INTERVIEW WITH CHRIS CLARK
Veteran musician Chris Clark (pictured above, center, with Bernie Williams and Richie Cannata) is the keyboardist for the Bernie Williams Band. He has played with a host of musicians ranging from John Entwistle to Michael Bolton. Chris plays on Bernie's latest cd, Moving Forward and was kind enough to lend us some time to talk about his experience in Bernie's band.
I was wondering if you could fill the readers in and tell us a little about yourself. Where are you from and how long have you been playing professionally? What instruments do you play (other than keyboards) and who were your main musical influences growing up?
CC: Sure! I'm from Whitestone, NY. I began playing professionally in 1984. I tried the drums a long time ago (1968), but have focused on keyboards pretty much since I was eight (1971). Growing up, I undertook a fair amount of classical piano instruction, but I was not unaware of popular music (i.e. the Beatles, etc.). I also was very influenced by many of the progressive rock bands of the 70's (Yes, Emerson Lake and Palmer, Genesis, etc.). I was pretty geeky! Ha ha!! From that point I turned my attention to the evolving jazz-rock fusion scene (Chick Corea, Mahavishnu Orchestra, etc.) I was very interested in improvised music. So, nowadays, I spend most of my time trying to reconcile all these conflicting impulses and make a living at the same time.
What musicians have you played with and what were some of the more notable albums/songs you have played on?
CC: I've been very fortunate to have worked for many fine musicians, John Entwistle (The Who), Mary Wilson (The Supremes) Rick Derringer, Dickey Betts, and Michael Bolton amongst others. Recently, with Bernie, I've collaborated with David Sancious, Lee Sklar, Shawn Pelton, Jimmy Haslip, Jeff Golub,and Eric Marienthal.
Moving Forward is the first album I've played on.
How did you first get involved with Bernie Williams? Were you already familiar with his music before you teamed up with him?
CC: My good friend and great sax player Richie Cannata (Billy Joel) was organizing a band to play with Bernie in the fall of 2007. I was delighted when he invited me into the band. I was aware of Bernie's interest in the guitar, but I was not overly familiar with his music.
How were the recording sessions for Moving Forward and how was it decided what pieces you would play on?
CC: It was a great experience from beginning to end. Bernie brought a set of really inspired music to the sessions; I'm very happy I was able, to some extent, help Bernie realize his vision. The vibe in the studio was very relaxed, and everyone in the studio was completely pleasant and professional. The choices regarding specific personnel for each piece were made by Loren Harriet, Bernie's producer.
Many listeners have pointed out how much Bernie has grown as musician since his first album. Did you notice this as well?
CC: Oh, yes. Bernie is definitely committed to growing as a musician, and I believe Moving Forward bears this out; it's definitely a more ambitious record. It lives up to its name. I know Bernie is always interested in learning new things and is not merely interested in maintaining the status quo.
Overall, how was it to work with Bernie?
CC: It was a pleasure working with Bernie, both musically and personally. Really great.
Do you know if Bernie plans to do any more concerts this year?
CC: There are definitely more dates coming this year. Should be fun.
How is it decided which musicians will be part of Bernie’s band when he does a live event, be it a concert or a television appearance?
CC: A lot of it depends on where the event is. The band for the East Coast dates was picked out by Richie Cannata. For the west coast dates, Loren Harriet picked out the musicians. For the Nokia theatre show, it was a combination of East and West coast musicians.
Tell us a little about your music career or any projects you are currently working on. Have you released any solo cd’s (or are there any in the works?). Do you have any original material and if so, what kind of music is it? Are you currently playing live with any other bands?
CC: I've been playing on Broadway since 1994. I'm currently subbing in the orchestras of Mamma Mia and Wicked. I do have a solo CD (recorded in 2003). It's pretty much in the jazz-rock tradition (i.e. Chick Corea, Tony Williams Lifetime, Allan Holdsworth, etc.)
Chris, thanks for being such a big supporter of the site and for giving us a few minutes of your time.
CC: My pleasure. Thanks for having me! See you soon.