Clarence Penn has been one of the most dynamic drummers in jazz since his New York City arrival 33 years ago. His work with Wynton Marsalis, Betty Carter, Diane Reeves and Michael Brecker has been extensively documented, as have his own musical explorations, including 2014's Monk: The Lost Files. Behind the Voice goes a whole new direction as Penn unfurls inventive reimaginings of the works of influential drummers behind some of the greatest pop music created. Songs by Phil Collins, Levon Helm, Stevie Wonder, Peter Gabriel and Dave Grohl receive expansive modern treatments through Penn's production along with a bevy of collaborators, including vocalists Kurt Elling, Aaron Marcellus and TOKU, guitarists Adam Rogers and Gilad Hekselman, and many more. "...a celebration of their artistry, their passion, and their indelible mark on the music we cherish."

"...gesture and space surging from a place of heart-felt and fluid integrity...Penn exudes such enthusiasm and love for the music--it is simply impossible not to feel uplifted." - JazzTimes

"Clarence is the kind of musician who leaves his judgments of music and musicians aside to provide the best support and complement. He really cares that everyone on stage sound as good as they can. That explains why the results are so great with the extraordinary musicians he brings into his projects. Fireworks!" -- Dave Douglas

"Clarence is a charismatic player, with great dynamic range and drama and musicality. He's an intricate and heady drummer who thinks compositionally, but uses his gut and instincts towards the end result of making something exciting, that feels alive, and is full of energy and passion. He doesn't have a limited conception of what the drummer is. Of course, he drives the band and pushes the time, but he also knows how to stop and allow things to happen--to be a colorist."--Maria Schneider

"I think Clarence is a natural leader. He listens like a producer. He has clarity and vision. He hears everything--the bass, the high voices, the middle. He understands harmony. He understands lyrics. He has the will to solve problems and figure them out. He doesn't stay traditional, but makes the music free and colorful. He understands that music is play. I'd play with him every day if I could."--Luciana Souza

Clarence Penn - Drums

TOKU - Vocals

Gilad Hekselman - Guitar

Doug Dehays - Saxophone

Chelsea Jackson - Vocals

Tom Guarna - Guitar

Marshall Gilkes - Trombone

James Genus - Bass

Emily Braden - Vocals

Christopher Bruce - Guitar

Aaron Marcellus - Vocals

Yasushi Nakamura - Bass

Darrell Freeman - Keyboard

Adam Rogers - Guitar

Kurt Elling - Vocals

Shedrick Mitchell - Keyboard

Gregoire Maret - Harmonica

Artists

Clarence Penn (drums), Aaron Marcellus (leadvocalist), Gilad Hekselman (guitar), James Genus (bass guitar), Kurt Elling (leadvocalist), Grégoire Maret (harmonica), Tom Guarna, Shedrick Mitchell, Marshall Gilkes, Doug DeHays, Toku (leadvocalist), Christopher Bruce, Chelsea Jackson (leadvocalist), Adam Rogers (guitar), Emily Braden (leadvocalist), Darrell Freeman, Yasushi Nakamura