Dark Chocolate
Barefoot, 2009, CD
Instrument: Instrumental
Issue: 15.4
Jazz Ruler Type: Fusion
Performance: 4
Sound: 5
Score:
O’s Notes: Percussionist Clay Henry organized this team with top musicians like Weber Iago (p, synthesizers) and bassist Kim Stone (Spyro Gyra & The Rippingtons) to form Dark Chocolate. This is their sophomore release and it shines with a variety of contemporary jazz selections. “Just Hangin” has a cool funky vibe while “Le Marais” leans more towards fusion featuring Stone on bass with accents from John Nava on congas. There is a visit to New Orleans on “Muffuletta” and then into the southern hemisphere for “Braziliero”. They wrap the set with “Hello Flower”, a tune that reminded us of Hiroshima. Henry does an excellent job of mixing up the rhythms to keep listeners engaged and continuously patting their feet to the contagious beats.
Publicist: Music Video Distributors