Paul Clark - Shredz At An Exhibition (2006)

Paul Clark is most noted as the lead guitarist for The David Cross Band (David is a former member of the pioneering progressive rock band King Crimson). He is however also an instrumental rock / metal guitarist writing and recording solo material.

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This Englishman started to play drums at the age of nine, and guitar at the age of twelve. He studied classical music and graduated from University of London. You can remember his name from the David Cross Band (Yup, this Cross of King Crimson!). But the highlight of this review is his solo debut album. The music has been written since 2000 and actually ready in the year 2002, but the stuff was re-mastered by a Dutch label visible above. The concept of "Shredz At An Exhibition" is peculiar, since there are a few stories representing particular pictures hidden behind each of the tracks. Surely, you will come up agains Artaud - a 20th century French poet, artist and philosopher, but you will also meet with the names of Hodler and Theodore Gericault among others. Paul focused his attention on spiritual side of life as well illustrating with guitar tones a biblical tale concerning the execution of John the Baptist. There is no doubt that Clarky's music can be described as cinematic, heavy and emotional. On the other hand, it is also dramatic, theatrical and, obviously, shredding. Mr. Clark can dose a tension and keep the listener in musical suspense. I do like his solo twisters, complex tones and rationally used wah-wah effect. Fast solos set Clarky amid classic shredders, but art surround makes his music something staggeringly novel indeed. His flexible fingers are perfectly designed both for thrilling parts and romantic ones. In other words, he is able to jump from one genre to another, even if they are stark styles. Long and sophisticated compositions are so well-composed that boredom seems to be impossible. Orchestral sequences show Clarky as a musician classicaly trained and classicaly thinking. I am absolutely sure that bewitching melodies and their professional execution can absorb your attention entirely, my Dear Readers. But what about album's cover? What a desecration, haha! It represents Leonardo da Vinci's "Mona Lisa" from 1503. It is presumably the portrait of Francesco del Giocondo's wife. He was a nobleman from Florence. Never mind, who sprayed "Mona Lisa" with multicoloured graffiti in my gallery, haha? Shall I call the police, haha? Anyway, I must admit that "Shredz At An Exhibition" is a great musical illustration of art gallery. I think that I would have visited art galleries more often, if there "Shredz At An Exhibition" had been played! The more so because Clarky's guitar style is a mixture of Michael Harris, Patrick Rondat, Chris Steberl and Michael Angelo. It is the first art shredding soundtrack I have ever heard, though movie atmosphere is comparable to Tom Hess' solo works. Listening to this CD is a valuable experience, so an unorthodox impressions guaranteed! (author: Mikolaj Furmankiewicz) http://cdbaby.com/cd/clarkpaul

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Track List:
1. THE RAPE OF THE SABINE WOMEN
2. THE RAFT OF THE MEDUSA
3. REQIUEM
4. THE CHOSEN ONE
5. ARTAUD: ON THE FRINGE OF INSANITY
6. VIRTUS JUNXIT MORS NON SEPERABIT
7. THE BEHEADING OF JOHN THE BAPTIST

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The overall theme is the death of a loved one. Requiem is written in two distinct sections connected by a short bridge. 1st section: The scene is of a woman mourning the death of a loved one that she holds in her arms. Her mood is sombre and despairing combined with a feeling of helplessness and tremendous loss. Bridge: The sense of loss is simply too much. The woman is reduced to shedding uncontrollable tears as she prays for the everlasting soul of the deceased. And yet, she simultaneously curses at the injustice asking hopelessly towards the heavens “how can God be so cruel? How can I believe in something such as this?” 2nd section: As the body is finally laid to rest and the grief subsides, the spirit of the deceased ascends up into paradise. The mood is that of triumph and hope, that all is not lost, that death is not an ending to fear but a rebirth into the afterlife to await the next phase of life. http://www.paul-clark.com/pages/shredz-notes/requiem.htm

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