...gesture and space surging from a place of heart-felt and fluid integrity...Penn exudes such enthusiasm and love for the music—it is simply impossible not to feel uplifted.
Clarence Penn has been one of the most dynamic drummers in jazz since his New York City arrival 33 years ago. His work with Wynton Marsalis, Betty Carter, Diane Reeves and Michael Brecker has been extensively documented, as have his own musical explorations, including 2014's Monk: The Lost Files. Behind the Voice goes a whole new direction as Penn unfurls inventive reimaginings of the works of influential drummers behind some of the greatest pop music created. Songs by Phil Collins, Levon Helm, Stevie Wonder, Peter Gabriel and Dave Grohl receive expansive modern treatments through Penn's production along with a bevy of collaborators, including vocalists Kurt Elling, Aaron Marcellus and Toku, guitarists Adam Rogers and Gilad Hekselman, and many more. "...a celebration of their artistry, their passion, and their indelible mark on the music we cherish."
Track Listing:
1 Send One Your Love 3:19 (Stevie Wonder)
2 Come Talk to Me 5:36 (Peter Gabriel)
3 Growing Trade 4:09 (Levon Helm, Timothy Lawrence Campbell)
4 Sometimes It Snows in April 5:54 (Prince Nelson, Lisa Coleman, Wendy Melvoin)
5 Everlong 3:56 (David Grohl)
6 The Heart of the Matter 4:59 (Don Henley, Mike Campell, John David Souther)
7 Why Can't It Wait Till Morning 3:49 (Phillip David Charles Collins)
8 Human Nature 3:57 (Steve Porcaro, John Bettis)
9 You Are 3:46 (Clarence Lacquese Penn, Tyrone Corbett)
Performers:
Clarence Penn - drums, percussion, keyboards, vocoder
vocals
Aaron Marcellus (1,7), Kurt Elling (2), TOKU (3),
Chelsea Jackson (4,9), Emily Braden (6)
guitar
Gilad Hekselman (2), Tom Guarna (3),
Christopher Bruce (4), Adam Rogers (5,8)
bass
James Genus (2,3), Darrell Freeman (7),
Yasushi Nakamura (8,9)
Gregoire Maret - harmonica (3)
Shedrick Mitchell - piano, keys, organ (3,4,7)
Doug DeHays - saxes (3)
Marshall Gilkes - trombone (3)
Production Info:
Produced by Clarence Penn
Recorded Sept 2021 - July 2023 by Clarence Penn
at Penn Station Studio, Brooklyn, NY
Mixed by Charles Haynes
at Contrlroom Studio, Boston, MA
Mastered by Chris Longwood
at Chris Longwood Mastering, Houston, TX
Art by Marie Danielsson
Photos by Ethan Hill
Cover design & layout by John Bishop
