|
 Diana May Clark and The Sunny Set
Diana Clark’s music has always been adventurous - whether it's a samba-reggae or the blues in Portuguese, and launching into a new style - she is bringing all her influences together.
"Driving this new band is a powerful revelation!” she says. “I’m singing originals, while playing piano with a kick ass rhythm section including ‘Doc' de Vries as I’ve re-named him, on electric guitar.”
Diana May Clark and The Sunny Set’s upcoming single release ‘Sunny Daze’ - a great hooky 60s pure pop extravaganza, signifies this change.
The blend of this new style with Diana's well established Brazilian Jazz influence is both unique and instantly charming. Her songs speak of willing the sun into the darkest places, slowing down, family, unity, even a reworking of 'Mama Africa' by Brazilian Poet/Pop-star/Politician Chico Cesar with her new English lyric .
Think k.d. lang and Nina Simone married with the rhythms of Rio de Janeiro. That's the voice of Diana Clark, award winning Melbourne singer/songwriter who draws from Brazilian popular music and Jazz. This is a rich sound; sultry, playful and moving. With her fine interpretations of Bossa and Brazilian pop music she has been intoxicating audiences throughout Australia, the Pacific and Brazil alongside guitarist Doug de Vries.
Now forging a solo career, her original material reveals an emotive power and sophistication that is given full flight in her new group Diana May Clark and The Sunny Set.
“When you can sing in Portuguese, count Nina Simone and k.d. lang as influences, and are backed by Doug de Vries on guitar it’ s hard to go wrong. It also helps that Diana Clark has an amazing voice.” The AGE  [Melbourne].
"…Buoyed by gently vibrant Afro-Brazilian rhythms, Clark’s warm vocals can soften the melancholy of a yearning lyric, or coax the vibrant rhythms around her into a dance of celebration.” Jessica Nicholas , The AGE
"Singing in Portuguese, Diana's light, melifluous voice perfectly compliments de Vries' virtuosity on the 7 string guitar. Marrying old and new sounds, they manage to remain faithful to the 'musica brasileira' genre while retaining a strong Australian sensibility." Lily Bragg, The AGE [Melbourne].
"Diana Clark sure knows how to make a great debut CD.
First enlist De Vries, Chindamo, Sedergreen, Starr, Beck, Poskitt, Pereira, & Vela. Heck why didn't I think of that? While her ½ dozen compositions accommodate the Jazz, Blues, & Brazilian influences you would expect from this A-team, Diana's singing is imbued with an ecstatic quality & joy of performing that is all her own." Ross Wilson.
“It’s a lovely piece that hangs together with beauty and poise; sweetly transporting melodies and great musicianship. I hope I hear it on the radio waves.” Deborah Conway.
I like music that reveals itself to you, small pieces at a time...and requires your contribution (like a conversation). I love the subjects Diana embraces and the music...Ces't tres belle! It's a gorgeous album!” Kate Ceberano.
|
