Mesophase is a term used in physics describing a state of matter that is neither liquid nor solid, sharing properties of both while defining a state unique unto itself. By extension, the concept can also apply to a reconciliation of emotional polarities or conflicting ideas. Zack Clarke leverages the idea of a mesophase as a vehicle for musical expression through the synthesis of disparate musical forces. His album “Mesophase” unites the natural and the human-made, bringing together acoustic and electronic elements in profound and unusual ways. The result is a music that is not defined by genre, taking essential elements from improvisation, electronic music and through-composed writing. With this combination of approaches, the pianist and composer from New York creates harmonic and melodic forms that translate through multiple mediums. Clarke refers to the process of creating the album as “feeling less like construction and more like a discovery and translation of something that is already there.” After the initial success and critical acclaim of his first Clean Feed release, “Random Acts of Order,” Clarke takes a bold and significant step forward with this record, as he expands his previous approach to electro-acoustic music through the incorporation of a score for an ensemble of musicians. Performed by some of New York City’s finest up-and-coming improvisors, the outcome is a vibrant palette of unique instrumentation and modern synthetic sound that delivers a powerful and thought-provoking listening experience.
Chris Irvine cello
Charlotte Greve saxophone, clarinet, flute
Nick Dunston double bass
Leonid Galaganov percussion, waterphone, shakuhachi
1 Curtain 06:24
2 Generative 08:14
3 Infiltration 02:00
4 Beggar 04:41
5 Tilted 04:48
6 Reticence 05:35
7 Frontier 04:14
8 Assimilate 05:48
9 Bridge 05:40
10 Bravery 05:37
All compositions by Zack Clarke
Recorded April 25th 2017 by Jim Clouse at Park West Studios, Brooklyn, NY | Mixed and mastered by Dave Darlington, Bass Hit Studios, New York, NY
Produced by Zack Clarke | Executive production by Pedro Costa for Trem Azul | Design by Travassos
