Nigel Clark’s US debut on Arkadia Records, “Grand Hotel Europa”, bridges the gap between straight-ahead Jazz and contemporary smooth Jazz, sure to please fans of both genres with his dazzling virtuosity, delicate touch, and unique sound.
“Clark is a facilitator of fine jazz music via his awe inspiring technique, graceful mode of execution and mood evoking sensibilities.” – Glenn Astarita, All About Jazz
Europe has been abuzz for the last decade about a stunning guitarist from the misty highlands of Scotland. Delighting audiences around the globe with his fiery yet smooth, fluid sound, Nigel Clark has emerged as one of Europe’s premier guitarists, having toured the world as a leader, sideman and accompanist. With the silky sound of the Spanish, nylon-sting guitar, Clark creates a new hybrid in the jazz melting pot, spiced with tinges of flamenco, Brazilian, Indian and other world musics. The lines Clark plays are more akin to Jim Hall or Django in their conception. The result is a true contemporary conception, planted deeply in traditional roots.
Nigel Clark has performed and toured with highly regarded artists such as Carla Bley, Steve Swallow, Jan Akkerman, Spanish guitarist Ximo Tebar, as well as legendary Scottish vocalist Carol Kidd. Some of the striking originals on “Grand Hotel Europa” show the influence of Nigel’s complete world sensibility. Unlike your typical Jazz recording, the album is a celebration of the different sounds that have informed Nigel Clark s music throughout the years; from the Far East, to the smoky clubs of New York, and on to the hot summer nights of Brazil.
The Spanish nylon string guitar is unusual in mainstream jazz (its use in contemporary music is more widespread), but Blended with the silky sound of the nylon strings, Clark creates a new hybrid in the jazz melting pot.
1. East of the Sun 04:45
2. Grand Hotel Europa 05:56
3. Dolphin Dance 07:08
4. Sakura Samba 06:03
5. Once I Loved 07:36
6. In Another Moment 04:30
7. Island Dance 06:28
8. Caso de Verao 05:17
9. How Deep is the Ocean 04:54
10. You Are Too Beautiful 08:29
Nigel Clark: Nylon string guitar
Ewan Vernal: Bass
Mario Lima Caribe: Bass
Mike Bradley: Drums
Guy Nicholson: Percussion
Produced by: Nigel Clark
Executive Producer: Bob Karcy
