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A genius. I can't think of any other description for Jim and the incredible music he writes. From intricate vocal arrangements to rich orchestral scoring, his work never ceases to amaze me. Having met during our university days, I have had the privilege of working with Jim since we first set out on our fledgling careers. His music, musicianship, and friendship have become an integral part of my personal musical journey and of the foundation of my ensemble, VOCES8. I cannot recommend him highly enough.
Barnaby Smith: Co-founder and Artistic Director of VOCES8 I came across Jim's work when looking for someone to write a choral arrangement for a Tom Jones track and I knew I needed someone out of the ordinary; someone with a deep knowledge of ancient music, but who was translating that knowledge into vibrant, current work. I first heard [his] arrangement while we were setting up to record at the church, and I was stunned. The recording speaks for itself; one of the most stunning moments in my career.
Ethan Johns: Brit Award winning producer of Tom Jones' Spirit in the room. Read the full testimonial here |
© Matthew O'Donovan
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The slickest of the lot – two parts King’s Singers, three parts Swingle Singers, a dash of Bobby McFerrin and California sunshine. Fans of a cappella ought to hear this, not just for the singing, but the production values and Jim Clements’ audacious arrangements.
Andrew McGregor: CD Review, BBC Radio 3
Andrew McGregor: CD Review, BBC Radio 3
Jim Clements’ witty take on The 12 Days of Christmas (cleverly melded with John Julius Norwich’s comic classic, A correspondence) even required them to evoke Swan Lake – surely a first on medieval instruments – and the singers kept their best for their encore: Britten’s exquisite New Year Carol [also arranged by Clements].
Richard Morrison: The Sunday Times
Richard Morrison: The Sunday Times
As Hamilton Dyer launched into John Julius Norwich's A Correspondence between variously pitched verses of The Twelve Days of Christmas, I thought my frozen toes might slowly curl. But no, Jim Clements's lively, hard-working arrangements for the merry band's medley between present-counts – including a Swan Lake Waltz for the seventh day – kept us all entertained.
David Nice: theartsdesk.com. Read the full review here
David Nice: theartsdesk.com. Read the full review here
Jim Clements provides three new arrangements of traditional carols [on the album, Christmas]. They are notable for the way they capture and intensify the essential meaning of each carol. This is especially evident in his version of I Wonder As I Wander, which concludes with a wonderful, ecstatically wandering canon and which has the additional virtue of subtly and cleverly correcting the grammatical awkwardness of the first verse.
Stephen Eddins, allmusic.com - full review here
Stephen Eddins, allmusic.com - full review here