Deep Blue an Ian Clark Album Review

Click here to listen to an extract from the album

Deep Blue an Ian Clark Album Review

Deep Blue was Ian Clarke’s second album and was released back in 2013. The album features Ian Clark (flute) and Tim Carey on piano. While still incorporating the same musical language that was used in ‘Within’ (Clarke’s first album) Deep Blue take on more soulful and gentle approach.

Overview

Deep Blue is a 10 track album with 4 full works. While ‘Within’ is built up of shorter works requiring large bursts of intentness energy Deep Blue instead takes you on longer journeys into a very unique sonic world. It is the sort of music that makes you sit in your car long after arriving at your destination because you are just so captivated and intrigued by the music that you just have to keep listening.

Favourites

My personal favourite track on the album is No. 10 Beverly. This is a work for solo flute which eloquently explores a vast array of the instruments tone colouring abilities. The work is of moderate tempo with long arching phrases shaped by the highly expressive melody.

I think my two overall favourite parts of Clarke’s work is his tone; especially in the lower register of the instrument. Here it takes on this beautiful hollow, yet open and rich quality. (I believe Trevor Wye would describe it as ‘Yellow’) I also love Clarke’s ability to make classical music that is fresh and new without assaulting the ears of his audience with pure dissonance and seemingly random and disconnected elements that are often associated with newer music.

An excellent starting point for anyone looking to getting into the world of contemporary flute music.

To learn more about the life and works of Ian Clark watch this short video.