Seleno Clarke

Seleno Clarke is well known in Harlem as a great Hammond B3 payer. Oneles Productions has issued this best-of by Clarke with his regular band. Clarke is a stalwart and a Harlem legend. His easy-soul jazz groove is always highlighted by Latin tinges, fine compositions, economically astute arrangements that serve tunes instead of soloists, and his choice in session players is top notch whether they are well known or not. Here, 11 cuts showcase Clarke's abilities as a bandleader of distinction and proof in the pudding that fine jazz is made in neighborhoods as well as at Lincoln Center. The most satisfying tracks here are Clarke's read of the classic "Autumn Leaves" with a solo that relies more on groove and nuance than flash, and his "A Salute to Charles Earland," where he employs elements from some of Earland's greatest riffs and solos in a composition of delight, funky flight, and fancy. Ultimately, this is a fine debut and it's long overdue. ~ Thom Jurek, All Music Guide