Carl Clements: Retrospective

GREYDISC 3599 (RELEASED MARCH 1, 2026)

Saxophonist and educator Carl Clements is an explorer. He has explored the music of India, Latin America and other genres throughout the world. On Retrospective, Clements and what he refers to as the Real Jazz Trio (pianist Jean Yves Jung, bassist Johannes Schaedlich and drummer Jens Biehl) bring all those influences to bare while staying true to his jazz roots. Those roots are most evident in the angular up-tempo “One For Joe,” which he dedicates to Joe Henderson; the bouncy second-line infused “A Change of Rhythm,” with its intricate rhythms and classic trading fours ending; the serene ballad “Selene in Repose,” with a beautiful bowed bass/ tenor sax introduction; and the lilting “Remnants,” a jazz waltz on which Clements plays soprano sax. Although Clements switches to the North Indian bansuri flute and Biehl integrates the Nigerian Udu drum and other percussion instruments on several other tunes, the essence of jazz remains strong. These include “Almodovar,” a soothing bolero-based tune with strong solos from Jung and Schaedlich; the joyful and festive feel of “Procession;” and the closing number “Kadam,” a tune loosely based on Wayne Shorter’s “Footprints.” In addition to demonstrating his proficiency and soulfulness as a tenor, soprano and bansui flute player, Retrospective adds nine more tunes to Clements’ growing library of original compositions. Retrospective also showcases the simpatico of the Real Jazz Trio which has been performing with Clements over the past 15 years. According to my research, this is their first recording and hopefully they will continue to explore the possibilities of integrating music from around the world with a solid footing in the jazz tradition.

BOTTOM LINE: Retrospective from saxophonist Carl Clements is full of verbs. The nine originals, ranging from straight-ahead swingers to exotic time signatures, soothe, flow, bounce, amuse and burn.