“Zahara” Finalist in the 2007 NZ Music Awards.

This is an album of jazz orientated original music with a “world music” flavour. Zahara is a village in the Andalucian flamenco heartland visited on a recent music research trip. The sounds and rhythms of flamenco fused with jazz and Cuban music is a heady mix. A fiery brass section, flamenco hand-claps, vocals, electrifying trumpet, sax and piano solos are balanced by some evocative ballads.

“The SANDBAR SESSIONS” The KEVIN CLARK TRIO-Live! With Guests
Winner of the NZ Music Award TUI for Best Jazz Album 2005

This award winning CD was recorded live at the Sandbar in Paremata where the group played twice monthly for four and a half years. This CD captures the intimacy, spontaneity and excitement of the group at their regular gig. With Kevin at the piano are Rowan Clark-bass, Reuben Bradley-drums, Colin Hemmingsen and Alex Nyman-saxophones, Michael Taylor-trumpet, Hannah Griffin-vocals, Lance Philip-percussion and Wade Sharp-guitar.

“ONCE UPON A SONG I FLEW”
Winner of the NZ Music Award TUI for Best Jazz Album 2003

This award winning album of original compositions with influences from Latin America, the Middle East and South Africa, features some of New Zealand’s finest musicians. It received rave reviews in New Zealand and overseas, and was also released in South Africa. There are several African “Township Jazz” tracks, and a tribute hymn to the great Nelson Mandela. Read review on Canadian website, All-About-Jazz, here.

THE GENTLEMAN IS A DOPE

This is an album of bright and breezy songs with quirky lyrics, in a jazz setting. Easily accessible, thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining - from Peggy Lee to Blossom Dearie to Chick Corea. Recorded in 2011 to celebrate forty years of collaboration between Fran and Kevin. Superbly recorded it has a great live feel. A must have. Some of NZ’s finest musicians on the recording, including Colin Hemmingsen sax, Reuben Bradley drums, Rowan Clark bass and Miguel Arnedo-Gomez on percussion.

Fran Barton & The Kevin Clark Group Sampler here.

“DON'T YOU FEEL MY LEG” 2008 - featuring vocalist Fran Barton.

A compilation of popular music and light jazz from radio and studio recordings, from Zahara, Once Upon a Song I Flew and On Saturday. A treat for the many fans of Fran, who has recently made several appearances again on television with the group.

Fran Barton - Don't You Fell My Leg Sampler here.

ON SATURDAY

The music from the highly acclaimed weekly live to air television show with Brian Edwards in 1975. Some great jazz, R&B and Pop. Originally pressed on vinyl, it has become a collectors item.

Fran Barton - Prison Song here