headhunters, laying down the kinds of funky beats and snappy solos that have made him one of hip-hop’s favorite sample-sources.”

“The Beatles’ “Blackbird” is reimagined as a hip, medium-tempo swinger, allowing Clark to go into full Elvin Jones mode on the kit, while Zilber runs through six different keys on a clever reharmonizing of “Norwegian Wood.”
Clark opens “Passion Dance” with a deft drum solo before settling into some funky time displacement for an Actual Proof-ization of the McCoy Tyner classic. And the solid program closes with a burning romp through the standard “Falling In Love With Love.””

“Zilber and Clark in turn have a musical and social dynamic which asks for more down the road. These are two names that can unjustly fly under the radar in the world of modern jazz. Both have the innate ability to elevate a piece of music into something welcoming and special. Mike Drop is a worthy vehicle to introduce you to both.”

“While [Mike Clark] has made his post-bop mark with key appearances alongside the likes of Christian McBride, Bobby Hutcherson and Woody Shaw, his saxophonist foil has proven himself a revelation in in array of settings, from big band to chamber and quartet ensembles, and has been hailed by fellow saxophonist Dave Liebman as “one of the best players and composers around anywhere”.

Together, Mike Drop takes the duo’s artistry higher than ever, fulfilling what Clark described as their
modest but precisely targeted goal: “We want the listener to feel that the music is swinging, conversational and forward-looking.”

Doubtless, it will also have all other post-bop pretenders glancing over their shoulder in awe.”

“Legendary funk and jazz drummer Mike Clark leads his hard bop star-studded Indigo Blue sextet ‘Live at the Iridium’. This mainstream, hard bop session is led by legendary funk and jazz drummer Mike Clark and his top-shelf ensemble, Indigo Blue. Clark assembled a “can’t lose” lineup of bassist Christian McBride, alto saxophonist Donald Harrison Jr., tenor saxophonist Rob Dixon, trumpeter Randy Brecker, and pianist Antonio Ferao for a three-night stand at NYC’s Iridium last fall. ”

“Drummer Mike Clark, whose work with Herbie Hancock and The Headhunters in the 1970s expertly straddled the jazz-funk divide and generated enough aural excitement to influence multiple generations of players, indulges his straightahead side on this live all-star session recorded last year at New York’s Iridium.”

“One of the strongest jazz albums we’ve heard from drummer Mike Clark in years – a set that burns right from the start, and really lives up to the heavyweight lineup that includes Donald Harrison on alto, Rob Dixon on tenor, Randy Brecker on trumpet, Antonio Farao on piano, and Christian McBride on bass!”

“This entire date is a revelation. Hopefully, Mike Clark will make more straightahead records …”

“Clark exhibits a versatility rarely associated with him. Not only does he keep solid time and provide strong, focused solos, but his coloring and accents are equally dynamic. Press rolls, rim shots, nudges, curls, pops, probes, delicate caresses and sundrous booms are all part of his greater arsenal, and each can be unleashed by the slightest of whims.”

“The drumming great’s debut for Owl Studios is a paean to the B3 organ trio, a format he played in for half a dozen years during his early 20s. But rather than being just a greasy throwdown-which he does with requisite grit on “T’s Boogaloo,” alongside organist Delbert Bump and guitarist Steve Homan-this is a versatile outing that showcases the organ in all of its manifestations.”

“Legendary Drummer Mike Clark’s ‘Carnival of Soul’ is a Propulsive, Joyful Jazz/Funk Collection. Joined by Top Musicians, Clark Pays Homage to an Unsung Genre: B3 Organ Trios. Owl Studios to Release New CD on June 10th. Legendary drummer Mike Clark’s upcoming Carnival of Soul is a propulsive, joyful collection of jazz/funk tracks that pays homage to one of Clark’s beloved genres, the B3 Organ Trio.”

“Mike … (embodies) the history of modern jazz drumming ... You could hear he had studied the styles of Philly Joe Jones and Art Blakey as well as Tony Williams and Jack DeJohnette. Mike is definitely much more than just a superb funk drummer.”

“Drummer Mike Clark has got to be one of the slickest trickiest drummers out there, and the rest of Herbie’s crew seems to relish every twist and turn he throws at them.”

“While “Actual Proof” and a slew of other terrific tracks have cemented Clark’s reputation as a drummer with chops to spare, this particular period of his musical life has often pigeonholed him. Blueprints of Jazz, Vol. 1 will alter this perception as he demonstrates why, throughout his storied career, he has been a first call drummer for A-list artists like Hancock, Chet Baker, Bobby Hutcherson and Tony Bennett.”

“If Clark’s stellar 2003 recording, Summertime, hadn’t already established the fact that he is indeed a brilliant jazz drummer, this superb release makes the case in no uncertain terms.”

“A combustible environment of exploration, chance-taking and musical conversation”

“The two leaders (Michael Wolff and Mike Clark) display deft interplay on a percussive read of “Gingerbread Boy” while more simpatico moments are spotlighted on “Mulgrew.” Impressive small group workout on a variety of levels. ”