To say Andrew Clark is a busy,
working musician is an understatement. From his original band's
gigs, to the [private function] circuit, to freelance work that
has accomplished him a huge list of respectable names, to writer,
to being a full time father, Clark certainly has a lot on his
proverbial plate...where as even superhumans would be expected
to crumble under this much responsibility, Andrew has a very personable
and laid back personality. He's a musician who's truly in it for
the love of music.
Sean McNiff, Metronome magazine April 2002 cover story
Jaywalking, Andrew Clark's new CD, is an amazing creation. The
majority of this CD is actually not Clark originals but consisting
of King Curtis and Junior Walker tunes among others,
which Clark brings back to life in a tremendous way. Junior Walker's
"Cleo's Mood" and King Curtis's "Soul Theme"
are just two of the stellar performances on this album. Clark's
passion for the material and honoring the legends is obvious as
the tunes sound modern yet maintaining its roots. He isn't just
paying homage, he's inspired. Clark intimates in his liner notes
that he wished he could have seen those greats play live, but
just listening to the old recordings of King and Junior shows
where Clark's music is based, where his style has evolved from.
Clark's command of the sax and song allowed him to blend two Junior
Walker tunes together into one hot jam that I'm not sure I could
hear separately - "Shotgun" and "Shake and Fingerpop".
As much as Clark's voice and saxophone demand the spotlight on
this CD, the band's core - Tony Hecht on guitar and vocals, who
has spent the past seven years working with Clark; Jim MacConduibh
on drums, which is a wonderfully understated backbeat; and Scott
Shetler, on tenor and baritone sax, which really fattens up those
brass lines - is solid. Glenn Shambroom (baritone), Pete Levesque
(tenor), Andy Cormier (trumpet) and John Frazee (trumpet) are
the Papasax Horns, which is part of Clark's live repertoire always,
and they're on most of this recording. Jaywalking is an inspirational
disc, not just for Clark. I am now desiring to listen to these
legends that makes Clark so fantastic.
William A. Huffman, Jam Music Magazine
Singer-saxman Andrew Clark delivers a package
of funky blues, R&B and soul on his new album Jaywalking.
And although eight of the album's eleven tracks are covers, Clark
and bandmates put a refreshing, original spin on the cuts. On
this outing, Clark's vocals are powerful and convincing while
he blows some of the finest saxophone licks in the Boston area.
He also lends some fine B3 and piano playing to these arrangements.
Folks like Scott Shetler on horns, Tony Hecht on guitar and vocals,
Jim MacConduibh on drums, Sandy Martin on bass and The Papasax
Horns all punch in their qualified chops making Jaywalking a well
played and thoroughly enjoyable listening experience.
Douglas Stone, Top 5 pick for March 2002
I got your cd about a week ago...First off...I love your playing,
man. I want to personally thank you for "Carrying On The
Tradition". I never get tired of listening to a sax player
with a BIG tone who "speaks" to the audience. You're
further proof that you don't have to come from Texas to be a "Texas
Tenor" player. I'm sure that Curtis, Junior and Sam The Man
are all up there smiling. We share very similar visions of playing
the tenor, and I just love listening to you play. We've just got
to do a gig together soon!
You've got some really solid players with you on the cd as well.
I especially liked John Frazee's "Cootie Williams" solo
on "Soul Theme", and Sandy Martin should also be awarded
the "Carol Kaye Groove Merchant" trophy.
Terrific choice of material. Your own songs fit in very well with
the others. I reallyenjoyed this cd. I loved your choice of songs,
I loved your choice of musicians and I loved your playing. I hope
"Jaywalking" is a hit for you, and I hope that we do
get a chance to play together before too long.
David Woodford, saxophonist with Aerosmith, Bonnie Raitt, Stevie
Ray Vaughan
For disciples and fans of King Curtis and Junior Walker(I
include myself in this group) this CD will be fun to listen to
and to play along with. Andrew Clark has succeeded in using this
R&B vocabulary ,but, still retaining his own style.This is
our ultimate goal as players. Good work,Andrew.Keep up the good
work.
Joe Sublett, saxophonist with Taj Mahal, Texacali Horns, BB
King
Wicked CD--I really liked it. Recipe for a great party: Good
friends, hot chicken wings, cold beer, and Andrew Clark's "Jaywalking"
on the stereo. Andrew plays a muscular, sassy, take-no-prisoners
style of R&B sax--you'll feel it all the way to the bone.
