Mike Bradley

Nigel Clark: Grand Hotel Europa

by Glenn Astarita
January 1, 2002

Here, Scotsman, Nigel Clark utilizes a nylon string acoustic guitar for a series of predominately up-tempo standards and original compositions. Besides being influenced by the great Gypsy guitarist, Django Reinhardt - the artist rounds out his overall attack with rippling single note leads, and classically tinged, flamenco-style expressionism. Clark also utilizes space and depth in concert with his band’s lightly swinging tempo on Herbie Hancock’s “Dolphin Dance.” Whereas, the guitarist renders blazingly fast, yet concisely stated lines atop a peppery ...