Tarika Blue
Chiaroscuro, 2002, CD
Instrument: Instrumental
Issue: 8.4w
Jazz Ruler Type: R&B+Jazz
Performance: 4+
Sound: 4
Score: 
O’s Notes: The time was the mid-1970s and the band led by keyboardist Phil Clendeninn, had all of the elements of the urban jazz/R&B/funk, fusion groove of the time. That feel was so cool that it even plays well today. It is so refreshing to listen to natural instruments and synthesizers used as accents rather than cheap replacements for musicians. Guitarist Ryo Kawaski, Barry Coleman (b), Marvin Blackman (sax), Bradie Speller (percussion) and a drummer with feel, Kevin Atkins, join Phil for two great albums packaged here as one. R&B vocals came from Dolores Smith and Irene Datcher on the second album. Experience and enjoy the tracks that are showing up as samples in today’s popular music.
