Adrian Clarck - Time Goes By (2018)

This is the second album of the trio Adrian Clarck that we have in our hands. A trio composed of Damien Argentieri, primarily on the Hammond organ (Nord C2 for purist connoisseurs who will accept the modernization) or Fender Rhodes, Sandrine Conry singing, and David Pouradier Duteil, the one who makes his battery speak. This one, we find it alongside Robyn Bennet, even with Malicorne, so on very varied directories. So note that there is no Adrian Clarck in this trio. Note above all this ability very determined to impose a color dominated by the famous Hammond sound. It is he who will preside, subtly associated with the very free and powerful song of Sandrine, a series of titles combining covers and original compositions. Which was already the case on the first album. With "Imagine", we understand that the musicians do not care about the copy-pasted that would have been very awkward. The idea is to let go creatively on the basic proposition. In "Softly", it starts in a kind of free-jazz very supported, but retaining however the cool aspect implied by the theme. It can be delirious in arrangements and smiling guests (intro of "Hop Scotch"), surprise by taking Björk without a false note ("Bachelorette"), playing it French song ("Because Que"), sensualizing a very rock theme ("What You Got Is Alright"), making it super sweet - especially in the first part and at the end ("Away By Your Side"), or transforming an "Ol 'Man River" into a kind of military march before making a gospel. Adrian Clarck is at his head in this territory that only he explores. It is all that makes its charm and splendor. A high level that deserves a great recognition. More than recommended to any amateur of "open" jazz. To convince yourself, put the headphones on your ears and turn on track 10: "Stayin 'Alive", in a version not very Bee Gees. "Peace Is Coming Down"!