Gordon Clements
Above & Below
This recording is a celebration of many things.
First, and most important, it is a celebration of three new friendships. The trio met and played for the first time just two weeks before the recording date. It was truly remarkable how quickly the chemistry developed and how much each of us enjoyed, not only the musicianship, but the personalities of each other. There was a great deal of laughter and serious music making.
This project brought together three distinct personalities and musical styles; a New York based pianist with strong classical and latin roots, one of Canada's top mainstream jazz bass players, and a West Coast multi-reed player with an extensive background in both jazz and classical idioms.
Misha enthusiastically embraced the role of producer and organized the music so that all our widely varied strengths were encouraged to shine. The piano and string bass were featured as often as the bass clarinet. Neil, of course, is everyone's favorite bass player and his driving rhythm allowed us to maintain a clear acoustic sound without sacrificing energy in fast tempos. For an additional treat, Ayelet sang her own lyrics on "It's Easy" in a style that characterized the whole recording; lush warm tone with unmistakable jazz freedom.
I hope you enjoy listening to this recording as much as we enjoyed making it.
GORDON CLEMENTS bass clarinet
MISHA PIATIGORSKY piano
NEIL SWAINSON string bass
AYELET PIATIGORSKY vocals on "It's Easy"
Recorded July 2002 at Alix Goolden Performance Hall
Victoria Conservatory of Music, Victoria, B.C. Canada
Produced by MISHA PIATIGORSKY
Recording, mixing and mastering by RUSSEL DAWKINS
Photography by DAVID LOWES
Layout and design by LIS BAILLY
