Clark Sommers

Straddling a career in both New York City and Chicago, Clark has toured and performed extensively throughout the world sharing bills with artists such as Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Diana Krall, Tony Bennett and B.B.King . Clark has been a member of the Dan Cray trio for ten years. He has also had the privilege to perform with Cedar Walton, Kurt Elling, Ernie Watts, Bennie Maupin, Von Freeman, Ira Sullivan, Frank Wess, Charles McPherson, Peter Bernstein, Lin Haliday, Dana Hall, Jodie Christian, Maurice Brown, Bobby Broom, Jeff Parker, Ron Perrillo, Geof Bradfield, Michael Weiss, George Fludas, Kevin Mahogany, Eden Atwood, Ted Sirota's Rebel Souls, The Mighty Blue Kings and The Chicago Jazz Orchestra.  Clark completed his undergraduate degree in Jazz Studies and World Music at California Institute of the Arts, where he studied with bass masters Charlie Haden and Darek Oles. While living in Los Angeles, Clark performed with Leo Smith, Vinny Golia, the Charlie Haden(conducted by Charlie) Liberation Orchestra, Joe La Barbara, Los Angeles Jazz Quartet, Kris Tiner and Larry Koonse. In June, 2007 Clark received an honorable mention at the International Society of Bassists Convention. He continues to seek expansion of his craft and is currently pursuing classical studies with David Grossman of the New York Philharmonic.  Clark's most recent touring activity includes extensive work with vocalist Kurt Elling which culminated in to a live recording that won a GRAMMY AWARD for best vocal jazz album in 2009.  Clark is currently on the faculty at the ArtsWest School for Performing and Visual Arts in addition to the Origin Jazz Institute located in Boise, Idaho. There, he performs regularly with Kobie Watkins, Jeff Baker and Justin Neilsen.