All the best--
Jenny Hill, saxophonist with The Big Apple Circus
Look for Andrew's record ASAP- he is one funky player and
singer. I like his new record "Jaywalking" a lot. His
tenor really harks back to the soulful sounds of Jr Walker and
King Curtis. Most people would say-oh yeah he is the guy in the
Sax Journal..but there is more. Let me add this - it is one of
the most interesting CDs of this style I've heard in years.Andrew
is playing his buns off. WHAT A HIP SOUND, TOO!!! Scott Shetler
on tenor and baritone saxophone (Michelle Willson, Mighty Sam
McClain).......THIS GUY IS HAPPENINIG BIG TIME. Nice stuff and
a great saxophone vibe. Your killin' me Scotty. Listen to these
guys play- the music makes me feel GREAT. A breath of fresh air
in this world musically.
Tim Price, saxophonist and author of Hot Rock Sax
The art of rock and roll saxophone is still being practiced
by at least one horn man in this area (and it's) Andrew Clark...this
is one honking, hot album...(the) instrumentals are excellent...AC
is a real cranker and Clark has ample opportunity to strut
his stuff on this funky number...the band is rock solid on every
song (and) the production is right on the money...a kick ass album
full of rock and roll, blues and a little jazz
Jam Music Magazine, August 2000
...a blues heavy CD
Bob Blumenthal, Boston Globe Feb 99
From smoky blues to rip roaring rockers, band leader for the group
SAXATTACK, Andrew Clark, hits the mark on this over-the-edge horn
wailin' swingfest. Not only does he flex his considerable sax
chops...(he) also displays a penchant for some fine singing (and)
capable songwriting on this well-recorded album. Cool cuts include
the funky instrumental "AC", the shimmering urgency
of "First Call", the raved up "Go Home" and
the frenzied "Up and In". Andrew Clark and friends get
things done in journeyman fashion on this solid debut.
Metronome July 99
Andrew Clark offers a surprising mix that seems most appropriate
for the adult contemporary crowd...eclectic...interesting and
intricate...(his) abilities and musical schooling are evident
on this disc.
Northeast Performer Dec 99
Andrew Clark has a way with the saxophone like most writers have
a way with words...(a) talented musician with a powerful voice...on
"First Call" the sax seems to sing it's own version
of the blues...this is music that should be listened to live...definitely
not Kenny G, far from it...it's rock and roll on another level.
Portsmouth Spotlight Apr 99
Got your CD and listened to it this past weekend. It sounds GREAT!!!
I'm extremely impressed. Good luck with it. By the way, have you
given any thought to being a featured artist at MixFest?
Andrea Roundtree, Mix98
It's a very good CD! Rooted in the rock tradition - I loved "Go
Home"! Get that song out there!
John Laughter
author of Contemporary Saxophone and Rock and Roll Saxophone
I just got your CD in the mail and threw it right on the stereo...it's
great to hear another true HONKER out there. Great band, perfect
covers and good singing, too.
David Woodford
saxophonist with Aerosmith, Bonnie Raitt, Stevie Ray Vaughan
I got the CD - it's great, and you sure are a talented player!
Juanita, 104.1 WBCN
A great debut album from one of Boston's finest saxophonists...following
the footsteps of King Curtis and Junior Walker...real high energy
blues rock band.
John Guregian
host of Blues Deluxe on 91.5 WJUL
A very professional product...it's great to hear someone go for
the rock because there's a big void there in the sax market waiting
to be filled. Keep in touch!
H, director of marketing, LA Sax Co.
...I highly recommend (this CD)...it has some great vintage styled
rock sax playing, vocals and ensemble work...(the graphics) are
uniquely designed and fun to look at...I think you will agree
that Andrew has done an excellent job presenting his material
and furthering the art of playing saxophone in a rock n' roll
band.
David Gibson
editor Saxophone Journal and Jazz Player
I buy the Saxophone Journal for three reasons: Paul Cohen, Tim
Price, and Andrew Clark. Most of the participants in this group
know of and appreciate Paul Cohen and Tim Price. IMHO, Andrew
Clark deserves more recognition. Mr. Clark provides most of the...rock
content...and I think that he does a great job. His columns are
always useful to me. His interview with Dave Woodford was excellent.
A couple of issues back, Mr. Clark did a rock sax instruction
CD and article that I also thought were great. I'd love to see
him expand the CD and article into a book.
posting from alt.music.saxophone
SAXATTACK (has) punch with it's front line of two tenor saxes,,,dual
lines and brawny solos...they spiced New Orleans shuffle "Mellow
Saxophone" with a raucous romp to the bar. Tony Hecht's lead
vocal and crisp guitar cries also boosted Freddy King's "Pack
It Up"
Boston Globe July 97
SAXATTACK, fueled by two saxes, (is) a proficient, party-hearty
band that join(s) surfer muscle with old r & b. If he were
alive, John Belushi would be comfortable in SAXATTACK
Boston Herald July 97