Jeff Clark - Just Visiting

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Jeff Clark -Just Visiting
2012, Jeff ClarkIf you haven’theard of Jeff Clark before, don’t be surprised. He’s an example of the kind of talent it takes to be a music superstar,but perhaps just never quite gets the right break.  Instead, Clark is a local legend in theAustin, Texas scene.  With his formerband Too Smooth, Clark was a contemporary of ZZ Top, Johnny & Edgar Winter,Steve Miller and Steven Stills.  Over theyears, Clark has shared the stage with the likes of Rush, Aerosmith, The Kinks,Ted Nugent and Judas Priest, to name a few. Clark’s latest effort is to revisit some of his best material from overthe years, with the help of some old friends. Just Visiting found Clarkworking with old band mates and friends, including Brian Wooten (Trace Adkins);Danny Swinny (Suede); Tommy Taylor (Eric Johnson) and Mark Miller (BubblePuppy).

Clark kicks things off with a blast of 1980's goodness in the form of "WeCan Make It", with the help of guest vocalist Christopher Cross. Theguitar and synth driven sound falls somewhere between Asia and late Genesis."Soon You Will Be My Girl" has a definite pop sensibility, and thevocal triads are a perfect reminder of the AOR radio days. Clark sinks furtherback into the early 1970's with "Mamie Mama", featuring some slinkyguitar work and an irrepressible beat.

"Everything With You" is a piano driven ballad full of deepmelancholy. Clark's vocal weaknesses are exposed here, particularly on slowpassages that climb into his upper register. In spite of these limitations hedoes a solid job. The sound quality here is not as good as elsewhere on thealbum, however. "Believe In Me", by contrast, sounds more slicklyproduced. The guitar work and vocal style here are typical of the classic rockera, and Clark does it all with working class flair. "You Are MyLife" is a heartfelt ballad that sounds like first dance material. Thelyrical turns here are a tad awkward at times as Clark dances with cliché, butthe song is heartfelt and well presented.

Clark and his band strap on their jet packs for "Tonight", a highenergy rock and roll love song with a chorus that will get stuck in your nogginand stay there. "I've Got You" is a solid album track that continuesClark fascination with love songs classic and atypical. The darker quality ofthe arrangement is nice, and once again brings to mind Asia.  “Trilogy” digs deep into the 1960’s forBeatles-esque sound, but updated with twangy country-style guitar.  This is a nice listen; it doesn’t bowl youover but helps build an appreciation for Clark’s subtle talent as a songwriter,composer and guitarist.Heart-feltsentiment and a touch of schmaltz come together in perfect measure on “25 YearsLater”, celebrating the longevity of love and also the blessings of a God whowould bring together so perfect for one another.  This prayerful element to the song may be aturn off to some listeners, but it’s as heartfelt as the love Clark expressesfor his wife.  Clark closes things outwith “Man Of Fortune”, a reminder that Grace plays a greater role in ourdestiny than talent or even luck.  Thesolid classic rock arrangement is reminiscent of Canadian rocker Kim Mitchell,and the groove is a solid one that you can dance to.While notnecessarily billed as a greatest hits package, Just Visiting definitely fills the bill as one.  Jeff Clark is a hidden gem, the sort ofmusical talent you want to text your friends about.  Or perhaps you’re a hipster and want to keephim to yourself.  Either way, Just Visiting is an album you’ll visitagain and again.  Rating: 4 Stars (Out of 5)Learn more atwww.jeffreyb-clark.com.