There is a clear Miles-esque feel to Daggerboard: The Skipper and Mike Clark (Wide Hive, 2026), the sixth release by the collaborative duo of trumpeter, arranger, and composer Erik Jekabson and multi-instrumentalist, composer, and label owner Gregory Howe. By linking frequent cohorts, the bass-drum tandem of the legendary Henry “Skipper” Franklin and drummer Mike Clark, they’ve added a dynamic rhythmic component to their orchestral sound. Guitarist Dave MacNab, pianist Matt Clark, vibraphonist Dillon Vado, and saxophonist Dave Ellis round out this core contingent. Strings are also added to select tracks. The session additionally features percussionist Babatunde Lea, known for his work with Pharoah Sanders, McCoy Tyner, and Joe Henderson.
A first impression of the record reflects a spacey, psychedelic electric Miles Davis sound, though perhaps not quite as chaotic and funky. The latter is exactly what Jekabson, a Miles disciple, and Howe were after. The two collaborated on eight of the ten originals, with Franklin composing the other two. Yet, there’s the aura of Miles Davis’s work with Gil Evans too, especially on the opening track, “Desierto De Tabernas.” The percussion-driven, swirling, mysterious theme is a tribute to the classic, Sketches of Spain (Columbia, 1960). Jekabson’s lyrical, floating lines soar above Matt Clark’s single-line solo. The combination of Mike Clark and Babatunde Lea adds a pulsating Latin element. Yet, the overall mood is contemplative and dreamy, in part due to French horn, oboe, clarinet, flute, and a four-piece string section led by violinist Mads Tolling,
A tighter combo renders the orchestral “Changing Emphasis,” with potent contributions from MacNab’s earthy guitar and Elli’s muscular tenor. Despite the different instrumental emphasis, the tune maintains a similar flowing quality as the opener. “Runnin’ Into One” with Matt Clark on Rhodes and Vado’s vibes, along with a funky bottom from Franklin and Mike Clark, delivers a light fusion feel, with Jekabsen orbiting above. Howe’s “Street Sheik” is another nod to Sketches of Spain, positioning Jekabsen’s full tone in front until drums and percussion gradually assume prevalence. Franklin steps in halfway through with a monstrous solo. In the latter half, Jekabsen’s phrasing, the long lines and short bursts too, are clearly modeled on Miles. Accordingly, “Brother Ranelin” has a groove adapted from the Filles de Kilimanjaro (Columbia, 1969) sessions, completed by Ellis’s Wayne Shorter-like soprano lines. The piece is a tribute to the great trombonist and composer Phil Ranelin, who has been a fixture on Wide Hive recordings, including Perseverance (Wide Hive, 2011) with Henry Franklin and Big Black.
“Tranquil Blue” is the third piece featuring the string quartet. Sheldon Brown plays flute, yet the distinct chamber music vibe gives way to solo turns by Matt Clark on Rhodes, MacNab’s bracing guitar, and Franklin’s elegant bass. The soothing sound is totally immersive. Mike Clark’s funky attack permeates the soul-shaking “A Pride in the Prairie,” as Ellis’s soprano and Jekabsson’s trumpet form a formidable frontline over the bubbling percussive bed. The spontaneously formed “Free Lancer,” driven by Franklin’s authoritative bass line, Matt Clark’s rollicking piano, and Mike Clark’s virtuoso drumming, is a testament to the chemistry of these players.
Ah, the two Franklin pieces. Both “Tanzanian Skies” and “Ruaha Daybreak” are lush, cinematic pieces inspired by recent travels to East Africa. Howe and Jekabson’s orchestral arrangements embellish these warm melodies, with the bassist at his lyrical best in both.
While the album leans toward the orchestral side, with Gil Evans in mind, it is also broken up smartly with funky tunes. The balance both makes for joyous, uplifting listening, and will leave you reaching for those Miles classics in your collection.
‘Daggerboard: The Skipper and Mike Clark’ will be released on Wide Hive Records on March 6, 2026. It can be purchased directly from the label.
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