DIANA MAY CLARK and the SUNNY SET

"In the past decade, singer Diana Clark has performed with jazz ensembles and a cappella groups; conducted and composed for community choirs; and built a reputation as a persuasive interpreter of Brazilian music with guitarist Doug de Vries.
But it's only recently that Clark has stepped out as a solo artist, releasing a memorable EP of original compositions (Breathe into Time) earlier this year. The six-track recording creates a wonderfully inviting atmosphere, setting Clark's warm vocals against a shifting instrumental line-up of piano, accordion, guitar, mandolin, bass and percussion.
…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 - The Age - Jessica Nicholas

“Diana’s voice…seductive & engaging…with de Vries improvising, using an impressive finger-style technique on 7 string guitar…also complementing Di’s voice by singing counterpoint melodies while Grant uplifted the music further still with his transcendental accompanying…truly a night of splendour from three of this country’s finest musicians.”
President Albury-Wodonga Jazz Society - President Albury-Wodonga Jazz Society

“De Vries and Clark feel the music of Brazil down to their bones. His guitar is full of romance and her voice is so intimate it could make you blush. Australia may be halfway around the world from Brazil but you'd never know it from listening to their CDs“
Cadence Magazine [USA]. - Cadence Magazine

"Acclaimed performer of Brazilian inspired world music, Diana May Clark, has made a successful genre move to delightful psychedelic tinged 60’s retro pop, with the release of her stunning new EP, Sunny Daze. Launched at Bella Union at the Melbourne Trades Hall on the 6th June, the EP is accompanied by an energetic and pleasure filled film clip which saw its first public airing on a three and a half meter screen at the EP’s launch. Now available for everyone’s viewing pleasure on YouTube, the Sunny Daze film clip is perhaps a nod to the Beatles’ 1969 rooftop concert on the Apple building. Although sharing the hook-laden guitar of the Beatles, Diana May Clark’s film clip outshines the Liverpudlian pop stars’ classic free public performance with the infectious joyfulness of the splendidly clad band and dancing audience. This is not the performance of a jaded band on the point of disintegration, but rather a stellar new performer to the 60’s pop genre and her talented and contagiously happy band." Vivien Fleming http://rockclub40.ning.com/notes/Interview%3A_Diana_May_Clark - Rock Club 40

Front-woman Diana May Clark was enchanting in this soulful show at the Fringe Festival known as Diana May Clark and The Sunny Set. She has been singing 12 years worth of jazz tunes with a Brazilian influence.

The show kicked off with softer ballads, followed by grooving blues. The audience provided backing vocals chanting “mama Africa” to one of Diana’s sultry tunes. They were invited to sing and dance at various intervals. Most importantly, we were invited to hear the stories behind the songs, and step into her world. Most outstanding was the Brazilian Bossa and samba-reggae sung in Portuguese. The underground, darkly lit set within the small Paris Cat Jazz Club added to the intimate and electric atmosphere.

Oscillation between sensual, moving and playful proved intoxicating. A brewed concoction of power and sophistication, this show had the audience beguiled in sway to the beat.

For more information head to melbournefringe.com.au. This has been Natali Lambevska for Buzzcuts. - Buzzcuts