Six Degrees away from Mark

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Jul 7, 1999

In January last year I talked to jazz musician Mark de Clive-Lowe about his musical projects and upcoming trip round the world. For Mark, most of 1998 was spent performing and recording in places like Cuba, London, New York and Japan,working with top producers such as drum'n'bass exponents 4Hero, Francois K, Dave Angel and Phil Asher. And...to top off this busy schedule, he also met up and played with ex-pat Kiwi sax player and Metalheadz artist, Sci-Clone's Nathan Haines, in London.

Now over a year and a half later, Mark is about to release his third album, Six Degrees, which sees him in a more jazz/electronic vein. I spoke to Mark again recently to get the low-down on what he's been up to over the wee while.

Oh....and unlike last time he's actually made it into Auckland's notorious pop star hang-out, the Dragon Bar...

What was the most enjoyable aspect of your trip last year?

"I feel really fortunate to have been able to spend the year travelling the globe performing, recording and learning. With the whole experience being so huge and beneficial, it's hard to single out any one aspect. I guess the whole London experience was really special - working with great DJ/producers, playing in Nathan Haines' band, and finding a new second home in West London."

What did you find was most different from the English scene than the NZ one?

"Basically population and immediate access to new developments in contemporary music- with their huge population, there's bound to be more going on than here. And, with the immediacy of dubplates/acetates and so many record labels, you hear new music not long after it was created, instead of only hearing the few bits and pieces that make it to New Zealand shores six months after the fact!"

And related to the above question, what do you think the New Zealand scene could learn the most from the wider scene overseas?

"We've got our own strengths and specialities here, but I do think that the New Zealand scene can learn from the way that overseas scenes (major labels, particularly) look to foster and develop local artists. It's starting to happen here with Che, King Kapisi, Stellar and others, but needs to happen more. Not just manufacturing pop groups, but getting behind the amazing talent that is already existing here."

You worked with a lot of producers last year, so who did you enjoy working with the most?

"Everyone! Phil Asher was great to work with - the way he programs drums is like a jazz thing. I remember saying to Nathan, "Phil's a jazzer!"- not saying he plays jazz music, but that his creative head space is in the same spirit. Dave Angel was great to

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