Ben Clifton, Overlook Review

Ben Clifton’s Overlook: A Musical Insight

By Ferell Aubre

Ben Clifton’s debut album, Overlook, is an exploration of depth and musical ingenuity. Rooted in the vibrant jazz community of Pittsburgh and shaped by profound personal experiences, most notably the early loss of his father, Clifton’s compositions resonate deeply, offering listeners an insightful journey through compositions that flow with evolution. His studies under notable figures such as Geri Allen, Joe Lovano, and Terri Lyne Carrington are apparent, and Clifton’s evolving voice emerges powerfully on this recording.

Through the fourteen compositions Overlook impresses with its musical versatility and collaborative strength. The album blends jazz roots with contemporary elements, utilizing diverse textures, and instrumentation

“Convocation” establishes the album’s dynamic energy with an engaging rhythmic introduction featuring Clifton on Rhodes and synthesizers, supported by drummer Gavin Moolchan’s assertive textures. This sets a compelling tone for the album’s thematic depth of musical developments, both written and improvised.

“Shadows,” featuring vocalist Nicoya Polar, deeply explores themes of courage and vulnerability. Polar’s expressive, warm vocal performance begins with emotive wordless phrases that beautifully intertwine with Clifton’s layered piano. As the composition develops, Polar’s ascending melodic figures mirror the emotional trajectory of moving from introspection to bravery, complemented effectively by Clifton’s contemporary jazz harmonies and energetic ensemble interplay.

Clifton and guitarist Kelly Doyle venture into atmospheric-infused jazz territory on “No Access to Hollywood,” crafting an intriguing musical dialogue between Doyle’s atmospheric guitar textures and Clifton’s subtly jazz-tinged organ. This collaboration reflects the album’s rich palette.

“Serenity,” a reflective piece featuring vibraphonist Jalen Baker, captures a contemporary jazz mood. The delicate interplay between piano and vibes, buoyed by sensitive rhythm section contributions from bassist Chad Wesselkamper and Moolchan.

In “Constructs,” Clifton reflects on his therapeutic journey through intricate mixed meters and emotionally dynamic piano solos. The composition traverses feelings of hope, despair, and ultimately renewal, mirroring the non-linear process of psychological healing.

The title track, “Overlook,” is Clifton’s nostalgic tribute to Pittsburgh’s Schenley Park overlook. Clifton’s lyrical piano and Wesselkamper’s fluid bass improvisation create an immersive, emotionally resonant experience. Their solos, deeply rooted in thematic motifs and expressive fluidity, vividly communicate feelings of groove and musical storytelling.

“Relapse” offers a profound musical portrayal of emotional duality through the nuanced interplay between piano and bass, capturing a deeply introspective narrative of personal struggle and momentary reprieve. This contrasts beautifully with the spontaneous and genre-blending improvisation of “Cortlandt,” featuring Nicco Martinez and Johnathan Hulett, celebrating creative spontaneity and collaboration.

The string quartet featured in “Lost on Maple” adds significant emotional resonance. The rich textures of the strings enhance the composition’s contemporary soul/gospel feel, culminating in a cinematic flourish that supports Clifton’s expressive improvisation. The integration of strings contributes effectively to the piece’s overall emotional depth and thematic clarity in the later-half.

“Return to Sanity” utilizes rhythmic and harmonic tension to depict despair and renewal. Clifton’s solo piano piece, “Introspection,” recorded at home, is strikingly raw and intimate, authentically capturing the vulnerability of spontaneous expression.

“Dream State” embodies a reflective optimism, weaving contemplative piano lines with floating rhythmic textures provided by Wesselkamper and Moolchan. This balance of introspection and hopefulness encapsulates the album’s overarching emotional complexity.

“Don’t Live the Same,” featuring percussionist Charlie Perez and drummer Mark Simmons Jr., explores rhythmic variation and percussive nuance, highlighting Clifton’s ability to orchestrate contrasting musical interpretations within a unified thematic framework.

The closing track, “Precious Transition,” beautifully resolves the album’s narrative arc. Guitarist John Calderon’s elegant solo, characterized by warm contemporary jazz tones, seamlessly builds into Cliff Gordon’s dynamic saxophone improvisation. Clifton’s playing interweaves fluidly, elevating the composition’s emotional climax. The combined energies and interactions of these musicians vividly portray themes of healing, acceptance, and emotional closure.

With Overlook, Ben Clifton delivers an artistically fluid debut. The collaborative strength of Clifton’s ensemble and the innovative fusion of stylistic elements firmly place Clifton within the contemporary jazz landscape as a powerful, emerging voice. This album promises compelling future explorations, highlighting Clifton as a musical storyteller.