The 20-Man Music Machine – Peter Clark

Incredible Big Band performing great music. The remarkable story of Peter Clark…The jazz/entertainment veteran has seen it all-done it all-been everywhere. Here he presents some of his incredibly accessible tunes (w a few familiar favorites) in BIG fashion with a solid LA 20-MAN BIG BAND – ACCESSIBLE, BIG, TASTY, The Real Deal.

Peter’s career as an entertainer, recording artist and television personality began over 45 years ago. Born in England, he moved with his family to Australia, where, at age 10, he began six years of study in classical piano. At age 16, he moved to Sydney to begin a career as a commercial artist. However, a successful appearance on “Australia’s Amateur Hour” at age 17 proved to be the turning point, and he became a professional musician, using the name Chet Clark.

He appeared all over the Sydney area in 1955-57 appearing with many other emerging performers such as Johnny O’Keefe and Barry Crocker. At the same time he performed with top jazz musicians, becoming the first Australian artist to have simultaneous careers in Jazz as well as Pop Rock. At this time he also began to make guest television appearances. An engagement at the “Embers” in Melbourne followed, where he opened for top jazz artists Ella Fitzgerald, Billy Eckstine, Oscar Peterson and others. Returning to Sydney, he took over the big band at “Andre’s” working with Shirley Bassey, Billy Daniels, Dorothy Dandridge and others.

Also at this time, several of his songs were hits for some of Australia’s top recording artists. He was then signed as host on one of Australia’s top TV shows “Six O’Clock Rock” on ABC Television for a year and a half. He left Australia for California in 1963.

Using the name Chet Demilo, he formed a pop/jazz group and began appearing in the Los Angeles area, followed by engagements in Las Vegas, Reno and Lake Tahoe, and major clubs on the West Coast. One memorable booking was a five-year engagement at “Donkin’s” in Marina del Rey. During this time his songs were recorded by such artists as Jerry Butler, Don Ho, Eartha Kitt, Jack Jones and others.

Clark remains on top of his game writing, arranging, performing, and leading an incredible 20 Man big ban that is RED HOT!…This new recording will leave you feeling the familiar, yet gasping for air in the hot spots with “wow”!

Peter Clark: Composer, Arranger, Leader, Piano, Vibes, Keyboards, Vocal

REVIEW:

“…there are good solos here and somewhat fine originals (“ Revenge Of The Rhythm Section” by Clark in particular). If you come across this CD give it some time. Time rewarded.”

-Bob Rusch for CADENCE