Clark Terry

Incomparable Clark Terry

The irrepressible Clark Terry, grand master of jazz, universally admired and loved, died on February 20th 2015 at the age of 94. His unique style of playing, so instantly recognizable became known throughout the world. He was as equally at home in the big bands of Charlie Barnet, Count Basie and Duke Ellington as with small groups or recording with Cecil Taylor or Thelonious Monk. His sound was an inspiration to the Duke who wrote a number of pieces specifically for him. Influenced by Louis Armstrong and Roy Eldridge, Clark in turn influenced Miles Davis and the entire school of trumpeting as well as popularizing the flugel-horn. Terry was also no mean vocalist and his blues inspired vocals which he sang in a unique wordless vocal style typified his outgoing fun loving personality. This commemoration of his genius features Terry in a variety of settings made for Candid between 1960 and 1993 with his own combos as well as those of Cecil Taylor, The Basie Alumni and Seldon Powell.